Chandigarh: India’s sporting fraternity is mourning the loss of Raja Randhir Singh, one of the country’s most respected Olympians and sports administrators, who passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday. A prominent figure in Indian shooting and Olympic administration, he leaves behind a legacy that shaped Indian sports for decades.
Hailing from the royal family of Patiala, Raja Randhir Singh was closely associated with Indian athletics and international sports governance for more than five decades. A five-time Olympian in shooting, he represented India at the Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984 and was also selected as a reserve athlete for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
His achievements on the shooting range earned him widespread recognition, including a gold medal at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. He further added to India’s medal tally by winning individual bronze and team silver medals at the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.
Apart from his accomplishments as an athlete, Randhir Singh became one of the most influential sports administrators from India on the global stage. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association for nearly three decades and played a major role in strengthening India’s presence in international sporting bodies.
He also held senior positions within the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee, where he was known for his outspoken views and decisive administrative style. Over the years, he contributed to various IOC commissions and represented the Olympic movement in anti-doping and sports governance initiatives worldwide.
Coming from a family deeply connected with Indian sports, Randhir Singh carried forward a remarkable legacy. His uncle Maharaja Yadavindra Singh had represented India in Test cricket, while his father Raja Bhalindra Singh was a long-serving member of the Indian Olympic Committee.
Tributes poured in from athletes, sports officials and shooting associations across the country following the news of his demise. The National Rifle Association of India described his death as an irreparable loss for Indian shooting and the Olympic movement.
Remembered both as a decorated shooter and a powerful voice in sports administration, Raja Randhir Singh played a key role in shaping modern Indian sports and inspiring generations of athletes.
