Five-time Olympian shooter Raja Randhir Singh passes away

By  News On Air   May 27, 2026

A renowned shooter, five-time Olympian and a former Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association, Raja Randhir Singh passed away at his residence, today, following prolonged illness. He was 79.

A veteran sports administrator and cousin of former Punjab Chief Minister, now a senior BJP leader, Capt. Amarinder Singh, Randhir Singh belonged to the Royal family of Patiala and was from the fourth generation of the distinguished sports family. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket, while his father, Raja Bhalindra Singh, served as a member of the Indian Olympic Committee from 1947 to 1992.

Asian Games gold medalist, former Arjuna awardee, he held several key positions in Indian and international sports administration. He also served as Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia and was a member of the International Olympic Committee before becoming an honorary member.

He also served on various IOC commissions and represented the IOC on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board. In addition, he held positions with the Sports Authority of India, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and the Afro-Asian Games Council, among several other sporting bodies. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has mourned the demise of legendary Shooter and India’s most respected Sports Administrator, Raja Randhir Singh.