Jaspal Rana Dies at 49 | Indian Shooting Legend and Manu Bhaker's Coach Passes Away
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Jun 12, 2026
- 114
The Indian sporting community is mourning the loss of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana, who passed away on Friday at the age of 49. The former champion shooter and renowned coach was undergoing treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, New Delhi. His death was confirmed by National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo.
Reports indicate that Rana suffered a major health complication while returning from Munich on June 1. His condition worsened during the flight, prompting immediate medical assistance. After reaching Delhi, he was admitted to Max Hospital, where doctors conducted several examinations and later implanted a heart stent.
Jaspal Rana's Lasting Impact on Indian Shooting
Jaspal Rana was widely recognized as one of India's most successful shooters and influential coaches. In recent years, he played a crucial role in mentoring double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and was part of her coaching setup during the Paris Olympics.
Apart from guiding elite shooters, Rana served as the coach of India's junior shooting team and worked as a high-performance trainer. In February 2025, he was appointed High-Performance Coach for India's 25-metre pistol squad.
Remarkable Medal-Winning Career
Rana's achievements on the international stage established him as one of India's greatest shooting stars. During his career, he secured eight medals at the Asian Games, including four gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
His success extended to the Commonwealth Games, where he amassed an impressive collection of 15 medals, comprising nine gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
Abhinav Bindra Expresses Grief
Paying tribute to the late shooter, Olympic (Olympedia – Jaspal Rana) gold medallist Abhinav Bindra shared an emotional message on social media platform X. He remembered Rana as a trusted teammate and one of the pioneers who helped elevate Indian shooting to global prominence.
Bindra described him as an exceptionally talented athlete whose dedication and performances consistently brought honour to the nation. He added that Indian sports, especially the shooting fraternity, had suffered a significant loss.
Sports Fraternity Pays Tribute
The passing of Jaspal Rana marks a heartbreaking moment for Indian sports. From winning medals for the country to nurturing future champions, his contribution to Indian shooting remains unparalleled.
Tributes have continued to pour in from athletes, coaches, sports officials and fans across the country, all remembering Rana as a sporting icon whose legacy will inspire generations to come
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