Chowhan, who took over as TTFI secretary general soon after the New Delhi Asian Games in 1982, rose to become the vice-president of the Asian Table Tennis Union, secretary general of the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation and a director of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Chowhan was actively involved in the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee as the Vice- Chairman of the accommodation committee.

Chowhan was also the chairman of the Rajasthan Sports Council from 1989 to 1992 and helped the state develop massive sports infrastructure, including a moder sports complex in Ajmer.

Suresh Kalmadi, the President of the IOA, said: "The sports fraternity is shocked by his death.

"India has lost a great sports administrator.

"He was a great sports leader who helped and worked for the promotion of sports.

"He was awarded the Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee for his commendable services for Indian sports."

IOA Secretary general Randhir Singh said he would remember Chowhan as a "committed and sincere administrator."

Singh said: "He was so dedicated and commitment to his work.

"He held so many posts and national and international level and would discharge his duties with responsibility.

"Every week he would turn up for meetings without fail.

You never had to remind him.
"In his last assignment, he was the Chef-de-Mission for the Asian Youth Games in Singapore two months back.

"He was not well, but still he went because he was nominated.
"It's a sad day for me.

"Personally I have lost a good friend.

"He has done a lot for table tennis and for the Olympic Movement."

Under this leadership, India performed well in table tennis on the world stage, winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth championships and two gold medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games for the first time.

He is survived by three daughters.