New Delhi: Veteran sports administrator and India’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games, Randhir Singh, died on Wednesday after a period of illness related to age. He was 79. Singh had been hospitalised for several days and passed away at his residence. He is survived by his wife Vinita and three daughters, including Mahima, Sunaina and Rajeshwari, who is also a shooter. Singh recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia due to health reasons, concluding more than four decades in sports administration. He had been elected to the post in 2024 after serving as Secretary General from 1991 to 2015. His last rites will be held in Haridwar on Thursday. The National Rifle Association of India expressed sorrow at the loss of a distinguished Olympian and Arjuna Award winner who contributed significantly to shooting and the Olympic movement. Condolences have come from current and former administrators and athletes. Singh competed in five Olympic Games and won trap gold at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 2010 and held roles with the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2014, including a period as its representative to the World Anti-Doping Agency. A descendant of the former Maharaja of Patiala, he was known for building consensus in Indian sports governance and advancing the Olympic movement. His daughter Rajeshwari continues in shooting, while Sunaina serves as an Indian Olympic Association vice president.
