The global sporting fraternity continues to mourn the loss of veteran Indian sports administrator and former shooter Randhir Singh, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling age-related ailments.
Following his demise, the International Olympic Committee paid tribute to the legendary administrator by taking a heartfelt decision at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Singh, who represented India at five Olympic Games and later became one of the most influential sports administrators in Asia, left behind a remarkable legacy in both Indian and international sport.
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IOC flies Olympic flag at half-mast to honour Singh
The International Olympic Committee announced that the Olympic flag at Olympic House would be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect to Randhir Singh.
In an official statement, the IOC described Singh’s passing as a "great loss to the Olympic Movement." IOC President Kirsty Coventry also paid tribute to the veteran administrator and highlighted his contribution to world sport.
"As an Olympian, as an IOC Member and as a leader of Asian sport, he served the Olympic Movement with exceptional loyalty, wisdom and generosity over many decades," Coventry said.
"He will be remembered not only for his remarkable service and leadership, but also for his warmth, friendship and lifelong dedication to sport," she added.
The IOC further praised Singh for his massive contribution to Indian and Asian sport over several decades. Singh served as a full-time IOC member from 2001 to 2014 before becoming an honorary member.
He also played a key role in the Olympic Council of Asia, eventually becoming the first Indian to be elected President of the OCA in 2024.
Randhir Singh’s sporting & administrative legacy remains unmatched
Apart from being a decorated sports administrator, Singh was also one of India’s pioneering shooters. He represented India at five Olympic Games — from 1968 Summer Olympics to 1984 Summer Olympics — in trap and skeet shooting.
His biggest sporting achievement came at the 1978 Asian Games, where he won gold in trap shooting to become India’s first Asian Games gold medallist in shooting.
He later added bronze and silver medals at the 1982 Asian Games. Randhir Singh also served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association for nearly three decades and played a defining role in shaping Indian sports administration.