Raja Randhir Singh, a prominent figure in Asian sport and a former five-time Olympian, has died in New Delhi at the age of 79, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday. Singh, who had been an influential sports administrator and the first Indian to serve as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), was widely recognized for his significant contributions to the development of the Olympic Movement in India, Asia, and beyond.

Singh represented India as a trap and skeet shooter in five consecutive Olympic Games, from Mexico City in 1968 through Los Angeles in 1984. He was also India's reserve shooter at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His career highlights include winning the gold medal in trap shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok—the first Indian to secure gold in shooting at the Asian Games—and earning individual bronze and team silver medals at the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.

Coming from a distinguished sporting lineage in Punjab’s Patiala, Singh was part of the fourth generation in a family noted for its sports involvement. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, played Test cricket for India, while his father, Raja Bhalindra Singh, was a long-serving member of the Indian Olympic Committee from 1947 to 1992. Raja Randhir himself was honored with the Arjuna Award for his sporting achievements.

Beyond his athletic success, Singh held key leadership roles in sports administration. While still competing, he was appointed Secretary General of the OCA and later served as Acting President in 2021 before being elected President in 2024, marking the first time an Indian headed the continental body. He was also elected an IOC member in 2001, serving until 2014, after which he was made an Honorary Member. Singh contributed to various IOC commissions and represented the IOC on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board from 2003 to 2005.

The current OCA President, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed deep sorrow at Singh’s passing, highlighting his leadership, vision, and dedication to fostering unity across Asia. “He was a great athlete, sportsman, administrator, and above all, a great man,” Sheikh Joaan said, underscoring Singh’s role in strengthening the Olympic Movement in India and Asia.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry paid tribute to Singh’s lifelong commitment to sport, praising his loyalty, wisdom, and generosity. The IOC announced that the Olympic flag at Olympic House will be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect for Singh’s legacy, describing his death as a great loss to the Olympic family.

Singh’s pioneering efforts and leadership have left a lasting impact on the growth of shooting sports in India and helped position the country as a formidable presence on the international stage.