Asian Games silver medallist and Paris Olympian becomes the second Indian to join the commission, which will focus on strengthening athlete representation across Asia from 2026 to 2030
Nagoya, Oct 2026 : Former Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari has been unanimously elected as a member of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes Commission following the conclusion of the athletes’ committee elections at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya.
Rajeshwari, popularly known as Ria, was nominated by the OCA Executive Board to represent the South Asian region. With her appointment, she becomes the second Indian to serve on the OCA Athletes Commission, joining its Vice-Chairman, Shiva Keshavan.
A silver medallist in the women’s trap event at the 2023 Asian Games, Rajeshwari also represented India at the Paris Olympic Games. Her experience at major international competitions is expected to help her contribute to discussions on athletes’ welfare, representation and the development of sport across Asia.
Expressing her gratitude following the appointment, Rajeshwari said she was honoured by the recognition and thanked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), its President P.T. Usha, and the OCA for placing their trust in her.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. I am sincerely grateful to the Indian Olympic Association, its President, Dr. P.T. Usha, and the IOA for placing their trust in me and nominating me for this prestigious honour,” she said.
Rajeshwari also thanked the OCA and the Athletes Commission for considering her suitable for the responsibility. She said her experience as a competitive athlete had given her an understanding of the aspirations, challenges and ambitions that shape an athlete’s journey.
“I look forward to contributing with sincerity and commitment, and to doing my part to strengthen the voice of athletes and serve the Olympic Movement with integrity,” she added.
Four other athletes were elected to the commission: Amir Maimuratov of Kazakhstan, Reem Al Sharshani of Qatar, Naoto Tobe of Japan and Thanyalak Chophibunsin of Thailand. Rajeshwari and the newly elected members will join the existing members to represent athletes from different regions of the OCA.
The commission is set to begin its programme for the 2026-2030 term, with a focus on improving athlete representation and ensuring that their perspectives contribute to the development of sport across the continent.
A total of nine candidates contested four available positions representing different regions and categories. The positions included a female representative for West Asia, a male representative for Central Asia, a male representative for East Asia and a female representative for Southeast Asia.
Athletes participating in the Asian Games were allowed to cast their votes at designated polling stations on the cruise ship serving as the athletes’ village, temporary villas at Garden Pier, or at one of 75 hotels.
The voting process was conducted from September 20 to October 2, with a total of 5,215 votes cast.
Rajeshwari’s appointment adds to India’s representation within the Olympic movement in Asia and provides an opportunity for an experienced international athlete to contribute to discussions on the concerns and aspirations of competitors across the region.
