By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

June 24 - Digvijay Singh (pictured), the President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the man credited with helping Abhinav Bindra win India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal, has died while visiting London to attend a meeting connected with the Commonwealth Games.



The 54-year-old suffered a a heart attack in London earlier this month and was admitted to the St Thomas Hospital, where he died this morning after having a brain hemorrhage, officials said.

Singh was a member of the Executive Board of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and his death overshadows celebrations planned for tomorrow to mark the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay in India, planned to coincide with 100 days to go until the opening of the Games in New Delhi on October 3.

Tributes to Singh, a former Government Minister, were led by India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

He said: "Mr Digvijay Singh will be remembered for his contribution to our society and our people in a variety of ways."

Tributes were also paid to Singh, the vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), by Sports Minister M.S Gill.

He said: "I'm deeply grieved to learn about the sad and untimely demise of Digvijay Singh.

"He contributed a lot as a Parliamentarian and sports administrator, particularly as president of the NRAI.

"I send my condolence to the bereaved family and pray to God to give them strength and fortitude to face this irreparable loss."

Singh had been President of the NRAI since 1999 and, under his leadership, India became a major international force in the sport, culminating in Bindra (pictured) winning the Olympic gold medal in the 10 metre air rifle event in Beijing in 2008.

Suresh Kalmadi, the President of the IOA and head of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, said: "His death came at a time when his service was needed the most for the success of the Commonwealth Games.

"He will be greatly missed by the entire sports fraternity of the country.

"During his tenure as NRAI President, shooting achieved great heights and India won the first ever individual Olympic gold medal in Beijing."

NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia admitted they would miss Singh's leadership.

He said: "Under his leadership, shooting touches new heights.

"The shooting fraternity has lost its great patron."

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