Tributes Pour In for Legendary Shooter Jaspal Rana

The Indian shooting community mourns the loss of Jaspal Rana, a two-time Olympic medalist and revered coach, who passed away at 49. Known for his remarkable achievements, including 15 Commonwealth Games medals and a significant role in shaping the careers of athletes like Manu Bhaker, Rana's legacy as a champion and mentor will endure. His contributions to Indian sports, especially in coaching, have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations. Discover more about his storied career and the impact he had on the sport.

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

Farewell to a Coaching Legend

Manu Bhaker, a two-time Olympic medalist, was visibly emotional as she bid farewell to her long-time coach, Padma Shri Jaspal Rana, who passed away at the age of 49. Rana died in New Delhi on Friday after facing various health issues. His remains were transported to his home in Dehradun later that night.

Impact on Manu Bhaker's Career

Jaspal Rana, who discovered and mentored Bhaker during her early career as a junior national coach, played a pivotal role in her achievements, including her two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A Distinguished Career in Shooting

Rana was one of India's most celebrated shooters, boasting an impressive career that spanned over thirty years. He holds the record as India's most successful athlete in the Commonwealth Games, having amassed a total of 15 medals: nine gold, four silver, and two bronze across the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 events.

Achievements Beyond Commonwealth Games

His accolades extended to the Asian Games, where he earned four gold medals and one silver, including a notable gold at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and a remarkable three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Additionally, he set a record score while winning gold at the 1994 World Shooting Championships in Milan and matched the world record in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event during the 2006 Asian Games.

Remarkable Feat at Doha

Rana's determination was evident when he secured three gold medals at the Doha Asian Games while battling a high fever, a testament to his resilience and skill in Indian shooting history.

Mentorship and Legacy

Following his retirement, Rana dedicated himself to coaching, significantly impacting the careers of many young shooters, including Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary. Despite a public disagreement with Bhaker prior to the Tokyo Olympics, they reconciled, and Rana was instrumental in her success at the Paris Olympics.

Final Contributions

At the time of his passing, Rana was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events. His legacy as both a champion shooter and a mentor will continue to inspire future generations in Indian sports.