Tashkent: Over the past decade, HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani has firmly established Qatar as a global sporting power. This has been characterized by achievements that reflect both ambition and excellence in sports governance.
According to Qatar News Agency, Sheikh Joaan is set to officially be elected by acclamation as the leader of the Olympic Council of Asia at the General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He is the sole candidate for the position, marking a significant milestone in his career.
During his tenure, Qatar achieved its best-ever results in Olympic history at the Tokyo 2020 Games and transformed Doha into a global hub for major sporting events. Notably, Qatar secured the hosting rights for the 2030 Asian Games, reflecting confidence in its infrastructure and future vision.
His experience as First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees and his success in developing sports cadres through the Qatar Olympic Academy demonstrate his capability to lead Asian sport to new heights. His leadership approach has been pivotal in establishing a new phase of development and professionalism within Qatari sports.
Under Sheikh Joaan's leadership, Qatar has experienced a golden era in sports that extends beyond winning medals. Doha has become a prominent administrative and sporting engine in Asia, reinforcing Qatar's status as a global hub for hosting major events and aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Qatar Olympic Committee's achievements under his leadership are part of a comprehensive vision to build generations of athletes capable of strong international competition. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were historic for Qatar, with Team Qatar winning three medals for the first time.
Qatar has hosted numerous international championships, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the World Judo Championships (2023), and the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027, among others. Regionally, Doha has hosted tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup (2023) and the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar (2021).
The Olympic Committee's journey continues with a diverse calendar of events in 2026, including the World University Weightlifting Championships and the T100 Triathlon World Championship Finals. Sheikh Joaan has been instrumental in the success of major sporting events held in Doha.
His leadership has focused on capacity building through the Qatar Olympic Academy, aiming to develop sports and administrative talent while promoting Olympic culture and fostering a sustainable relationship with the community. The Qatar Olympic Committee's 2023-2030 strategy reflects this vision.
Sheikh Joaan's efforts have been recognized internationally, with his election as First Vice President of ANOC for Asia in 2022 and receiving the Arab Sports Personality of the Year award in 2021. His journey within the Olympic Committee is seen as a testament to Qatar's ambition and commitment to using sport as a bridge for nation-building and international connection.