Doha: In a significant development for the world of sports, January 26, 2026, has been marked as a historic day with the election of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), as the new president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan newspaper highlighted that the unopposed election of Sheikh Joaan is a testament to Qatar's consistent efforts and the global confidence in its capabilities. This event not only honors Sheikh Joaan's pivotal contributions in making Qatar a hub for international sports but also reinforces Doha's status as a global center for major sports events. In his acceptance speech, Sheikh Joaan emphasized his dedication to serving the Asian Olympic family, focusing on athlete interests, and promoting solidarity, good governance, and sustainable development in sports across Asia.
Al-Watan further noted that Sheikh Joaan's presidency is a significant milestone in the history of the OCA, making him the fifth president and underscoring Qatar's leading role in Asian sports. His exemplary leadership and sports management experience are seen as instrumental in this achievement.
Al-Arab newspaper echoed these sentiments, recognizing Sheikh Joaan's journey of institutional sports work and the broad changes in sports roles and functions. His endorsement symbolizes a transition in leadership, entrusted to those with proven expertise and a vision for sports as a vehicle for development. Sheikh Joaan's reforms at the Qatar Olympic Committee, focusing on infrastructure, governance, and sports engagement, have established a robust sports ecosystem adaptable to global changes.
The Peninsula newspaper described the election as a new chapter for Asian sports, underscoring the trust placed in Sheikh Joaan by the Asian Olympic community. Under his leadership, Qatar has achieved remarkable Olympic success, notably its first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This demonstrates Qatar's emergence as a formidable player in global sports, both as a host and a producer of elite athletes.
The Peninsula concluded that Sheikh Joaan's election heralds a promising era for Asian sports, with aspirations to enhance unity, empower athletes, and elevate Asia's presence on the global sports platform.