Tributes poured in from across the sporting world after former Olympian and veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday.
The former shooter, who held several key positions with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was remembered as one of the most influential figures in Indian and Asian sports.
The OCA expressed grief over his demise in an official statement, saying Randhir Singh dedicated his life to the service of sport and the promotion of Olympic values across Asia. The organisation extended condolences to his family, friends and the entire Olympic community.
IOA president P.T. Usha described him as a close friend and an irreplaceable figure in Indian sport. “My heart fills with sadness on the passing away of Shri Raja Randhir Singh ji, a dear friend and an extraordinary human who took India to new heights in sports in Asia and around the world. We have lost an exceptional leader and his irreplaceable wisdom,” she said.
Former Olympian and World Athletics vice-president Adille Sumariwalla recalled his long association with Randhir Singh, dating back to their time as teammates at the 1980 Olympic Games. He said Randhir Singh leaves behind a massive legacy both as an athlete and sports administrator.
The National Rifle Association of India paid tribute to the former Asian Games gold medallist, calling him a “true legend” whose contributions to shooting sports and the Olympic movement would never be forgotten.
Hockey India remembered him as one of the country’s most respected sports administrators and highlighted his achievement as the first Indian to be elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia.
Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said Randhir Singh devoted his life to sport as an Olympian and administrator, adding that his legacy would remain an important part of sporting history.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described him as a towering figure in global sports administration and said his contribution to Indian and Asian sports would always be remembered with respect.
The Esports Federation of India also condoled his death, calling him a towering figure in Asian and Indian sports administration.
Former AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran termed his passing an “irreplaceable loss” for Indian sport. He praised Randhir Singh as one of the finest sports administrators the country had produced and said his contributions would continue to inspire future generations.
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressed grief over the demise of his brother, Raja Randhir Singh, and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.
Randhir Singh represented India at five Olympic Games — Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, Montreal 1976, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 — after initially serving as a reserve shooter at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.
Among his major achievements was winning the individual gold medal in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games, becoming the first Indian shooter to claim a gold medal at the continental event. He later added an individual bronze and a team silver medal at the 1982 Asian Games.
