FILE PHOTO: The Arjuna Awardee held different administrative posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies. | Photo Credit: R. V. MOORTHY

International Olympic Committee (IOC) mourned the death of Randhir Singh, former Olympian and shooter, who breathed his last on Wednesday. He was 79.

As a mark of respect to the veteran administrator, IOC announced, “...the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast for three days at Olympic House.”

IOC president Kirsty Coventry said, “Raja Randhir Singh devoted his entire life to 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. He will be remembered not only for his remarkable service and leadership, but also for his warmth, friendship and lifelong dedication to sport. On behalf of the International Olympic Committee, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends and all those across the Olympic Movement who had the privilege of working with him.”

The Arjuna Awardee held different administrative posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies. He served as the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012. Randhir was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) between 2001 and 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member of the global sports body.

In September 2024, Randhir became the first Indian to be elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the 44th General Assembly of the continental body in New Delhi. He was elected as OCA president for a four-year term till 2028, but his tenure ended prematurely earlier this year due to his poor health.

Published on May 27, 2026