Veteran Indian shooter and sports administrator Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling age-related ailments. Singh had been hospitalised for several days before breathing his last at his residence. Tributes poured in from athletes, administrators, and sports bodies after news broke that Randhir Singh passes away.
Indian Sports Loses A Respected Olympic Figure
The news that Randhir Singh passes away has left India’s sporting fraternity emotional. Singh recently stepped down as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) due to health issues, ending a remarkable administrative journey spanning more than four decades.
A five-time Olympian, Singh created history by becoming India’s first shooting gold medallist at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. His achievement earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979.
Singh represented India at several Olympic Games, including 1968 Summer Olympics, 1972 Summer Olympics and 1984 Summer Olympics.
Randhir Singh’s Legacy In Sports Administration
As Randhir Singh passes away, many sports personalities remembered his contribution to Indian sports governance. He served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 2010 and later became one of the most influential Indian figures in the International Olympic Committee.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) described his passing as an “irreparable loss.” NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia praised Singh for his immense contribution to shooting sports and the Olympic movement across Asia.
Singh also represented the IOC in the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2003. He was widely respected for bringing consensus within India’s often divided sports administration system.
The announcement that Randhir Singh passes away also highlighted his family’s continuing sporting legacy. His daughter Rajeshwari Singh is an accomplished trap shooter and Asian Games medallist, while daughter Sunaina Singh serves as vice president of the Indian Olympic Association.
FAQs
Q: Why did news that Randhir Singh passes away shock Indian sports?
A: Randhir Singh was one of India’s most respected Olympians and sports administrators with a career spanning decades.
Q: At what age did Randhir Singh passes away occur?
A: Randhir Singh passed away at the age of 79 after battling age-related ailments.
Q: Which medal did Randhir Singh win at the Asian Games?
A: He won India’s first shooting gold medal at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games.
Q: What roles did Randhir Singh hold in sports administration?
A: He served in the Indian Olympic Association, Olympic Council of Asia, and International Olympic Committee.
