Randhir Singh, India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medallist, passes away aged 79

NEW DELHI: Veteran sports administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling age-related health issues. He had been hospitalised for several days before breathing his last at his residence.Singh was one of India’s most respected names in both sports and sports administration. He recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia due to health concerns, less than two years after being elected to the role in 2024.The news of his death was confirmed by National Rifle Association of India secretary Rajiv Bhatia."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," Rajiv Bhatia stated, as quoted by news agency PTI.Randhir Singh made history by becoming India’s first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games when he won the trap event in Bangkok in 1978. He also represented India at five Olympic Games during his long shooting career and received the prestigious Arjuna Award for his achievements.After retiring from active sport, Singh built a successful administrative career and became one of India’s most influential sports officials. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association and was also a member of the International Olympic Committee.Paying tribute to his contribution, Bhatia said, "A distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Awardee, and one of the most respected sports administrators in India, Asia, and the International Olympic Committee, Raja Randhir Singh, made invaluable contributions to the development of shooting sports and the Olympic movement."Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra also paid tribute to the legend, writing on X, "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh ji. He lived a life devoted to sport as an Olympian, as a sports administrator, and as someone who contributed immensely to Indian and World sport. His legacy will remain an important part of our sporting history. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."