Tributes Pour in for Indian Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Jaspal Rana, a prominent figure in Indian shooting and a Dronacharya Award-winning coach, has passed away at the age of 49. His legacy includes an impressive record of 15 Commonwealth Games medals and significant contributions to the sport as a coach. Tributes from fellow athletes, including Abhinav Bindra, highlight his impact on Indian shooting. Rana's career was marked by remarkable achievements, including three gold medals at the 2006 Asian Games, won while battling illness. His dedication to nurturing future talent has left a lasting influence on the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 12:06 IST

Indian Shooting Legend Jaspal Rana Passes Away

Jaspal Rana, a celebrated shooter and Dronacharya Award-winning coach, has sadly passed away at the age of 49 in New Delhi. His death was confirmed by officials at Max Hospital in Saket, where he had been receiving treatment for health issues. Abhinav Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist and Rana's former teammate, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "I am heartbroken to learn of Jaspal Rana's passing. He was not only my teammate but also a pivotal figure in shaping Indian shooting. His intensity and talent brought pride to our nation every time he competed. This is a significant loss for our sport. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those he inspired."

Rana reportedly fell ill after returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich and subsequently underwent a medical procedure in Delhi.

An Illustrious Career

The loss of Rana is a significant blow to the Indian shooting community, where he made substantial contributions as both an athlete and a coach.

Rana is one of India's most accomplished shooters, boasting an impressive legacy that spans over thirty years. He holds the record as India's most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, having won a total of 15 medals: nine gold, four silver, and two bronze across the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 Games.

His achievements were not limited to the Commonwealth Games; Rana also excelled at the Asian Games, securing four gold medals and one silver, including a gold at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and a remarkable three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

Notably, Rana achieved three gold medals in Doha while battling a high fever, a testament to his determination and resilience, marking one of the most celebrated moments in Indian shooting history.

Legacy as a Coach and Mentor

Following his retirement from competitive shooting, Rana dedicated himself to coaching and developing new talent. As a junior national coach, he played a crucial role in nurturing future stars like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary. Despite a public disagreement with Bhaker prior to the Tokyo Olympics, they reconciled, with Rana significantly contributing to her success, which included two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Rana received numerous accolades for his contributions to the sport, including the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Padma Shri in 1997, and the Dronacharya Award in 2020. At the time of his passing, he was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events.