Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh passes away

Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh died in New Delhi on 27 May 2026 due to age-related ailments. File | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Veteran sports administrator and India’s first Asian Games shooting gold medalist Randhir Singh died on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) in New Delhi after battling age-related ailments.

He was 79 years old and was hospitalized for several days before he breathed his last at his residence in Delhi.

Singh recently left his position as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to health issues. He was elected for a four-year term in 2024.

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the sad news of the passing away of Raja Randhir Singh who passed away today, May 27, 2026,” said National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Secretary Rajiv Bhatia.

“A noble Olympian, Arjuna awardee and one of the most respected sports administrators in India, Asia and the International Olympic Committee, Raja Randhir Singh, has made an invaluable contribution to the development of shooting sports and the Olympic movement. The Indian National Rifle Association and the entire shooting fraternity mourn this irreparable loss and express their sincere condolences to his family and to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s stellar sporting career included five Olympic appearances and a historic trap gold at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok.

In his equally successful administrative career, he served as the General Secretary of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Published – 27 May 2026 13:28 IST