The Olympic Council of Asia has bestowed the prestigious OCA award of Merit on the President of Indian Olympic Association, Mr N. Ramachandran for his outstanding contribution to sports in Asia.
The award was presented to him by the OCA President, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah on Sunday at the OCA General Assembly being held here.
International Olympic Committee President, Dr. Thomas Bach was also present on the occasion. It was only a month ago when Ramachandran had received the IOC's Olympic Order for his conributions to the Olympic movement from Dr. Bach himself at the Rio Olympics.
The latest recognition makes Ramachandran the only IOA President to have received the two prestigious awards and that too in close succession.
Delighted on what he said, “It is another glorious moment in my life,” Mr Ramachandran said, “ I accept the award in all humility and I take pride in dedicating this honour to all the athletes in India.”
Ramachandran's big passion for sports administration is well known. He founded the Tamil Nadu Triathlon Association and played a key role at the national level to set the path for India to make a mark in Asia.
He made judicious use of Government schemes and his own initiative, envisioned a modern squash academy in Chennai with structured training programme as the base.
Along the way he himself rose in squash administration. From Asian Squash President in 2001 to being the President of the World Squash Federation in 2008 formed a glittering chapter in his career.
As the WSF President getting the sport in the shortlist itself was a major victory but squash could reach only the door steps of the Olympics. This is a regret he carries but as he had said, “I did my best with my team. Our efforts were well appreciated by world leaders in sports. We have now helped pave the way. Squash's entry will follow, for sure.”
Ramachandran's elevation as the President of the Indian Olympic Association in February 2014 was another grandstand moment in his glowing career. Though he faced difficult times, he showed the tact and diplomacy to tide over them.
Such has been his acceptance in various forums that Ramachandran has been in several other prestigious positions. A few being Member of the EB of the Commonwealth Games 2008-09, International Relations Commission of the Association of the National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and in the Advisory committee of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
He is also currently the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. For one who has so much in his hands, Ramachandran has always been a picture of serenity. Every honour for him, is effectively an 'honour for Indian sports.” It is this philosophy that drives him on and keeps his passion intact.
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