New Delhi: Renowned shooter Jaspal Rana has passed away. Rana fell ill while returning from Munich. Upon arriving in Delhi, he was admitted to a hospital in Saket for treatment. He underwent immediate medical tests at the hospital, which revealed the need for an urgent stent procedure. However, despite immediate medical intervention, he could not be saved.
Jaspal Rana served as the High-Performance Coach for Indian pistol shooters. The Indian team had won two gold and two silver medals at the ISSF World Cup held in Munich. A source from the National Rifle Association of India stated that Rana was not feeling well during the flight; upon reaching Delhi, he went straight to the hospital, where a stent was inserted following medical tests.
After a stellar career as an athlete, Rana’s career as a junior team coach and high-performance trainer was also filled with achievements. Under his guidance, Manu Bhaker won two medals at the Paris Olympics. He had been serving as India’s High-Performance Coach for the 25m pistol event since February 2025.
The government honored Jaspal Rana with the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020 in recognition of his immense contribution to the sport and his role in grooming the next generation of shooters.
Jaspal Rana: At a Glance
Born: June 28, 1976, Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand)
Died: June 12, 2026 (at the age of 49)
Identity: One of India’s greatest pistol shooters, a national coach, and a sports mentor.
Won numerous medals for India at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and global events.
Achievements & Awards:
- Gained international recognition by setting a world record at the Junior World Shooting Championships in Milan in 1994.
- Brought glory to India by winning a gold medal at the 1994 Asian Games (Hiroshima). Won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
- Equalled the world record by scoring 590 points in the 25m center-fire pistol event.
- Won a total of 15 medals across four editions of the Commonwealth Games (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), comprising 9 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
- Represented India at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- Conferred the Arjuna Award in 1994.
- Awarded the Padma Shri in 1997.
- Received the Dronacharya Award in 2020.
Contribution as a Coach
Regarded as one of the most influential coaches in Indian pistol shooting.Trained several international shooters, including Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker. He played a pivotal role in establishing Indian shooting at the global level. Jaspal Rana’s passing is considered an irreparable loss to the Indian sports fraternity, particularly the shooting community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Rana’s demise, describing it as a profound loss to Indian sports.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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 guiding young athletes with great dedication.”
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan termed Rana’s death a profound loss for the nation, saying the former shooter had brought great glory to India through his remarkable achievements on the international stage.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the demise of legendary sportsperson. “He dedicated his life to establishing India’s indomitable mettle in shooting by winning international honors for the nation and by nurturing young shooters as a coach. Rana Ji’s passing is an irreparable loss to the nation. At this moment of grief, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and millions of admirers,” he added.
In his tribute, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled Rana’s immense contribution to the sport. “I am stunned and grief-stricken by the sudden demise of the internationally renowned shooter Jaspal Rana. He was not only an exceptional athlete and coach but also an extremely affable, simple and kind-hearted person. He played a highly influential role in popularising shooting as a sport in India,” Singh said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of the internationally acclaimed shooter and Padma Shri awardee, Jaspal Rana. The Chief Minister stated that through his exceptional talent, hard work, and remarkable achievements, Jaspal Rana brought glory not only to Uttarakhand but to the entire nation on the global stage. His contribution to the field of shooting will remain unforgettable. He inspired numerous young athletes and provided guidance to help them achieve excellence in sports.The Chief Minister said that the demise of Jaspal Rana is an irreparable loss for the sports world, Uttarakhand, and the nation. He prayed to the Almighty for peace to the departed soul and for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family and admirers during this difficult time.
