Legendary Indian shooter and veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, at his residence following a prolonged illness. He was 79. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Thursday extended its condolences, mourning the loss of a figure who shaped Indian and Asian sports administration for over four decades.

A Historic Shooting Career

Randhir Singh competed at five Olympic Games, a feat that underscored his longevity and commitment to the sport. He etched his name in history as the first Indian shooter to win gold at the Asian Games, claiming the men's Trap gold at the 1978 Bangkok Asiad. In recognition of his sporting excellence, he was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1979, followed by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award for his historic career.

Decades of Sports Administration

Randhir Singh's transition from athlete to administrator was seamless and prolific. He was appointed Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 1987, a position he held until 2012. Simultaneously, he served on the governing board of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 1987 to 2010, and as Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

At the continental level, he served as Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) from 1991 to 2015, before becoming Life Vice-President until 2021, after which he was appointed Acting President of the body. He was also named Founder Secretary General of the Afro-Asian Games Council in 1998, serving until 2007.

Global Role at the IOC and WADA

Randhir Singh served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014, continuing thereafter as an Honorary Member. During his IOC tenure, he contributed to multiple commissions, including the Olympic Games Study Commission (2002–2003), Sport for All (2004–2013), Women and Sport (2006–2013), and the Coordination Committee for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games, Singapore (2010).

He became a member of the ANOC Executive Council in 2002 and served as the IOC representative on the WADA Board (2003–2005), later joining WADA's Finance and Administration Committee in 2005. He also chaired the 2019 Asian Games Coordination Committee.

Honours and Recognition

His decades of service were recognised with a string of honours: the OCA Award of Merit (2005), the ANOC Merit Award (2006), the Olympic Order, Silver (2014), and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in Sports Science from the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

AFI Pays Tribute

In a post on X, the AFI wrote: 'The AFI is deeply saddened by the passing of former AFI Vice President, Raja Randhir Singh ji. AFI extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He served as Secretary General of the IOA and the OCA and was also a member of the IOC. He was elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Olympic movement and Asian sports administration. May his soul rest in peace.'

With Randhir Singh's passing, Indian sport loses one of its most consequential bridge-builders — an athlete who became an architect of the very institutions that govern the games he once played.