Randhir Singh, Multiple Asian Games Medallist And Administrator, Passes Away

Veteran sports administrator and India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments, marking the end of a significant chapter in Indian sport. He was 79. Singh had been hospitalised for several days before passing away at his residence. He is survived by his wife Vinita and three daughters—Mahima, Sunaina, and Rajeshwari, who is also a shooter. His last rites will be performed in Haridwar on Thursday.

A towering figure in Indian and international sport, Singh recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to health concerns, ending an administrative career spanning over four decades. He had been elected to the top OCA post in 2024 for a four-year term, having earlier served as its Secretary General from 1991 to 2015. His contributions to the Olympic movement and shooting sport were widely acknowledged across the global sporting community.

Tributes poured in from sports administrators, federations, and athletes, who described his death as an irreparable loss to Indian sport. Randhir Singh’s sporting legacy began long before his administrative achievements. He represented India in multiple international competitions, including five Olympic Games, and achieved a landmark victory by winning gold in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok—India’s first Asian Games gold in shooting. For this achievement, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1979.

Also Read: Ananya Birla Reacts to RCB’s Dominant Win Over GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier

Beyond his competitive career, Singh played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern sporting administration, particularly in shooting, where he was closely associated with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the broader Olympic movement. The National Rifle Association of India expressed deep sorrow, calling his passing an “irreparable loss” and highlighting his contributions to the development of shooting sports in India and Asia. Officials noted his long-standing commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks for athletes and competitions.

Over the years, Singh held several influential positions in global sport governance, earning respect for his leadership and advocacy for athletes. His career bridged the eras of Indian sport from limited international exposure to a more structured and globally competitive ecosystem. With his passing, Indian sport has lost one of its most enduring figures—an athlete, administrator, and architect of institutional growth whose legacy will continue to influence future generations.

Also Read: India Crowned Champions with 27 Medals at U23 Asian Freestyle Wrestling