Doha, July 31 (QNA) - The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) announced that HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani is the sole candidate for the presidency of the Council, following the official deadline for submitting candidacy applications at 5:00 PM (Kuwait time) today evening, Thursday, without receiving any other nominations.

In a statement today, the QOC affirmed that this Asian consensus on the candidacy of HE Sheikh Joaan reflects the aspirations of the Asian Olympic family toward a brighter future for sports on the continent, and expresses a genuine commitment to the principles of participation, justice, and respect for the diversity that characterizes the Asian sports landscape.

The QOC renewed its commitment to supporting the development of sports in Asia and actively contributing to the stability and advancement of the OCA in the upcoming phase, under the leadership of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad had officially announced his candidacy for the OCA presidency, as part of his keenness to contribute to the development of Asian sports.

His Excllency's candidacy followed the announcement by the current OCA President, Raja Randhir Singh, of his inability to complete his presidential term due to health reasons.

The upcoming presidential elections are scheduled to take place in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, on Jan. 26.

HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani currently holds the position of President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), in addition to serving as the First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

HE the QOC President has played a pivotal role in establishing Qatar's position on the global sports map and in advancing the international Olympic movement, through his focus on athlete development, institutional excellence, and expanding regional partnerships. (QNA)