Sheikh Joaan nominated to lead Olympic Council of Asia for 2027–2035 term

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has confirmed that 27 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have formally submitted nominations in support of H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani for the position of OCA President for the upcoming term spanning 2027 to 2035.

The announcement, made on 30 June 2026, followed the close of the nomination deadline at 5:00 PM Kuwait time. The OCA clarified that no other nominations were received from its 45 member committees, leaving Sheikh Joaan as the sole candidate for the presidency.

In a statement, Sheikh Joaan expressed his gratitude to the NOCs for their confidence and trust in his leadership, noting that their support reflects a shared vision for advancing the Olympic movement across Asia. He emphasized his commitment to strengthening cooperation among member nations and promoting the values of sport as a unifying force.

The OCA highlighted that the next General Assembly will convene in Doha, Qatar, on 27 January 2027, where the presidency for the new term will be formally decided. The gathering is expected to bring together representatives from across Asia to discuss the future direction of the organization and review ongoing initiatives.

Observers noted that Sheikh Joaan’s nomination underscores Qatar’s growing influence in international sports governance, building on its record of hosting major events and contributing to regional athletic development. His leadership within Qatar’s sporting institutions has been widely recognized, and his candidacy is seen as a continuation of efforts to enhance Asia’s role in the global Olympic community.

The OCA announcement marks a significant milestone in the lead‑up to the 2027 General Assembly, setting the stage for what is expected to be a unanimous endorsement of Sheikh Joaan’s presidency.

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