Ananya Lohia , Punjab - Veteran sports administrator and India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling age-related ailments. His death marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian sports, where he made a lasting impact both as an athlete and administrator.

Randhir Singh had been hospitalised for several days before breathing his last at his residence. He is survived by his wife Vinita and daughters Mahima, Sunaina and Rajeshwari, the latter also being an accomplished shooter. Singh had recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia due to health issues, ending a sports administration career that spanned more than four decades. He was elected OCA President in 2024 after serving as the organisation’s Secretary General from 1991 to 2015. The National Rifle Association of India expressed deep grief over his demise. NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia described him as a distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and one of the most respected sports administrators in India and Asia.

Randhir Singh enjoyed a celebrated sporting career, representing India in multiple Olympics, including Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984. He created history by winning India’s first shooting gold medal at the 1978 Asian Games in trap shooting, an achievement that earned him the Arjuna Award in 1979. Apart from his achievements as a shooter, Singh played a major role in shaping Indian sports administration. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 2010 and was associated with the International Olympic Committee in several capacities between 2001 and 2014. He also represented the IOC in the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2003. A descendant of the former Maharaja of Patiala, Randhir Singh was widely admired for bringing consensus within India’s often divided sports administration system and for promoting the Olympic movement in the country.

Randhir Singh’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from athletes and administrators across the sporting world. Remembered as both a pioneering shooter and an influential administrator, his contribution to Indian sports and the Olympic movement will remain unforgettable.