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India’s shooting fraternity and political leaders paid tribute to former Asian Games champion and renowned coach Jaspal Rana, who died on Thursday night at the age of 49.
(Credit: X)
Indian shooting great Jaspal Rana, winner of multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals, died on Thursday night at the age of 49.
Rana’s passing comes as a major shock as he had recently undergone a medical procedure after falling ill during the Indian contingent’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany.
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra led the tributes, remembering Rana as a teammate who helped build modern Indian shooting.
Heartbroken to hear about Jaspal Rana’s passing.Jaspal was my teammate, and in many ways, part of a generation that helped shape Indian shooting. He was intense, gifted, and carried the pride of the country every time he stepped onto the range.
This is a huge loss for our…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 12, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Rana’s death as a major blow to Indian sport.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a profound loss to the world of Indian sports.He brought immense glory to the nation through his extraordinary achievements in shooting. Equally remarkable was his contribution as a mentor, shaping and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was shocked by the news and praised Rana’s impact on the sport.
अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ख्याति प्राप्त शूटर जसपाल राणा के आकस्मिक निधन से मैं स्तब्ध और शोकाकुल हूँ। जसपाल एक उत्कृष्ट खिलाड़ी और कोच होने के साथ-साथ अत्यंत सहज, सरल और बहुत ही नेकदिल इंसान थे। भारत में शूटिंग को एक खेल के रूप में लोकप्रिय बनाने में उनकी बड़ी प्रभावी भूमिका थी।जसपाल… pic.twitter.com/ZwCCJOFkPt
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 12, 2026
Why Rana Mattered
Rana was one of India’s most decorated shooters, winning multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals. He later became a highly respected coach and mentor, most notably guiding Manu Bhaker during her rise to international success.
His death comes shortly after he underwent a medical procedure after falling ill during the Indian contingent’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich.
Rana was 49.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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