Five-time Olympian, Asian Games gold medallist Raja Randhir Singh dies at 79
New Delhi, May 27
Five-time Olympian, Asian Games gold medallist, veteran sports administrator and Arjuna Award-winning shooter Raja Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday morning in New Delhi at the age of 79.
Raja Randhir Singh, born on 18 October 1946, competed in five Olympic Games and became the first Indian shooter to win gold at the Asian Games when he clinched the men's Trap title at the 1978 Bangkok Asiad, according to the NRAI press release. He also won a bronze medal in the individual event and a silver medal in the team event at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, according to Olympics.com.
As India's sole representative at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014, and an honorary member thereafter, Randhir Singh played a key role in bringing major international sporting events to India, including the 2003 Afro-Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo described the death of Raja Randhir Singh as an irreplaceable loss for Indian shooting and the wider Olympic movement. He praised Singh's achievements and his long-term contribution as a visionary sports administrator who helped improve training, facilities, and exposure for Indian athletes. He also extended condolences to Singh's family on behalf of the NRAI.
"It is an irreplaceable loss, not only for the sport of Shooting, but for the entire Olympic sporting fraternity in India, of which Raja Randhir Singh ji was the biggest promoter and supporter. His record as an international Shooter representing India speaks for itself. As a Sports Administrator, Raja Randhir Singh ji was a visionary and worked tirelessly for the development and growth of the Indian and Asian Olympic movements. The exposure, training and facilities that the Indian athletes are getting today owe a lot to Raja Randhir Singh's contributions over the past four decades. On behalf of the entire NRAI family, I extend my deepest condolences to his grieving family," Narayan Singh Deo said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Heartbreaking. He was the reason India got the 2010 Commonwealth Games - remember watching those events as a kid and feeling so proud. His dedication to Indian sports was unmatched. We need more administrators like him who actually understand the sport from an athlete's perspective.
A five-time Olympian and yet not enough mainstream recognition outside of shooting circles. That's the tragedy of Indian sports administration - we celebrate them only when they pass away. RIP sir. You served the country silently for four decades while others took the limelight.
Honestly, someone should write a proper biography of Raja Randhir Singh. His journey from being a competitive shooter to becoming India's most influential sports administrator at the international level is incredible. The NRAI statement by Kalikesh Singh Deo is apt - it truly is an irreplaceable loss. 🇮🇳
Such a humble soul. I met him once at a shooting range in Delhi - he was in his 70s but still came to encourage young shooters. Always had time for a selfie and a few words of advice. We need to learn from his vision of building infrastructure and exposure for athletes. Rest in peace, sir.
Om Shanti. 🙏 It's a reminder that legends like him rarely get the media attention they deserve while alive. He wasn't just an Olympian but a torchbearer who lit the path for Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, and all our medal winners. His IOC role was crucial - India needs more such global ambassadors in sports.
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