IOC Announces Three-Day Mourning For Veteran Indian Sports Administrator Randhir Singh

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Indian sports administrator and Olympian Randhir Singh, announcing that the Olympic flag would be flown at half-mast for three days at Olympic House in Lausanne as a mark of respect. Singh, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian and Asian sports administration, passed away at his residence in New Delhi after battling age-related ailments. He was 79 and had recently undergone hospitalisation before his death, bringing to a close a decades-long association with the Olympic movement and Indian sports governance.

In an official statement, the IOC described Singh’s passing as “a great loss to the Olympic Movement” and paid tribute to his lifelong contribution to sports administration and athlete development. IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised Singh for his “exceptional loyalty, wisdom and generosity” and acknowledged his role in strengthening the Olympic movement across India and Asia. She said Singh would be remembered not only for his leadership and service but also for his warmth and dedication to sport over several decades. Coventry also extended condolences to Singh’s family, friends, and the wider sporting community that worked closely with him throughout his career.

Randhir Singh enjoyed a distinguished sporting career before becoming one of Asia’s most respected sports administrators. A trap and skeet shooter, he represented India at five Olympic Games — Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 — while also serving as a reserve shooter for the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. His achievements included winning a gold medal in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, making him India’s first Asian Games gold medallist in shooting. He later secured additional medals at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, helping lay the foundation for India’s emergence as a strong force in international shooting competitions.

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Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Singh played a transformative role in sports administration at both national and continental levels. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for nearly three decades and was instrumental in shaping India’s Olympic engagement during a critical period of growth. Singh also held the position of Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) from 1991 to 2015 before becoming Acting President in 2021 during a challenging phase for the organisation. In 2024, he was elected President of the OCA, becoming the first Indian to hold the prestigious post and further strengthening India’s influence in Asian sports governance.

The IOC also highlighted Singh’s contributions beyond administration, including his role as the IOC representative on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board between 2003 and 2005. According to the Olympic body, Singh remained a trusted and respected figure within global sporting circles due to his extensive experience, diplomatic leadership and commitment to promoting unity within Asian sport. Tributes poured in from sports bodies across the world, with OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani describing Singh as a “great athlete, great sportsman, great sports administrator and leader” whose efforts significantly strengthened the Olympic movement in Asia.

Olympic organisations from several countries, including Malaysia and Nepal, also mourned Singh’s death and acknowledged his lasting contributions to Asian sports. Malaysia Olympic Committee President Norza Zakaria credited Singh with guiding the OCA through a difficult period and ensuring the successful organisation of the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

The Nepal Olympic Committee similarly praised his leadership and described him as a towering figure whose influence extended across the continent. The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) also paid tribute, reflecting the widespread respect Singh commanded within international sport. He is survived by his wife Vinita and daughters Mahima, Sunaina and Rajeshwari, who is also a shooter.

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