Sheikh Joaan set to lead Olympic Council of Asia

Doha: Over the past decade, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has cemented Qatar s status as a global...

Doha: Over the past decade, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has cemented Qatar’s status as a global sporting power, setting a benchmark in modern sports governance defined by ambition, professionalism and excellence.

These achievements have paved the way for Sheikh Joaan’s election by acclamation as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, tomorrow, with no other candidates contesting the post.

Since assuming the QOC presidency on May 7, 2015, Sheikh Joaan has overseen one of the most transformative periods in the committee’s history. Under his leadership, Qatar recorded its best-ever Olympic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Games, winning three medals for the first time - gold through Mutaz Barshim in the high jump and Fares Ibrahim in weightlifting, and bronze in beach volleyball.

Beyond results, Qatar has evolved into a global hub for major sporting events. The country secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Asian Games, reflecting international confidence in its infrastructure, organisational expertise and long-term vision.

Sheikh Joaan’s influence extends regionally and internationally through his role as First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), alongside his focus on developing sports administrators and professionals through the Qatar Olympic Academy.