Randhir Singh was a rarity in Indian sports, an Olympian who changed sports administration

Five-time Olympian, Asian Games gold medalist Raja Randhir Singh has died at the age of 79 New Delhi: Over the last ten years, Randhir Singh could be seen giving ice cream to his young granddaughter at the Nirula outlet in south Delhi once in a while after picking her up from school. It looked like a promise fulfilled for the familiar face of Indian sports administration, who decided to slow down to spend more time with family.Singh’s death at the age of 79 from an illness on Wednesday marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian sports.At a time when the pressure is on the athletes in the Indian sports administration, and while the move is yielding mixed or debatable results, Randhir Singh was an original and an aberration.While many athletes struggle to transition to governance, Singh has successfully bridged both worlds with credibility and respect. He belonged to that rare group in Indian sports—individuals who have achieved recognition both as elite athletes and top administrators.A pioneering shooter, Olympian and one of the country’s most respected sports administrators, Singh has dedicated nearly six decades of his life to Indian and Asian sports. He combined excellence as an athlete with measured and effective leadership as an administrator, earning him admiration across generations of athletes and officials.He was a calm and experienced administrator who consistently advocated for stronger sports structures, better athlete support systems and greater engagement between Indian and Asian sports institutions.But before all that, Randhir was one of India’s best shooters at a time when the sport received little national attention. Long before India became a recognized force in global shooting, Singh’s success helped spark interest in the sport and encourage future generations of Indian shooters. He represented India in five Olympics and became known for his discipline, poise and commitment to excellence.His definitive success came at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, where he won the gold medal in trap shooting, becoming India’s first Asian Games gold medalist in shooting.His achievements earned him the Arjuna Award and made him one of the pioneers of Indian shooting.After retiring from competition, Singh moved into sports administration and became one of the most influential figures in the Olympic movement in Asia. As the General Secretary of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for over two decades, he played a significant role in shaping sports governance in the country and strengthening India’s presence in international sports forums.He also served in senior positions within the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, where he gained respect for his diplomatic skills and ability to build consensus among sports bodies. His election as president of the Olympic Council of Asia in 2024 reflected the high regard in which he was held internationally, although health concerns later limited his active involvement.Like several senior officials associated with Indian sport during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, Singh’s tenure coincided with one marred by allegations of irregularities and organizational lapses. However, no wrongdoing was ever linked to him and he continued to enjoy the trust and respect of the sporting fraternity throughout his long administrative career.Tributes poured in after his death. “We have lost an exceptional leader and his irreplaceable wisdom,” said IOA president PT Usha.Abhinav Bindra described him as a personality whose contribution went far beyond medals and official positions. “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Randhir Singh ji. He was a towering figure in Indian sports, but outside of the positions he held, he behaved with warmth, dignity and genuine love for the Olympic movement,” Bindra told TOI.“He gave his entire life to the sport and the athletes, administrators and institutions that serve it. For many of us, he was not just a senior Indian sportsman, but a source of encouragement, guidance and grace. His presence was a rare delicacy and his contribution will be remembered with great respect,” the 2008 Olympic gold medalist added.Shooter Gagan Narang also paid his tribute. “When I stood on the podium in London 2012, he was part of what made that moment possible,” wrote Narang, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist.“I will always remain grateful for the guidance, values ​​and beliefs he has given sportsmen like us for generations. India has lost a great figure today and I have lost someone I deeply admired,” he told TOI. (With inputs from Tushar Dutt)