Tributes Pour In for Jaspal Rana: A Legend in Indian Shooting

Jaspal Rana, a celebrated figure in Indian shooting, has passed away at the age of 49. Prime Minister Modi expressed deep sorrow over his demise, highlighting Rana's significant contributions to sports and mentorship. Known for his remarkable achievements, including 15 Commonwealth Games medals and multiple Asian Games victories, Rana's legacy spans over three decades. After retiring, he dedicated his life to coaching, nurturing future talents like Manu Bhaker. His passing is a profound loss for the sporting community, and he will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to excellence.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 11:36 IST

Prime Minister Modi Expresses Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the passing of Jaspal Rana, a former Indian shooter and esteemed coach. The 49-year-old athlete died in New Delhi on Friday after facing health issues. Hospital officials confirmed that he passed away at Max Hospital located in Saket, South Delhi.

A Heartfelt Message from the Prime Minister

In a post shared on X, PM Modi conveyed his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His departure is a significant loss for Indian sports. He brought immense pride to our nation through his remarkable achievements in shooting. His dedication as a mentor, guiding young athletes with passion, was equally commendable. His commitment to excellence and service in the sporting community earned him great respect. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire sports community during this difficult time. Om Shanti."

Impact on Indian Shooting

Rana reportedly fell ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup held in Munich on Thursday and subsequently underwent a medical procedure in Delhi. His death is a significant loss for Indian shooting, where he had a transformative impact both as an athlete and a coach.

A Legacy of Sporting Excellence

Jaspal 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 secured an astounding 15 medals—nine gold, four silver, and two bronze—across the 1994, 1998, 2002, and 2006 editions.

Achievements Beyond Commonwealth Games

His accomplishments extended beyond the Commonwealth Games, as he won four gold medals and one silver at the Asian Games. Notably, he clinched a gold medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and achieved a remarkable three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.

A Remarkable Feat in Doha

Rana's determination was evident when he won three gold medals in Doha while battling a high fever, a remarkable achievement that is celebrated in the annals of Indian shooting.

Transitioning from Champion to Coach

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

His Role at the Time of Passing

At the time of his untimely death, Rana was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events.