The election of the Qatar Olympic Committee President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) marks a new chapter for Asian sport. Elected by acclamation during the OCA’s 46th General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sheikh Joaan takes on a role that reflects the trust and confidence placed in him by the Asian Olympic family. His election is not only a personal achievement, but also a sign of the growing strength and unity of Asian sports.
Sheikh Joaan’s election is a recognition of his long-standing contributions and leadership in sport. As QOC President since 2015, he has led Qatar’s sports movement with a clear vision and strong strategy. Under his leadership, Qatar has achieved its best-ever Olympic performance, including its first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020. This success shows that Qatar has become a serious competitor in global sport, not only as a host but also as a nation producing world-class athletes.
Qatar’s rise in sport is also reflected in its ability to host major international events. From the FIFA World Cup to championships in athletics, judo and handball, Qatar has proved it can deliver world-class competitions with resounding success. These achievements have helped establish Doha as a global sports capital, and they strengthen the country’s reputation in the region. Sheikh Joaan’s new role at the OCA further highlights Qatar’s stature and its growing influence in Asian sports.
At the General Assembly, Sheikh Joaan stressed his commitment to serving all 45 National Olympic Committees with transparency and fairness, while keeping athletes at the centre of the Olympic movement. He outlined a vision that focuses on solidarity, good governance, and sustainable development. He also emphasised the need to use modern technology to improve organisation and administration, and to expand opportunities for Asian nations to host major events. These priorities are important for Asia’s future, as many countries still need support to build strong sports systems and develop talent.
The election also brought recognition from the host country as the President of Uzbekistan H E Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Sheikh Joaan the Order of Honour of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, highlighting his contribution to the Olympic movement. Sheikh Joaan’s leadership promises a new era for Asian sport. With his experience and Qatar’s growing role, the OCA is now positioned to strengthen unity, empower athletes and elevate the continent on the global sports stage.
