The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), formed in 1982, is the apex sporting body which controls all the sports in Asia.

The OCA was officially established on November 16, 1982 in New Delhi, during the first General Assembly. 

At this time, there were 34 member National Olympic Committees (NOCs), referred to as founder members.

Now, the OCA has 45 member countries.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah was appointed President in 1991 and its permanent headquarters are based in Kuwait.

In September 2021, Sheikh Ahmad stepped aside from his role and was replaced by India's Randhir Singh who served as Acting President.

Sheikh Ahmad's younger brother Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah was elected as OCA President in July 2023.

However, Singh remains as Acting President due to an International Olympic Committee (IOC) investigation into the vote.

The OCA is one of the five continental associations recognised by the IOC.

Recognised by the IOC in 1911, Japan and Philippines are the oldest of the NOCs, while Timor-Leste is the newest, joining in 2003.

The three main constituents of the Olympic Movement in Asia are the OCA, the Asian Sports Federations and the NOCs.

The OCA’s headquarters were invaded and destroyed in 1990 by the Iraqi invasion and the continental governing body had to rebuild them in 1991 after Kuwait was liberated.

Principles

The OCA helps to develop sport, culture and education in Asian youth, those moral and physical qualities that come from fair competition in sports, and promotes international respect, friendship, goodwill, peace and clean environments.

The OCA or any of its members does not discriminate in any way against any other member.

No employee, representative, official or competitor of a member should, on the ground of colour, disability, religion or politics, be subjected to any vexation.

There are no restrictions or conditions in this regard for the entry and participation in the OCA Games or attendance in any meeting of the OCA and its Committees.

No member or its duly accredited representative, official or competitor should be denied access to the city where an OCA Games are or a meeting is being held.

Wilful transgression or evasion of this principle is treated as a fundamental breach and dealt with appropriately by the OCA.

The OCA applies and upholds the Olympic principles as defined in the Olympic Charter; belonging to the OCA movement requires strict compliance with the OCA Constitution, Rules and Guidelines.