Veteran sports administrator and India’s first shooting gold medalist at the Asian Games, Randhir Singh, passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) after battling age-related ailments. He was 79 years old and was hospitalized for several days before breathing his last at his residence in New Delhi. Singh recently stepped down as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to health problems.

He was elected for a four-year term in 2024. Rajeev Bhatia, Secretary, National Rifles Association of India (NRAI), said, “With deep sorrow, we share the sad news of the demise of Raja Randhir Singh, who departed for his heavenly abode today on 27th May 2026.

” He said, “A distinguished Olympian, Arjuna Award winner and one of the most respected sports administrators in India, Asia and the International Olympic Committee, Raja Randhir Singh made invaluable contributions to the development of shooting sports and the Olympic movement. The National Rifle Association of India and the entire shooting fraternity mourn this irreparable loss and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his great soul rest in eternal peace.

” Singh’s illustrious sporting career includes five Olympic appearances and a historic trap gold at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. In his equally successful administrative career, he served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).