Veteran sports administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after a prolonged battle with age-related health complications. He had reportedly been under medical care and hospitalised for several days before returning home, where he breathed his last at his residence.
Singh, who was one of the country’s most respected names in sports and sports administration, recently stepped down as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia due to health issues. He was elected to the role in 2024. Media reports noted that the news of his passing away was confirmed by Rajiv Bhatia, Secretary of National Rifle Association of India.
He made history by becoming the country’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games when he won the trap event in 1978 in Bangkok. Singh also represented India at five Olympic games during his career and received Arjuna Award for his achievements.
“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh ji. He lived a life devoted to sport as an Olympian, as a sports administrator, and as someone who contributed immensely to Indian and World sport. His legacy will remain an important part of our sporting history. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medallist, paid tribute on X.
Apart from the OCA, Randhir Singh held several key positions across global and Indian sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, Indian Olympic Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency, making him one of India’s most prominent sports administrators on the global stage, as per the reports. He also served as vice chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games and in 2024, became the first Indian to lead the Olympic Council of Asia as its president. |
