Randhir Singh, Five-Time Olympian, Dies Aged 79

India’s Olympic community is mourning the loss of Randhir Singh, who passed away on Wednesday aged 79 after a lifetime dedicated to sport both on and off the field. The Patiala-born marksman competed in five consecutive Olympic Games between 1968 and 1984, establishing himself as one of the country’s most accomplished trap and skeet shooters. His elder brother, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, announced the news and paid tribute on social media. Singh’s sporting pedigree ran deep. His father served on the IOC for nearly half a century, while his uncle represented India in Test cricket. After graduating from St Stephen’s College, Singh balanced multiple disciplines before focusing on shooting, where he secured historic victories, including Asia’s first individual trap gold for an Indian at the 1978 Asian Games. Beyond competition, Singh became a pivotal administrator. He guided the Indian Olympic Association as honorary secretary-general for 25 years and sat on the Sports Authority of India board for more than two decades. Internationally, he shaped policy at the Olympic Council of Asia, the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IOC itself, serving on commissions that advanced youth sport, gender equity and Olympic truce initiatives. Elected the first Indian president of the OCA in 2019, Singh stepped down earlier this year citing health reasons. His awards include the Arjuna Award, the Olympic Order and multiple Asian merit citations. Peers describe him as a bridge between India’s grassroots sporting ambitions and the highest echelons of global Olympic governance. Singh’s passing marks the end of an era for Indian sport, leaving a blueprint of integrity, excellence and selfless service that future administrators will strive to emulate.