NEW DELHI, June 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep grief over the demise of celebrated shooting coach and former international marksman Jaspal Rana, describing his death as a significant setback for Indian sports.
In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister paid homage to Rana’s exceptional contribution to the country, both as a decorated shooter and as a mentor who helped shape the careers of several top athletes.
Modi said Rana brought pride to India through his outstanding performances on the shooting range and later played a pivotal role in developing the next generation of talent. He noted that his dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence earned him widespread respect across the sporting community.
The Prime Minister also extended condolences to Rana’s family, friends and athletes associated with him, saying his contribution to Indian sports would be remembered for years to come.
Rana was regarded as one of India’s most accomplished pistol shooters before transitioning into coaching, where he built an equally impressive legacy. Over the past decade, he emerged as a key figure in India’s rise as a global force in shooting sports.
Among his most notable achievements as a coach was guiding Indian shooters who went on to excel at international competitions, including Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. Under his mentorship, several young athletes developed into world-class competitors and brought laurels to the country.
Since assuming responsibilities as a national pistol coach, Rana played an instrumental role in nurturing emerging talent, including Saurabh Chaudhary, Anish Bhanwala and Chinki Yadav. His technical expertise and ability to identify promising shooters made him one of the most respected coaches in the sport.
Rana had recently accompanied the Indian team to the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where the contingent delivered an impressive performance, securing multiple medals. Officials said he developed health complications during the return journey and was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi after landing.
Despite undergoing medical treatment, including a cardiac procedure, he could not recover.
Recognising his contribution to coaching, the National Rifle Association of India had appointed him as the high-performance coach for the 25-metre pistol event in 2025. His efforts in strengthening India’s shooting programme earned him the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020.
With a career spanning decades as both a champion athlete and a mentor, Rana leaves behind a lasting legacy that transformed Indian shooting and inspired countless young sportspersons across the country.