Kuwait City, Kuwait, August 4, 2023: The Acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Raja Randhir Singh, says the OCA remains committed to staging the most successful Asian Games in history in Hangzhou, China next month.
Raja Randhir, who will guide the OCA through the Asian Games after being reappointed Acting President, is convinced the stage is set for a memorable and historic event.
“Over 12,500 athletes from all our 45 National Olympic Committees have registered to take part in our 19th Asian Games,” Raja Randhir said.
“This is a record number of athletes and shows the interest and enthusiasm of the athletes and of our 45 NOCs throughout the continent.
“Following several important meetings with key stakeholders in recent weeks, including the OCA Coordination Committee, the Chefs de Mission, press and broadcasting and technical delegates, the OCA is confident that everything is in place to host an amazing Asian Games.”
In a letter dated July 30, the International Olympic Committee said it would continue to work with Raja Randhir as Acting President following the IOC Executive Board’s decision on July 27 not to recognise the result of the OCA election in Bangkok on July 8.
Furthermore, the IOC investigation into the election is not expected to be completed until October. With the 19th Asian Games running from September 23 to October 8, this means Raja Randhir will serve as the OCA figurehead during the Games.
“The Asian Games and our Asian athletes remain the most important aspect of the OCA, and nothing has changed in this respect,” added Raja Randhir.
“The Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee has done a remarkable job in their meticulous planning and preparations and they are ready to welcome the 19th Asian Games to Hangzhou and the five co-host cities in Zhejiang province in a few weeks’ time.
“The OCA can guarantee world-class sports stadiums and the highest level of services for our athletes, National Olympic Committees and the global Olympic Movement.”
The 19th Asian Games will feature 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 483 events in 54 competition venues. It will be the third time for China to host the OCA’s showpiece event following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.