Raja Randhir Singh, a distinguished five-time Olympian and Asian Games gold medallist, passed away on Wednesday morning in New Delhi at the age of 79. Born on October 18, 1946, Singh made history as the first Indian shooter to secure a gold medal at the Asian Games, achieving this feat in the men's Trap event at the 1978 Bangkok Asiad. He further showcased his talent by winning a bronze medal in the individual event and a silver in the team event at the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Singh was a pivotal figure in sports administration, serving as India's sole representative at the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2014. His efforts were instrumental in bringing significant international sporting events to India, including the 2003 Afro-Asian Games and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) expressed profound sorrow at his passing, with President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo calling it an 'irreplaceable loss' for Indian shooting and the Olympic movement, highlighting Singh's visionary contributions to the development of sports in India.