India Mourns the Loss of Legendary Shooter and Coach Jaspal Rana

The National Rifle Association of India mourns the death of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana, praised for his exceptional contributions as a competitor and coach over three decades. Born in Uttarakhand, Rana was celebrated for his achievements and pivotal role in advancing Indian shooting sports.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has expressed their deepest condolences following the death of legendary pistol shooter and national coach Jaspal Rana, who passed away at the age of 49 in New Delhi. Rana's death marks a profound loss for the Indian sporting community, to which he dedicated over three decades as both a celebrated athlete and mentor.

Kalikesh Singh Deo, President of the NRAI, mourned Rana's passing as an irreplaceable loss to Indian sports, praising him as a pioneer who inspired generations of shooters to excel internationally. Jaspal Rana's achievements as an athlete were legendary, and his commitment as a coach shaped the careers of India's top champions. Deo also extended heartfelt condolences to Rana's family on behalf of the NRAI during this difficult time.

Jaspal Rana's illustrious career began in Uttarakhand, where he rose to prominence by winning the junior world title in the 25m standard pistol event in Milan in 1994. A competitor at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Rana's career highlights included winning 15 Commonwealth Games medals, eight Asian Games medals, and receiving numerous national honors such as the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. His coaching excellence was recognized with the Dronacharya Award in 2020, underlining his pivotal role in developing elite talent, including guiding Manu Bhaker to a historic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh emphasized the unmatched contributions of Jaspal Rana to Indian shooting, highlighting his role in converting young talent into world-class medalists. As the shooting community mourns, the NRAI extends its condolences and support to his bereaved family.