Raja Randhir Singh, 78, is excited about assuming office as the high-profile President of the Olympic Council of Asia in New Delhi on Sunday. In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, the seasoned athlete-turned-administrator spoke of how much contribution he has made to sports in India and abroad in various capacities. “Kannan, you know best, how long I have been working for the OCA, it stretches over four decades and in various capacities. To become the President unanimously is a matter of prestige not just for me but India,” said Randhir with a smile.
He may have lost weight and is dealing with a few health issues, but Randhir has not shied away from any responsibility. One of the most defining roles people saw him in was at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last year, where he was acting President of the OCA and enjoyed a status befitting a diplomat. Tight security, armed guards and travelling across venues during the Asian Games in October 2023, it was good to see an Indian administrator virtually in control and delivery of the Asian Games.
Now, as the next President of the OCA which will also have a set of new office bearers, Randhir is looking forward to a team which will show how important Asia is vis a vis global sports. Several important and high profile officials from Asia will be in New Delhi over the next three days and the OCA Congress is being fully supported by the Indian government as well as the IOA led by PT Usha Madam. I am thankful to Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya,” said Randhir. As one who had headed the IOA with distinction, Randhir is happy that the OCA session in India will be important in many aspects. “I have invited Juan Antonio Samaranch, and he will also be here.” Anyone who has followed sports politics and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) will recall how powerful Samaranch was during his long terms as the President.
With Thomas Bach deciding to step down after his term ends in 2025, some of the sports officials, who can be termed as leading lights and members of the OCA will also be in the Capital from today. There is every possibility at least two of them will also be in the running for the next job as IOC President in IOC.
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Randhir spoke to RevSportz on the inclusion of yoga as a competitive sport as well in the future during the Asian Games. “The OCA has accepted yoga with delight and there are a few more processes to go through. If I were to make a comparison, yoga is a bit like gymnastics. There will eventually be competition in yoga. In most sports, you will burn energy. For example, when you are shooting for a long time as a competitor, your eyes and even your back will take a beating. But in the case of yoga, this will be a different sport which will energise athletes,” he said.
Asked to comment on the superb performance of the Indian athletes at the Paralympics, Randhir said he had not seen anything like this in his lifetime. “I must say the results are outstanding, across various sports disciplines. This is going to lead to a kind of movement in India where we will see more Para athletes who will compete fiercely. One thing is the medal haul and another thing is how this will inspire so many Indians, be it Able-bodied or Para-athletes. They all compete with the same amount of enthusiasm and energy. We must celebrate these medals,” he told RevSportz.
Present at an event in New Delhi on Thursday was Gagan Narang, who was chef de mission at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Gagan was hesitant to speak, at first, and then opened up on the Paralympics. “What a variety of superlative performances from the Indian athletes in the Paralympics. Look at athletics, badminton, shooting and so many disciplines, this is so joyful.” Making no distinction between shooters in the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Paralympics, Gagan said that for India to win medals again in the Olympics is defining. “What the shooters and Para shooters have achieved is also something worth praise. I am sure we will see India do well in the future Paralympics. I am enjoying watching each bit of action.”