IOHSK Strengthens Global Leadership Across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania
The International Organization for Health, Sports, and Kinesiology (IOHSK) proudly announces the formation and expansion of the IOHSK South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania (SSO) Regional Leadership Team, marking another important milestone in IOHSK’s continued international growth.
Under the leadership of Dr. Arvin Andacao, President of IOHSK SSO, and Dr. Ruben Tagare, Vice President of IOHSK SSO, four outstanding professionals and emerging leaders from across the region have been appointed to serve on the regional leadership team.
The new appointments will be effective September 21, 2026, through September 21, 2028, for a two-year term.
The newly appointed leaders are:
Dr. Pramote Thangkratok, Thailand — Vice President, IOHSK SSO
K. M. Tha-Ha Owasif Aurnob, Bangladesh — Board Member, IOHSK SSO
Naduni Wijethunga, Sri Lanka/Australia — Board Member, IOHSK SSO
Chindhiyaa R S, India — Board Member, IOHSK SSO
Together, they bring expertise in healthy aging, community health, sport and exercise science, physical education, coaching, exercise prescription, mental and physical well-being, athlete development, research, and international academic collaboration.
Dr. Pramote Thangkratok
Vice President, IOHSK SSO | Thailand
Assistant Professor Dr. Pramote Thangkratok is a nurse educator, researcher, and community-health specialist whose work focuses on healthy aging, physical activity promotion, and evidence-based community interventions in Thailand.Make it stand out
Dr. Thangkratok currently serves as Head of Community Health Nursing at the Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing, where he teaches community health nursing, primary medical care, epidemiology, statistics, and disaster nursing. He earned his Ph.D. in Health Research and Management from Chulalongkorn University.
Dr. Thangkratok’s research places particular emphasis on promoting active and healthy aging through accessible and culturally meaningful physical activity. His innovative work includes the development of group-based exercise programs that integrate safe movement with traditional Thai songs, melodies, and rhythmic patterns. These initiatives are designed not only to improve physical health but also to strengthen participation, social connection, cultural identity, and long-term adherence to exercise.
His broader research interests include sarcopenia prevention, balance and mobility, fall-risk reduction, mental health literacy, chronic disease self-management, digital health, and community-based nursing innovation.
Through multidisciplinary collaborations involving older adults, caregivers, students, and community health volunteers, Dr. Thangkratok has demonstrated a strong commitment to translating research evidence into practical and sustainable health interventions.
As Vice President of IOHSK SSO, he will help expand regional collaboration in healthy aging, culturally responsive exercise, community health, and inclusive physical activity initiatives throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Ms. Naduni Wijethunga
Board Member, IOHSK SSO | Sri Lanka/Australia
Ms. Naduni Wijethunga is a Sri Lankan scholar and emerging professional in exercise and sport science who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Exercise and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia.Make it stand out
Ms. Wijethunga’s academic and professional interests span sport and exercise science, physical fitness, health, and well-being, with particular emphasis on the use of exercise to improve physical function and overall health.
Her doctoral research focuses on eccentric exercise and its applications to physical fitness and health. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sports Science and Management as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology, providing her with a valuable multidisciplinary perspective connecting physical activity, performance, physical health, and psychological well-being.
Naduni has experience in exercise testing, exercise-program delivery, research, community engagement, and student support. Her involvement in university, research, community, and sporting activities has also strengthened her leadership, teamwork, communication, and organizational skills.
Her broader professional interests include exercise prescription, physical activity promotion, healthy aging, health promotion, and physical and mental well-being.
As a member of the IOHSK SSO leadership team, Naduni will contribute a growing international research perspective and a strong commitment to collaboration across cultures and disciplines. Her appointment also reflects IOHSK’s continued commitment to creating leadership opportunities for the next generation of scholars and professionals in health, sport, and kinesiology.
Mr. K. M. Tha-Ha Owasif Aurnob
Board Member, IOHSK SSO | Bangladesh
K. M. Tha-Ha Owasif Aurnob is a sport and exercise science professional, researcher, educator, and sports practitioner from Bangladesh.
Mr. Aurnob holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from the University of Chittagong, where he currently serves as an Instructor in the Department of Physical Education.
Mr. Aurnob’s relationship with IOHSK represents an outstanding example of leadership development within the organization. Since joining IOHSK in 2021, he has progressed from serving as an International Student Intern to Assistant Director, International Ambassador, and now Board Member of IOHSK SSO.
His professional and research interests include sport and exercise science, physical fitness, sports coaching, performance monitoring, and health-related research. He has presented his research at international conferences and has been recognized through multiple IOHSK scholarships and fully funded conference travel opportunities, enabling his participation in international conferences in Thailand and the Philippines.
Beyond academia and research, Mr. Aurnob is actively involved in coaching and athlete development. He currently serves as a Trainer for the Chittagong Division in the National Cricket League under the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
His progression within IOHSK reflects the organization’s commitment to developing emerging international leaders and creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals to grow, contribute, and lead.
Ms. Chindhiyaa R S
Board Member, IOHSK SSO | India
Chindhiyaa R S is an accomplished scholar, educator, researcher, and emerging organizational leader in physical education and sport sciences from India.
Chindhiyaa R S is an accomplished scholar, educator, researcher, and emerging organizational leader in physical education and sport sciences from India.
Coming from a rural background, her dedication to education and professional development has led to significant academic achievements and numerous recognitions. She earned her B.Sc. in Physical Education from National College, Tiruchirappalli, receiving the Bharathidasan University Gold Medal, followed by B.P.Ed. and M.P.Ed. degrees from YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai.
She is UGC NET qualified and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. D. Prasanna Balaji at National College, Tiruchirappalli.
Chindhiyaa has developed a strong history of service and leadership within IOHSK. She has served as an International Student Intern, Sports Ambassador of India, and Vice President of the IOHSK International Student Council. Her dedication has been recognized through honors including the IOHSK Merit Scholarship Award in 2024 and the Dr. McKenzie International Scholarship Award in 2022.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, she is a qualified state-level technical official and referee in multiple sports, including hockey, athletics, kho-kho, pencak silat, and taekwondo.
Her research interests include digital technology integration in physical education, motor-skill performance, indigenous sports, and sport science. She has also presented her scholarly work internationally.
As an IOHSK SSO Board Member, Chindhiyaa brings energy, international experience, and a strong commitment to advancing physical education, sport science, kinesiology, and leadership development.
A Region at the Heart of IOHSK’s Global Community
The South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania region is critically important to the future of IOHSK. As of 2026, more than 60% of IOHSK’s membership comes from this region, reflecting the tremendous engagement, diversity, and potential of its scholars, educators, students, researchers, practitioners, and professionals.
For this reason, developing a strong, collaborative, and representative regional leadership structure is essential to sustaining IOHSK’s continued growth and success.
With Dr. Arvin Andacao serving as President and Dr. Ruben Tagare serving as Vice President, alongside the newly appointed Vice President and Board Members, IOHSK SSO brings together leaders representing different countries, professional disciplines, career stages, and areas of expertise.
Their collective leadership will help strengthen regional communication, expand academic and professional networks, create opportunities for students and emerging scholars, promote collaborative research and educational initiatives, and increase IOHSK’s visibility throughout the region.
IOHSK is excited to work closely with this outstanding leadership team and looks forward to a new chapter of collaboration, innovation, inclusion, leadership development, and continued advancement throughout South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Congratulations to all members of the IOHSK SSO Regional Leadership Team!
Together, we look forward to strengthening connections, creating new opportunities, and advancing the global mission of IOHSK in health, sports, physical education, exercise science, and kinesiology.
