Our Bureau
New Delhi
Indian shooting legend and renowned coach Jaspal Rana passed away at the age of 49 in Delhi, triggering an outpouring of grief from the sporting fraternity and political leaders across the country. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed the death of the former Asian Games champion, who reportedly succumbed to heart-related complications after a recent medical procedure.
Rana, one of India’s most decorated shooters, had recently returned from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where he was part of the Indian contingent. According to reports, he fell ill during the journey back to India and was admitted to a Delhi hospital, where he breathed his last on Thursday night.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, describing Rana’s death as a “profound loss to Indian sports.” Fellow athletes, coaches and sports administrators remembered him as a champion who transformed Indian shooting both as a competitor and mentor.
Born in Uttarakhand, Rana rose to prominence as a pistol shooter and became India’s most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, winning 15 medals, including nine golds. His illustrious career also featured multiple Asian Games medals and international records, establishing him as one of the country’s greatest marksmen.
Following his competitive career, Rana emerged as one of India’s most respected shooting coaches. He played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent, most notably mentoring Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His coaching achievements earned him the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020.
Rana is survived by his wife, children and family members. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian shooting, but his legacy as a champion athlete and inspirational coach is expected to endure for generations.
