TASHKENT : Qatari sports officials on Friday welcomed the election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) by acclamation, describing it as a major gain for sport across the continent.
In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the officials expressed confidence in Sheikh Joaan’s leadership and vision, saying his appointment would usher in a new phase of progress for Asian sport and pledging their full support as he leads the council.
Mohammed Yousef Al-Mana, First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, said the OCA General Assembly meeting that elected Sheikh Joaan in the Uzbek capital marked a historic moment.
“The presence of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani at the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia is a great gain not only for the State of Qatar, but for Asian sport as a whole,” Al-Mana said on the sidelines of the 46th OCA General Assembly. He added that Sheikh Joaan’s strategic vision, administrative expertise and focus on youth development would drive significant transformation.
“There is no doubt that Asian sport will witness ambitious development under his leadership,” Al-Mana said, citing Qatar’s sporting achievements during Sheikh Joaan’s tenure, including the country’s first Olympic gold medal.
Thani bin Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and OCA Vice President for West Asia, said Sheikh Joaan’s election was the culmination of a career marked by achievement.
“Although the next stage carries major challenges, our complete confidence in his leadership abilities gives us certainty that he will lead the Asian continent to the forefront,” Al-Kuwari said, describing the appointment as a source of pride for Qatar and the Arab sporting world.
Khalil Al-Jaber, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy, said the Olympic Council of Asia — the world’s second-largest sports organisation — would witness a “qualitative leap” under Sheikh Joaan’s presidency.
He pointed to Sheikh Joaan’s impact as President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, both through major events hosted by Qatar and through sporting success, saying his ambition and vision would help elevate Asian sport and the hosting of major competitions.
