India Open Competitions to Honor Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh in 2026
Celebrating Legends in Indian Shooting
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has declared that the upcoming July 2026 editions of the India Open Competitions will pay tribute to two pivotal figures in Indian shooting and sports management.
The Rifle/Pistol events will be renamed the Jaspal Rana Memorial India Open Competition, while the Shotgun events will be known as the Raja Randhir Singh Memorial India Open Competition.
This decision underscores the NRAI's dedication to honoring the legacies of these remarkable individuals, whose contributions have significantly influenced the development of shooting in India and continue to motivate athletes, coaches, and administrators alike.
Jaspal Rana is celebrated as one of the most iconic figures in Indian shooting, whose accomplishments sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for the sport. He is a multiple-time medallist at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, holding the record for the most Commonwealth Games medals by an Indian athlete, totaling 15, including nine golds.
His historic gold medal win at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima marked the beginning of a stellar international career, establishing him as one of the top pistol shooters of his time. Beyond his athletic prowess, Rana also made significant contributions as a coach, mentoring many of India's leading pistol shooters and playing a crucial role in the country's rise as a global shooting powerhouse.
Sadly, Jaspal passed away earlier this month in New Delhi after facing health challenges. He was hospitalized at Max Hospital in Saket, South Delhi, where he ultimately succumbed. Reports indicate that he fell ill after returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich and subsequently underwent a medical procedure in Delhi.
Raja Randhir Singh is also honored for his extensive contributions both in competition and administration. As one of India's most esteemed shotgun shooters, he represented the nation at several Olympic Games and made history by winning India's first-ever Asian Games gold medal in shooting at the 1978 Bangkok Games. His influence extended beyond his athletic career, as he became a respected sports administrator, currently serving as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia.
Raja Randhir Singh passed away on May 27 in New Delhi at the age of 79.
By dedicating the July 2026 India Open Competitions to Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, the NRAI aims to honor two legendary figures whose impact goes beyond medals and records, leaving a profound legacy in Indian sports.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the NRAI, remarked, “Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh are monumental figures whose contributions have fundamentally shaped the success of shooting in India. Jaspal inspired countless individuals through his achievements as a champion shooter, coach, and mentor, while Raja Randhir Singh made a lasting impact as an elite athlete and respected sports administrator. Naming the July 2026 India Open Competitions in their honor is a fitting tribute to their extraordinary legacies.”
Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General of the NRAI, emphasized that the India Open Competitions are essential for the domestic circuit, uniting elite athletes with emerging talent. “By associating these tournaments with the names of Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, we hope that our future shooters will find inspiration in their journeys every time they compete. This initiative connects our glorious past with the future of Indian shooting, setting a standard of excellence for international success.”
The Jaspal Rana Memorial India Open Competition in Rifle/Pistol Events and the Raja Randhir Singh Memorial India Open Competition in Shotgun Events will gather the nation’s top shooters and rising stars.
These events will not only serve as crucial platforms for national ranking and development but will also stand as enduring tributes to two iconic figures whose influence on Indian sports will echo for generations.