Doha: Prominent Qatari journalists and writers have hailed the election of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), describing it as a pivotal moment and the start of a "golden era" for Asian sport.
According to Qatar News Agency, commentators noted that HE Sheikh Joaan's decade-long leadership of the Qatar Olympic Committee has been marked by unprecedented achievements, equipping him to guide Asian sport toward a stronger global presence. They said his tenure at the OCA is expected to carry a clear Qatari imprint, with the overarching goal of positioning Asian sport at the forefront of the international stage.
Observers highlighted that HE Sheikh Joaan's leadership agenda will focus on key initiatives, including sustainable development and comprehensive digital transformation within the OCA, while leveraging Qatar's global standing to support the growth of sport across the continent. They also pointed to his ambitious plans to enhance athlete performance, nurture talent, elevate competition standards and broaden fan engagement.
Abdullah Talib Al Marri, editor-in-chief of the Qatari newspaper Al Raya, said the achievements under HE Sheikh Joaan's leadership of the Qatar Olympic Committee demonstrate his ability to succeed at the continental level. He added that HE Sheikh Joaan's vision and dedication have raised Qatar's profile in international Olympic forums, providing valuable experience that will benefit the OCA.
Al Marri emphasized that Qatar's unprecedented Olympic achievements were the result of a strategic vision implemented successfully over the past decade, and that HE Sheikh Joaan's leadership has transformed ambitions into tangible results, citing Olympic gold medals as evidence of this success.
Similarly, Faleh Al Hajri, editor-in-chief of Al Arab newspaper, said HE Sheikh Joaan's election marks a qualitative leap for Asian sport, which he believes will drive further progress and prosperity across the continent. Al Hajri praised HE Sheikh Joaan's leadership capabilities and extensive experience, noting that Qatar's success in developing smart sports infrastructure and applying digital and sustainable practices will form the foundation of his strategy at the OCA.
He added that adopting these concepts will enhance operational efficiency, governance and transparency within the council, and predicted that HE Sheikh Joaan will extend Qatar's modern, technology-driven approach to sports management to benefit Asian sport as a whole.