Nation Remembers Jaspal Rana: A Legendary Shooter and Coach

The passing of Jaspal Rana, a celebrated Indian shooter and coach, has left a profound impact on his family and the nation. His cousin expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the irreplaceable talent lost. Jaspal's remarkable legacy includes 15 Commonwealth Games medals and multiple Asian Games victories. He was a high-performance coach at the time of his death, leaving behind a significant mark on Indian sports. The family is set to perform his last rites in Varanasi, as they gather to honor his memory.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 10:55 IST

Family Grieves the Loss of a 'One-of-a-Kind' Talent

On Saturday, the cousin of former Indian shooter and coach Jaspal Rana expressed profound sorrow over his passing, stating that the family is struggling to find the right words to convey their grief. He emphasized that the nation has lost an irreplaceable talent. The family is preparing to hold the last rites in Varanasi, gathering to pay their final respects to the esteemed shooter and coach. "We cannot fill this void. This is an incredibly difficult time for us, and we are at a loss for words. The country has lost a true gem. There will never be another like him... We are heading to Varanasi for the final farewell," Jaspal's cousin shared with a media outlet.

Jaspal's Final Moments in New Delhi

Jaspal Rana passed away in New Delhi on Friday after facing health issues. He was receiving treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, South Delhi, where he ultimately succumbed, as confirmed by hospital officials.

Reports indicate that Rana fell ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich on Thursday and subsequently underwent a medical procedure in Delhi.

A Legacy of Excellence in Shooting

Rana, one of India's most celebrated shooters, leaves behind an impressive legacy that spans over thirty years. He is recognized as India's most successful athlete in the Commonwealth Games, having amassed an incredible 15 medals—nine gold, four silver, and two bronze—across the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions.

His accomplishments extend beyond the Commonwealth Games, as he secured four gold medals and one silver at the Asian Games, including a gold at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and a remarkable three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Additionally, he matched the world record in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event with a total score of 590 during the 2006 Asian Games.

At the time of his passing, Rana was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events. His influence as both a champion shooter and a mentor has left a lasting impact on Indian sports.