Tashkent: In a significant development for Asian sports, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, has been elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the Council's General Assembly held in Tashkent. His election, achieved by acclamation, underscores his influential role in the sports domain.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan newspaper emphasized Sheikh Joaan's exemplary achievements in sports administration, which blend ambition with excellence. During his tenure as the leader of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar reached unprecedented heights, notably achieving its best results in the history of the Olympic Games during Tokyo 2020 and establishing itself as a hub for major sporting events. The editorial praised Sheikh Joaan's leadership, highlighting his vision and ability to elevate Asian sport to new levels, backed by a broad regional consensus.
Al-Arab newspaper also lauded Sheikh Joaan's appointment, describing it as a pivotal milestone for Asian sports and a testament to his leadership stature. The newspaper highlighted the Asian consensus around Sheikh Joaan, which reflects appreciation for his leadership and recognition of Qatar's pioneering role in sports planning, sustainability, and governance. Under his leadership, Qatar has solidified its presence on the global sports stage and has gained the trust of international institutions in organizing major sporting events efficiently.
The editorial concluded by stating that Sheikh Joaan's presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia signifies Qatar's evolution from merely hosting events to becoming an active partner in shaping international sports decision-making and influencing the future trajectory of Asian sports.