Newly elected Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani has underlined the importance of unity across Asia, as Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games was postponed.

Speaking following his election on 26 January, Sheikh Joaan described Asia’s diversity as a strength that must be guided by shared values.

“Asia is the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family… This diversity is our greatest strength,” he said, adding that unity would allow the OCA to empower National Olympic Committees and provide opportunities for young athletes.
“Together, let’s work towards a more united, stronger, and successful OCA. Together for Asia.”

The comments came soon after the OCA confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s planned hosting of the 2029 Asian Winter Games has been postponed indefinitely.

In a joint statement on 24 January, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the OCA said they had agreed on “an updated framework for future hosting of the Asian Winter Games, confirming the postponement of the 2029 edition to a later date to be announced in due course.”

The statement said the decision followed “extensive consultations” and reflected “a shared strategic commitment to the long-term and sustainable development of winter sports in Saudi Arabia and across the West Asia region.”

Under the revised framework, Saudi Arabia will instead host a series of standalone winter sports events in the coming years, designed to promote participation, develop athletes and officials, and support wider regional representation at future Asian Winter Games.

The OCA said it “commended Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to establish comprehensive and sustainable winter sports programs,” while Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to winter sports development through continued investment in athletes, infrastructure and international-standard competitions.

The OCA had previously held discussions with South Korea about the possibility of stepping in to host the 2029 Games.

Sheikh Joaan was elected unopposed at the 46th OCA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, attended by representatives of all 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, as well as Uzbekistan President H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Also serving as ANOC Senior Vice President and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sheikh Joaan outlined his “Together for Asia” vision, committing to “strengthen solidarity and development throughout Asia… promote good governance… ensure OCA events and programmes are sustainable, inclusive, and credible.”

He becomes the 22nd President of the Olympic Movement in Asia since the continent’s first multisport Games in 1913 and will serve the remainder of the term following the resignation of former OCA President Randhir Singh due to health reasons.

Sheikh Joaan praised Singh’s contribution, saying, “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my dear friend His Excellency Mr. Raja Randhir Singh for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts during challenging times.”