Tashkent, January 26 (QNA) - Qatari sports leaders unanimously affirmed that the election of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) by acclamation represents a qualitative leap and a major gain for sport across the Asian continent.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), sport figures and officials expressed their full confidence in His Excellency's leadership capabilities and insightful vision, emphasizing that the upcoming phase will witness a significant surge in achievements. They stressed that this accomplishment is a source of pride for all Arabs and pledged their full support to the new President as he steers the Council toward the highest international standards.

HE First Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Mohammed Yousef Al Manaa affirmed that the General Assembly meeting of the OCA, which saw the election of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani as President, marks a historic day and will usher in a major transformation for the Council in the coming period.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in the Uzbek capital Tashkent, Al Manaa stated that HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani's assumption of the presidency constitutes a significant gain not only for the State of Qatar, but for Asian sport as a whole and for athletes across the continent. He highlighted His Excellency's farsighted vision and clear strategic approach to sports development, both technically and administratively, in addition to his strong focus on youth.

He added: "There is no doubt that Asian sport will be on the threshold of an ambitious vision and remarkable development under the leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani. His lasting impact on Qatari sport speaks for itself, most notably achieving Qatar's first Olympic gold medal, among many other major accomplishments."

For his part, HE Second Vice President of the QOC and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for West Asia, Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari noted that the election of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani as President of the OCA did not come by chance, but rather as the culmination of a rich and remarkable sporting career.

Al Kuwari said: "Although the next phase carries significant challenges, our absolute confidence in His Excellency's leadership abilities gives us firm assurance that he will lead the Asian continent to the forefront."

The Second Vice President of the QOC expressed his pride in the election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani to head the world's largest regional sports organization, underscoring that this choice reflects the confidence placed in His Excellency's ambitious vision for advancing Asian sport.

He described this major achievement as a source of pride for the State of Qatar and for Arab sport as a whole, extending his congratulations to His Excellency and wishing him continued success in his new role. He also congratulated the State of Qatar and its people on this occasion.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Qatar Olympic Academy (QOA), Khalil Al Jaber expressed his best wishes for success to HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani during his tenure as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, which is considered the second-largest sporting organization in the world.

Al Jaber explained that HE Sheikh Joaan left a clear and lasting mark during his presidency of the QOC, whether through the major sporting events hosted by the State of Qatar or through the notable achievements realized by Qatari sport.

He added that the OCA is set to witness a significant qualitative leap during His Excellency's presidency, given his strong vision and great ambition to develop the sports system and host major international sporting events. (QNA)