Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, June 12: Indian shooting has suffered a major loss with the passing of legendary shooter, renowned coach, Dronacharya Award recipient, and Asian Games gold medallist Jaspal Rana, who died at the age of 49 on Friday. The tragic news was confirmed by the National Rifle Association of India, bringing a wave of grief across the country’s sporting fraternity.

Rana had recently returned from the ISSF World Cup held in Munich, Germany, when he fell ill during his journey back to India. Following his health complications, he was admitted to Max Hospital in Delhi, where he underwent a heart procedure and a stent was implanted. Despite medical efforts, the celebrated marksman could not recover.

The time of his demise, Jaspal Rana was serving as the High-Performance Coach of India’s pistol shooting team. Over the years, he not only established himself as one of India’s most successful shooters but also played a vital role in nurturing several generations of talented Indian shooters through his coaching and mentorship.

Known for his exceptional achievements in international competitions and his immense contribution to the growth of shooting in India, Rana leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. His dedication to the sport, both as a champion shooter and as a respected coach, has made him one of the most influential figures in the history of Indian shooting.