Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah, the younger brother of former OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, has been elected as the new head of the organization. Sheikh Talal’s election comes amid allegations of corruption against the OCA, which his brother was accused of during his time as president.
The 58-year-old Sheikh Talal beat Kuwaiti Husain Al-Musallam, the organization’s director general and President of World Aquatics, at the OCA General Assembly in Bangkok by 24 votes to 20. Sheikh Talal’s election means that the House of Sabah retains control of the OCA.
The OCA was founded in 1982 by Sheikh Talal’s father, Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who led it until 1990 when he was killed defending Dasman Palace on the first day of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The OCA is a governing body of sports in Asia, currently with 45 member National Olympic Committees.
The election of Sheikh Talal as OCA President comes at a time when the organization is facing a number of challenges, including allegations of corruption and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Sheikh Talal will need to work to address these challenges and restore the OCA’s reputation.
Here are some additional details about the OCA:
- Headquarters: Kuwait City, Kuwait
- President: Talal Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
- Membership: 45 National Olympic Committees
- Founded: 16 November 1982, New Delhi
- Motto: Ever Onward