NEW DELHI: Former shooter and veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh died on Wednesday at age 79 after dealing with age-related health problems. He had spent several days in hospital before passing at his home.
Singh ranked among India’s most prominent figures in both competitive sports and administration. He recently resigned as President of the Olympic Council of Asia for health reasons, less than two years after his 2024 election.
National Rifle Association of India secretary Rajiv Bhatia confirmed the death. “With deep sorrow, we share the sad news of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh, who left for his heavenly abode today, on 27th May 2026,” Bhatia said, according to PTI.
Singh became India’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games by winning the trap event in Bangkok in 1978. He competed for India at five Olympic Games and received the Arjuna Award.
After ending his competitive career, Singh pursued a distinguished administrative path and served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association as well as a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Bhatia added that Singh, a distinguished Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, made major contributions to shooting and the Olympic movement across India, Asia and the IOC.
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra also expressed sadness, noting that Singh devoted his life to sport as an athlete, administrator and contributor to Indian and global sport, leaving a lasting legacy.
