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India’s shooting fraternity and political leaders paid tribute to former Asian Games champion and renowned coach Jaspal Rana, who died on Thursday night at the age of 49.
(Credit: X)
Indian shooting great Jaspal Rana, winner of multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals, died on Thursday night at the age of 49.
Rana’s passing comes as a major shock as he had recently undergone a medical procedure after falling ill during the Indian contingent’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany.
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra led the tributes, remembering Rana as a teammate who helped build modern Indian shooting.
Heartbroken to hear about Jaspal Rana’s passing.Jaspal was my teammate, and in many ways, part of a generation that helped shape Indian shooting. He was intense, gifted, and carried the pride of the country every time he stepped onto the range.
This is a huge loss for our…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 12, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Rana’s death as a major blow to Indian sport.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was shocked by the news and praised Rana’s impact on the sport.
I am shocked and heartbroken by the sudden demise of internationally renowned shooter Jaspal Rana. Apart from being an excellent player and coach, Jaspal was an extremely easy-going, simple and very kind-hearted person. He had a very influential role in popularizing shooting as a sport in India.Jaspal… pic.twitter.com/ZwCCJOFkPt
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 12, 2026
Paris Olympics medalist shooter Swapnil Kusale also shared his condolences.
“It is an incredibly heavy and heartbreaking loss for the entire sports community. Losing someone who dedicated so much of his life to the sport—both as a legendary athlete and a mentor—leaves a profound void,” he wrote.
“May God give his family, friends, and the countless athletes he inspired the strength to bear this unimaginable loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You will be deeply, deeply missed, Sir.”
Why Rana Mattered
Rana was one of India’s most decorated shooters, winning multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medals. He later became a highly respected coach and mentor, most notably guiding Manu Bhaker during her rise to international success.
His death comes shortly after he underwent a medical procedure after falling ill during the Indian contingent’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich.
Rana was 49.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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