TASHKENT : The General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Friday elected Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as president by acclamation, ushering in a new phase for Olympic sport across the Asian continent.
Sheikh Joaan was the sole candidate for the post, a result that reflected what delegates described as broad confidence among Asian National Olympic Committees in his leadership experience and record at both continental and international levels.
Addressing the General Assembly in the Uzbek capital, Sheikh Joaan said his acceptance of the role stemmed from a strong sense of responsibility toward the Asian Olympic family, pledging to serve all member committees and place athletes at the centre of the OCA’s work.
He outlined a vision focused on strengthening solidarity among Asian nations, reinforcing principles of good governance, supporting sustainable sports development, expanding opportunities to host major international events, empowering athletes and inspiring future generations through collective action and partnerships within the Olympic movement.
During the assembly, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Sheikh Joaan the Order of Honour of the Uzbek Olympic Committee in recognition of his contributions to the Olympic movement and his role in advancing Asian sport.
Sheikh Joaan has been a central figure in Qatari and regional sport since becoming president of the Qatar Olympic Committee in 2015, overseeing a strategic expansion of the country’s sporting footprint. Under his leadership, Qatar secured the right to host the 2030 Asian Games, the 2029 World Volleyball Championship and the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, among other major events.
Qatar has also staged a series of high-profile international competitions during this period, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, the 2023 World Judo Championships, the 2019 World Athletics Championships and the 2019 ANOC Beach Games.
At the Olympic level, Qatar achieved landmark results under Sheikh Joaan’s stewardship, highlighted by the country’s first Olympic gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Games through weightlifter Fares Ibrahim and high jumper Mutaz Barshim, alongside a bronze medal in beach volleyball. Barshim added a bronze at the Paris 2024 Games, underlining sustained success.
In Paralympic sport, Qatari athletes also made their mark, winning medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, reflecting broader development programmes for athletes with disabilities.
Internationally, Sheikh Joaan holds senior roles within the Olympic movement, including First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees and Vice President for Asia, and has served on several International Olympic Committee-related bodies.
His election as OCA president marks a significant milestone in his leadership career and underlines Qatar’s growing influence in shaping the future direction of sport across Asia.
