Uttarakhand’s Pride Lost: Legendary Indian Shooting Coach Jaspal Rana Passes Away at 49

Former Asian Games gold medallist and mentor to Olympic star Manu Bhaker dies after suffering a heart ailment; Indian sports fraternity mourns a huge loss.

New Delhi/Dehradun: Indian shooting has suffered a heartbreaking loss with the untimely demise of renowned shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana. The 49-year-old, who hailed from Uttarakhand and was widely regarded as one of India’s greatest shooting icons, passed away on Friday while undergoing treatment for a heart-related illness.

According to reports, Rana had recently returned from Germany after attending the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where he was serving as the High-Performance Coach for the Indian pistol shooting team. Sources said he experienced health complications during the flight and was taken directly to a hospital in Delhi after landing. Doctors conducted several tests and inserted a stent, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.

Jaspal Rana was officially appointed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) as the High-Performance Coach for the 25m Pistol event in February 2025. He was credited with introducing a disciplined and demanding training regime that helped shape a new generation of Indian shooters. Under his guidance, the Indian contingent delivered an impressive performance at the Munich World Cup, winning two gold and two silver medals.

A champion both on and off the shooting range, Rana dedicated more than three decades of his life to Indian shooting. As an athlete, he brought glory to the nation by winning multiple medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Shooting Championships, establishing himself as one of India’s most successful marksmen.

As a coach, his contribution was equally remarkable. He played a crucial role in nurturing young talent and was instrumental in the rise of several top shooters, including two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. His commitment to developing the next generation of champions earned him the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020, one of India’s highest sporting honours.

Jaspal Rana’s passing is being described as an irreparable loss for Indian sports. Tributes have poured in from athletes, coaches, sports officials and fans across the country, all remembering him not only as a legendary shooter but also as a mentor, motivator and true ambassador of Indian sports.

With his achievements, dedication and inspiring legacy, Jaspal Rana will forever remain a shining star in the history of Indian shooting.