New Delhi, Sep 8 (UNI) In a family renowned for its deep-rooted connection to sports, Raja Randhir Singh has carved out a legacy of his own. On Sunday, he made history by becoming the first Indian to be elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

This milestone appointment was officially confirmed during the 44th General Assembly held at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in the Capital City.
Singh’s election was unanimous, with the former shooter and veteran sports administrator emerging as the sole candidate earlier this year. The OCA, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the governing body for sports in Asia.
The General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the OCA, convened with sports leaders from all 45 Asian countries present. Singh, a five-time Olympian, will serve as president from 2024 to 2028.
Singh’s journey is deeply intertwined with a family legacy that has left an indelible mark on Indian sports. Hailing from Patiala, Punjab, Singh’s lineage boasts a rich history in athletics. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India as a Test cricketer and was an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also a first-class cricketer and served as an IOC Member from 1947 to 1992.
From an early age, Singh was immersed in a variety of sports, including golf, swimming, squash, and cricket, before he honed his skills in shooting. His Olympic career, spanning from 1968 to 1984, saw him become only the second Indian to compete in five Olympics. Singh also excelled at the Asian Games, clinching individual gold in trap shooting in 1978, bronze in 1982, and team silver in 1986. His international experience extended to the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.
Singh’s contributions to sports have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the Arjuna Award in 1979 and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. His administrative career began in 1987 as Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association, a role he held until 2012. Singh’s influence further extended to the Sports Authority of India and the Delhi Commonwealth Games organizing committee.
As Secretary General of the OCA from 1991 to 2015, and later as life vice-president until 2021, Singh played a crucial role in the organization. He was also the Founder Secretary General of the Afro-Asian Games Council and served on various IOC commissions, including the ANOC Executive Council and the WADA Board.
Globally recognized for his contributions, Singh has received awards such as the OCA Award of Merit in 2005, the ANOC Merit Award in 2006, and the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014.
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