Tributes Pour In for Jaspal Rana, Icon of Indian Shooting

The Indian shooting fraternity is mourning the loss of Jaspal Rana, a celebrated shooter and coach who passed away at 49. Tributes from prominent figures like Gagan Narang and Esha Singh highlight his profound impact on the sport. Rana's legacy includes numerous medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, as well as mentoring young athletes like Manu Bhaker. His contributions as a coach and his vibrant personality made him a beloved figure in the shooting community. This article explores the heartfelt tributes and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 01:50 IST

Indian Shooting Community Remembers Jaspal Rana

The Indian shooting community is in mourning following the passing of Jaspal Rana, a legendary shooter and coach, who died at the age of 49. Gagan Narang, an Olympic medalist, led the tributes, expressing deep sorrow over Rana's death, which occurred in New Delhi after he faced health issues. Hospital officials confirmed that he passed away at Max Hospital in Saket, South Delhi, after falling ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich.

In an emotional Instagram post, Gagan reflected on his first experience at a shooting range and highlighted Rana's remarkable achievements, particularly his gold medal win at the 1994 Asian Games, which inspired a generation of shooters. He noted that Rana was not just an admired figure but a benchmark for aspiring athletes.

Gagan also acknowledged Rana's significant contributions as a coach, including mentoring Manu Bhaker, who won two Olympic bronze medals under his guidance, shaping the future of many young shooters.

Esha Singh's Touching Tribute

Olympian Esha Singh also shared her heartfelt tribute to Jaspal, stating that some individuals become integral to one's journey, making it hard to envision the sport without them. She reminisced about her experiences with him since 2018 and the privilege of training under him in 2025.

Esha emphasized Rana's unwavering belief in his athletes, recalling how he encouraged her during challenging times. She expressed gratitude for his impact on the sport and the lives he touched, stating that his legacy would continue through every athlete he inspired.

Anjali Bhagwat Reflects on Their Journey

Anjali Bhagwat, a former world number one shooter and multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist, shared her memories of starting her shooting career alongside Jaspal. She described him as the 'life of the team', known for his playful spirit and caring nature.

Anjali recounted their early days in competitive shooting, highlighting his mischievous antics during international tours. She praised his visionary approach that transformed Indian shooting, expressing gratitude for their friendship and the memories they created together.

Jaspal Rana's Lasting Impact on Indian Shooting

Jaspal Rana leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Indian shooting, spanning over three decades. He is celebrated as India's most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, having amassed 15 medals—nine gold, four silver, and two bronze—across four editions of the Games.

His accolades extend beyond the Commonwealth, with four golds and one silver at the Asian Games, including a historic gold at the 1994 Hiroshima Games and three golds at the 2006 Doha Games. He also matched the world record in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event during the 2006 Asian Games.

At the time of his passing, Rana was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events, leaving a profound impact on the sport as both a champion and mentor.