From Commonwealth Games glory to guiding Olympic medallists, Jaspal Rana shaped generations of shooters. His untimely demise marks a profound loss for Indian athletics.
BY PC Bureau
June 12, 2026: Indian shooting lost one of its most influential figures on Thursday night with the passing of Jaspal Rana, the decorated marksman and coach who played a key role in shaping the country’s modern shooting success. Rana, 49, died at Delhi’s Max Hospital after suffering cardiac complications.
Rana recently underwent a stent procedure after doctors detected a blockage in his heart. He first complained of chest pain during the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany, but reportedly mistook it for acidity and continued with his travel schedule. The discomfort returned during his flight back to India, leading to his immediate admission to the hospital upon landing in Delhi.
According to National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Rana passed away at the hospital on Thursday night. A second stent procedure had been planned in the days ahead, and reports had indicated that he was stable and recovering before news of his death emerged.
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“He experienced chest pain and discomfort during the ISSF World Cup in Munich, which he initially mistook for acidity and continued with his travel plans. However, the discomfort returned during the journey back to India, prompting immediate medical attention upon his arrival in Delhi,” his brother, Subash Rana, had told the media after his hospitalisation.
Beyond his accomplishments as a shooter, Rana’s greatest contribution came as a mentor. He was instrumental in the rise of Manu Bhaker, guiding the young star through crucial stages of her career. Under his coaching, Bhaker went on to win two medals for India at the Paris Olympic Games.
Rana also enjoyed a glittering competitive career of his own. He remains one of India’s most successful athletes in Commonwealth Games history, winning medals across four editions of the event in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. His standout performance came at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, where he clinched three gold medals and equalled the world record in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event.
His emergence on the international stage dates back to 1994, when the then 18-year-old won junior gold at the World Championship in Milan with a world-record score, announcing the arrival of a prodigious talent.
Jaspal Rana’s legacy extends far beyond medals and records. As both a champion shooter and an inspirational coach, he helped elevate Indian shooting to new heights and leaves behind a lasting impact on generations of athletes.
