LAUSANNE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday mourned the death of IOC Honorary Member Raja Randhir Singh, a five-time Olympian and one of the most influential figures in Asian sport, who passed away at the age of 79 in New Delhi.

Singh was the first Indian to serve as President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). IOC President Kirsty Coventry paid tribute to him.

"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," 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 former trap and skeet shooter was elected as an IOC Member in 2001 and served until 2014, when he became an Honorary Member. He was also Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association for nearly three decades. After serving as OCA Secretary General from 1991 to 2015, he became Acting President in 2021 and was elected President in 2024.

As a mark of respect, the IOC announced that the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast for three days at Olympic House in Lausanne. ■