Tashkent: HE President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice President of FIFA Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa affirmed that the election of HE President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) reflects the confidence of the Asian sports community in His Excellency and his ability to lead the Council towards broader horizons of excellence and development.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement on Monday, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim said that HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani's presidency of the OCA will have a direct and positive impact on the future of the sports movement in Asia by strengthening cooperation among continental sports institutions, supporting development and sustainability initiatives, and consolidating Olympic values across various federations and national committees.

AFC President, who is also the First Vice President of FIFA, congratulated HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani on his election as OCA President. He emphasized that the next phase requires leadership with experience, vision, and the ability to work institutionally, noting that HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani possesses high administrative capabilities and a proven track record that qualifies him to lead the OCA towards a bright future that meets the aspirations of the Asian sports family.

The AFC President concluded his statement by wishing HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani success in his duties and affirming the Asian football family's support for all initiatives that contribute to the advancement of Asian sports and serve the continent's athletes.

HE QOC President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani was elected unopposed as the new OCA President during the 46th General Assembly meeting held on Monday in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with the participation of more than 350 sports officials from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees.