Indian Sports Icon Randhir Singh Passes Away at 79

Indian sports are in mourning following the passing of Randhir Singh, a prominent sports administrator and the country's first shooting gold medallist at the Asian Games, who died on Wednesday at the age of 79.

Randhir Singh had been struggling with age-related ailments and had been hospitalized for some time before he passed away at his residence. Earlier this year, he stepped down from his role as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, a position he was elected to serve for a four-year term starting in 2024, due to health complications.

Rajiv Bhatia, Secretary of the National Rifle Association of India, expressed deep sorrow over Singh's death, remembering him as a distinguished Olympian, an Arjuna Awardee, and a significant figure in both the Indian and international sports arena.

Singh's impressive career included participating in five Olympics and winning a historic trap gold medal at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. His contributions extended beyond the field, having served in high-ranking positions within the Indian Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee.

(With inputs from agencies.)