OCA Athlete Commission Expands with New Members from Asia

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athlete Commission has broadened its membership after the recent elections tied to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya. Among the five elected seats, former Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari was chosen to represent the South Asian region, becoming the second Indian to hold a commission seat after veteran shooter Shiva Keshavan.

Kumari, who earned a silver medal in women's trap at the 2023 Asian Games and competed at the Paris Olympics, expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association, its president P.T. Usha, and the International Olympic Academy for the confidence placed in her.

"I feel honored and humbled by this appointment," she remarked. "Having lived the athlete's journey, I understand the dreams and challenges that drive us. I am committed to serving with integrity, amplifying the athlete's voice, and contributing to the Olympic movement with honesty."

The commission now includes four newcomers: Amir Mamuratov of Kazakhstan, Reem Al Sharshani from Qatar, Japan's Naoto Tobe, and Thailand's Thanyalak Chophibunsin. Together with existing members, they will represent athletes across all OCA zones.

The body is set to roll out its 2026‑2030 program, focusing on strengthening athlete representation, ensuring that athletes' perspectives influence sports development, and safeguarding the values of the Olympic movement throughout Asia.