Former Indian shooter and Olympian, Randhir Singh, passed away on Wednesday aged 79.
The Arjuna Awardee held different administrative posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies. He served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012. Randhir was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) between 2001 and 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member of the global sports body.
In September 2024, Randhir became the first Indian to be elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the 44th General Assembly of the continental body in New Delhi. He was elected as OCA president for a four-year term till 2028, but his tenure ended prematurely earlier this year due to his poor health.
Hailing from Patiala in Punjab, Randhir belonged to a family of sportspersons and was a five-time Olympic shooter. He became India’s first Asian Games shooting gold-medallist in 1978 in Bangkok.
“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,” Secretary of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Rajiv Bhatia, said in a statement.
“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. The National Rifle Association of India and the entire shooting fraternity mourn this irreparable loss and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement added.
Published on May 27, 2026
