Indian Sports Legend Raja Randhir Singh, First Asian Games Shooting Gold Medalist, Passes Away at 79
Veteran sports administrator and the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal, Raja Randhir Singh, passed away on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with age-related health issues. He was 79.
New Delhi: Wednesday proved to be a fateful day for the sports world. 79 year old Randhir Singh is no more with us. The man who gave India its first Asian Games gold in shooting became silent today. When NRAI's Rajeev Bhatia gave the news, there was silence in the entire shooting camp.
What wonders did Randhir Singh do in the field?
During the Bangkok Asian Games in 1978, Randhir Singh shot the trap event and won the gold outright. India's first Asian gold in shooting has come to its account. He did not stop before or after this either. Played in 5 consecutive Olympics, from the 1968 Mexico Olympics to 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Stood with the tricolor on the world's biggest stage for 16 years. In 1979, the government honored him with the Arjuna Award.
Did he remain involved in the game even after keeping the gun?
His second innings after retirement was even bigger. Was the secretary general of IOA for 25 years. From 1987 to 2012. Was also a member of the IOC for 13 years. Then in 2024, history was made. Became the president of OCA. First Indian to sit on Asia's largest sports chair. The tenure was till 2028, but at the beginning of 2026, his health deteriorated and he had to leave the post.
Was sports in his blood?
The whole family was involved in sports. Father Bhalindra Singh himself was a member of IOC for 45 years. Also became the president of IOA twice. From father to son, the game continued.
What did NRAI say?
The National Rifle Association said in its statement that Randhir Singh made an important contribution in giving a new direction to shooting sports and the Olympic movement. Players, sports officials and various organizations expressed deep grief over his demise. Even on social media, many former players and sports administrators described him as a big pillar of Indian sports.
Rajiv Bhatia simply said, "Raja Saheb is gone. It's a big loss." He told that Randhir Singh was not just an Olympian, he was the engine that ran the game. He has a big role in bringing the shooting to this point.
Today a phase has ended. The one who gave the country the taste of gold by aiming, who showed the path to the game by sitting on a chair, Randhir Singh will now remain in memories only.
