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India’s sporting fraternity was left deeply saddened after the passing away of veteran sports administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh at the age of 61.
Singh, who was one of the pioneers of Indian shooting and a highly respected figure in world sport administration, died after battling age-related ailments.
Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra led the tributes for the legendary sports administrator, remembering him as a towering personality who dedicated his entire life to Indian and global sports.
Also Read: Former Indian Olympian passes away at 61 after prolonged health battle
Abhinav Bindra and sporting fraternity pay emotional tribute
Abhinav Bindra expressed his grief through a heartfelt tribute to Singh.
"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Raja Randhir Singh ji. He lived a life devoted to sport as an Olympian, as a sports administrator, and as someone who contributed immensely to Indian and World sport," Bindra wrote.
"His legacy will remain an important part of our sporting history. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," he added.
Singh’s contribution to Indian sport went far beyond his achievements as a shooter.
He represented India at five Olympic Games and also created history by winning India’s first-ever shooting gold medal at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok.
Apart from his sporting career, Singh also became one of the most influential administrators in Asian sports history.
He served as the secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 2010 and also held important positions within the International Olympic Committee between 2001 and 2014.
The Olympic Council of Asia also paid tribute to Singh and called him a distinguished leader of the Olympic Movement who dedicated his life to promoting sports and Olympic values across Asia.
Randhir Singh remembered as one of India’s greatest administrators
Several prominent sports administrators and former athletes also mourned Randhir Singh’s demise and highlighted his contribution to Indian sports.
Former IOA president Narinder Batra described Singh as one of Indian sport’s most respected leaders.
"With the passing of Raja Randhir Singh Ji, Indian sports has lost a true stalwart and one of its most respected leaders," Batra said.
"He carried himself with dignity, wisdom, and commitment, and his contribution to athletes and sports administration will always be remembered with gratitude," he added.
IOA president P. T. Usha termed Singh’s passing a personal loss and praised his contribution towards Indian sport globally.
"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," Usha stated.
Former Athletics Federation of India president Adille Sumariwalla also recalled his memories with Singh from the 1980 Moscow Olympics and said that Indian sports had lost an irreplaceable figure.
Throughout his life, Randhir Singh remained closely associated with the shooting fraternity and continued working tirelessly for the growth of the sport in India.
His contribution as both an athlete and administrator will continue to inspire generations of Indian sportspersons.
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