Jaspal Rana death: NRAI mourns Indian pistol champion and coach at 49

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) said Indian shooting had lost Jaspal Rana. The pistol star and coach died after cardiac complications at a city hospital. Rana was 49 and was close to turning 50. The organisation said the news left many in shock across the sport.

NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo said the shooting community struggled to accept the death. "The whole shooting fraternity is in a state of shock and we are still not able to process it as we were hearing that he was recovering after undergoing surgery," Kalikesh Singh Deo said in a statement.

Jaspal Rana death: NRAI calls loss huge for Indian shooting

In the same statement, Kalikesh Singh Deo described Rana’s wider impact on the sport. "Jaspal Rana, through his performances and dynamic personality, single-handedly brought the sport of shooting into popular imagination in India." Kalikesh Singh Deo also highlighted Rana’s coaching record and said the sport had lost someone with more to offer.

"As a coach, he brought glory to the nation at the highest level, churning out champions after champions. It is a huge loss to our sport as he had so much more to give. Gone too soon," Kalikesh Singh Deo added.

Jaspal Rana death: Career medals, awards and Olympics record

Rana came from Uttarakhand and rose early in international shooting. At 18, Rana won gold in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima. In 1994, Rana also became junior world champion in the 25m Standard Pistol in Milan.

Over an extended career, Rana won four Asian Games gold medals and nine Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rana also competed for India at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Rana received the Arjuna Award and the Dronacharya Award for sport and coaching achievements.

Jaspal Rana death: Coaching work with Manu Bhaker and others

After moving into coaching, Rana trained several leading shooters. Rana coached Manu Bhaker and helped guide Manu Bhaker to twin bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Rana also supported the progress of shooters such as Saurabh Chaudhary and Chinki Yadav during their development.

NRAI secretary general Pawankumar Singh issued a separate message on Rana’s passing. "There would never be another Jaspal Rana." Pawankumar Singh said Rana’s commitment to the sport and the country affected everyone around, and said the body stood with Rana’s family.

"His love and passion for the sport and for the flag was contagious. We are all at a loss for words. The NRAI stands firmly with his family at this time of grief. It is a very sad day for Indian shooting," Pawankumar Singh said.

Jaspal Rana death: SAI tribute and last illness details

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also posted a tribute on social media. "A champion in competition, a mentor in life, and a legend for generations. Jaspal Ranas legacy will continue to guide Indian shooting long after his final salute. Rest in Peace! SAI tweeted."

Rana first fell unwell on the Indian contingent’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany. After landing in New Delhi, Rana was taken to hospital and a stent was fitted. Sources said Rana was initially reported stable, but the condition later worsened before death.

With inputs from PTI