Sporting world mourns death of former Olympian and sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh

Tributes from across the sporting world and leading sports organisations poured in after former Olympian and veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday.

A five-time Olympian and one of the most respected figures in Indian and Asian sport, Randhir Singh played a defining role in shaping the Olympic movement through decades of service as both an athlete and administrator.

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The Olympic Council of Asia mourned the loss of its honorary life president, stating, “A distinguished leader of the Olympic Movement, Raja Randhir Singh dedicated his life to the service of sport and the advancement of Olympic values across Asia.”

Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha remembered him as “a dear friend and an extraordinary human,” adding, “We have lost an exceptional leader & his irreplaceable wisdom.”

Former Olympian and World Athletics vice-president Adille Sumariwalla recalled his long association with Randhir Singh, saying, “He leaves behind a massive legacy as an athlete & sports administrator.”

Randhir Singh represented India at five Olympic Games between 1968 and 1984 and scripted history in 1978 by becoming the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting.

He later went on to serve in several key positions with the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian and world sport.

Paying tribute, the National Rifle Association of India said, “Today, the sporting world loses a true legend,” while Hockey India described him as “one of the most respected sports administrators in India, Asia and the International Olympic Committee.”

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra highlighted Randhir Singh’s immense contribution to global sport, writing, “His legacy will remain an important part of our sporting history.”

Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Harsh Sanghavi called him “a towering figure in global sports administration,” while the Esports Federation of India remembered him as “a towering figure in Asian and Indian sports administration.”

Former AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran described his death as a “monumental and irreplaceable loss for sports in India,” adding that Randhir Singh was “one of the finest sports administrators our country has ever produced.”