Top News

New Delhi: Veteran shooter and renowned sports administrator Randhir Singh, who has written his name in the golden pages of Indian sports history, passed away on Wednesday. He breathed his last at the age of 79. Randhir Singh was the only gem of the country who kept India’s flag high not only on the sports field but also in international sports organizations.

first gold medal

He was the first athlete to win a gold medal for India in shooting in the history of the Asian Games. As soon as the news of his demise came, there was a wave of mourning among the sports lovers, Olympic fraternity and administrative circles of the country.

New records established in sports administration also

After retiring from the field, Randhir Singh also established many historical milestones in sports administration. He became the first Indian to be elected president unopposed in the 44th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in the year 2024. His tenure ended prematurely in the beginning of 2026 due to deteriorating health.

honorary member status

He served as the General Secretary of the ‘Indian Olympic Association’ (IOA) for 25 consecutive years from 1987 to 2012. He was also an active member of the ‘International Olympic Committee’ (IOC) between 2001 and 2014, after which he was given the status of an honorary member.

journey written in golden letters

Behind this journey written in silver and gold letters was his family with a sports background. His father Bhalindra Singh was also a renowned sports administrator. Who strengthened the foundation of sports in the country as a member of the IOC from 1947 to 1992 and President of the Indian Olympic Association for two different terms. Randhir Singh’s departure is an irreparable loss for Indian sports diplomacy.

The historic golden moment of the 1978 Bangkok Games

Randhir Singh won the gold medal by performing brilliantly in the individual trap event during the Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1978. This first historic gold in the field of shooting gave a new direction to Indian shooting. His dedication and consistency towards the game was amazing.

Honored with ‘Arjuna Award’

He represented the Indian team in the Olympic Games for five consecutive times from 1968 to 1984, which was a living testimony of his top-level fitness and sportsmanship. In view of his contribution to the sports world, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious ‘Arjuna Award’ in the year 1979.