Veteran sports administrator and celebrated shooter Randhir Singh, India’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games, passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday following prolonged age-related health complications. His death marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian sports administration and shooting, where he played a transformative role for more than four decades.
Singh was 79 and had been undergoing treatment at a hospital for several days before breathing his last at his residence in the national capital. He is survived by his wife Vinita and their three daughters—Mahima, Sunaina, and Rajeshwari Singh, who followed in his footsteps as a shooter.
Only recently, Singh stepped down from his role as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to deteriorating health, bringing to a close an illustrious administrative career spanning over 40 years. He had been elected president of the OCA in 2024 for a four-year term after previously serving the organisation as Secretary General from 1991 to 2015.
Confirming the news of his demise, Rajiv Bhatia, Secretary of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss. “With deep sorrow, we share the sad news of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh, who left for his heavenly abode today, on May 27, 2026,” Bhatia said.
Describing Singh as a distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and one of the most respected sports administrators in India and Asia, Bhatia praised his immense contribution to the growth of shooting sports and the Olympic movement.
Also read: Sports Ministry notifies rules for NSB, NST
“The NRAI and the entire shooting fraternity mourn this irreparable loss and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace,” he added. News of Singh’s death prompted tributes from across the sporting world, with current and former administrators, Olympians and athletes remembering him as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of Indian sports.
As an athlete, Singh enjoyed a distinguished shooting career that included five Olympic appearances and a historic gold medal in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok — a feat that earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979. His Olympic journey began as a reserve shooter at the 1964 Tokyo Games before competing in Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984.
Beyond his achievements as a shooter, Singh became one of the most influential sports administrators in the country. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2010 and was associated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in several capacities between 2001 and 2014. In 2003, he was appointed the IOC’s representative to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), further strengthening his influence in international sports governance.
A descendant of the former Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, Randhir Singh was widely respected for his ability to build consensus within India’s often divided sports administration system. He earned admiration for promoting the Olympic movement in India and mentoring several generations of sports officials and athletes.
His legacy in shooting continues through his daughter Rajeshwari, who has achieved notable success as a trap shooter, including a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a gold medal at the 2016 Asian Championships. His daughter Sunaina has also established herself in sports governance, becoming IOA vice president in 2018 and serving on the organisation’s international relations and education committee.
With his passing, Indian sports has lost one of its most influential administrators and pioneering shooters, whose contributions helped shape the country’s Olympic and shooting landscape for decades.
Follow us
