New Delhi, May 27
Veteran sports administrator and former Asian Games gold medallist shooter Randhir Singh passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. He was 79. Singh was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian sports administration and played a significant role in shaping the Olympic movement in India and across Asia.
Singh had been undergoing treatment for several days before he died at his residence in the national capital. He is survived by his wife, Vinita, and his daughters, Mahima, Sunaina, and Rajeshwari.
Over a career spanning several decades, Singh held key positions in national and international sports bodies. He recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia due to health concerns, having been elected to the post in 2024. Before that, he served as the organization’s Secretary General for more than two decades.
The National Rifle Association of India mourned his death and described him as one of the most respected sports administrators in India and Asia. NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia said Singh made invaluable contributions to shooting sports and the Olympic movement during his long administrative career.
Apart from his achievements as an administrator, Singh also enjoyed a distinguished sporting career. He won a historic gold medal in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok and later received the Arjuna Award. He represented India at multiple Olympic Games between 1964 and 1984.
Singh also served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 2010 and held various responsibilities within the International Olympic Committee. He was also associated with anti-doping initiatives through his role with the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Born into the royal family of Patiala, Singh was widely recognized for his ability to build consensus in Indian sports administration. He was credited with strengthening India’s presence in the Olympic movement and encouraging the growth of shooting as a competitive sport.
His legacy continues through his daughter Rajeshwari Singh, an accomplished trap shooter who has represented India at the international level, and Sunaina Singh, who has also served in sports administration.
The passing of Randhir Singh marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian sports administration. His contributions as both an athlete and administrator left a lasting impact on Indian shooting and the broader Olympic movement.
