Renowned sports administrator and first Asian Games gold medalist shooter Randhir Singh passes away
New Delhi27 May. Renowned sports administrator and shooter Randhir Singh, India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medal winner, died here on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. After being hospitalized for the last several days, 79-year-old Randhir Singh breathed his last at his residence here.
due to deteriorating health Resigned from the post of OCA President
Randhir Singh had recently resigned from the post of President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to health related problems. He was elected for a four-year term in 2024.
Invaluable contribution to the development of shooting and Olympic movement – NRAI
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary Rajiv Bhatia said, ‘With deep sorrow we share the sad news of the demise of Raja Randhir Singh, who passed away today on 27 May 2026. A distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Award winner 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.’
Rest in Peace, Raja Randhir Singh.
Today, the sporting world loses a true legend. A distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Awardee, and visionary sports administrator, Raja Randhir Singh’s contributions to the Olympic movement and shooting sports will never be forgotten.
pic.twitter.com/KewGJ1fEe6
— THE NRAI (@OfficialNRAI) May 27, 2026
Bhatia said, ‘NRAI and the entire shooting community mourn this irreparable loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May God grant peace to his soul.
Participated in Olympics 5 times, won trap gold in 1978 Asiad
During his illustrious sporting career, Randhir Singh participated in the Olympic Games five times and won the historic trap gold medal in the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. Like sports, in his successful administrative career too, he served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Indian sports world expressed grief
Meanwhile, the entire Indian sports world, including Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, has expressed grief over the demise of senior administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, calling him a charismatic leader and real doyen of Indian sports.
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…— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) May 27, 2026
Bindra wrote on X, ‘I am saddened by the demise of Raja Randhir Singhji. As an Olympian, a sports administrator and a person who has made immense contributions to Indian and world sports, his life was dedicated to sports. His legacy will remain important in the history of our sports. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
The Olympic Council of Asia is deeply saddened by the passing of Raja Randhir Singh, Honorary Life President of the OCA, Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee, and former President of the Olympic Council of Asia. pic.twitter.com/KFnweIga7T
— Olympic Council of Asia (@AsianGamesOCA) May 27, 2026
The Asian Olympic Council wrote, ‘A legend of the Olympic movement, Raja Randhir’s life was dedicated to the service of sports and the spread of Olympic values in Asia. The Olympic Council of Asia expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire Olympic family. May his soul rest in peace.
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