‘Deep loss for Indian sports’: PM Modi mourns Jaspal Rana’s death at 49
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaspal Rana (ANI Photo) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in mourning the death of renowned shooting coach and former Asian Games gold medalist Jaspal Rana, describing his passing as a “deep loss to the world of Indian sports”.Rana, who served as the high-performance coach of India’s pistol shooters, died on Thursday evening in a Delhi hospital at the age of 49.In an interview with X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the shooting legend and highlighted not only his achievements as a sportsman but also his immense contribution in nurturing future champions.“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a deep loss to the world of Indian sports,” Modi wrote. “He brought immense glory to the nation by his extraordinary achievements in shooting and equally remarkable was his contribution as a mentor who molded and guided young sportsmen with great dedication.”The Prime Minister also praised Rana’s values and dedication to the sport.“His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and service to the sporting world has earned him immense admiration. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire sporting fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” he added.
From master shooter to master coach
Rana enjoyed a distinguished career as one of India’s top pistol shooters before turning to coaching.He later emerged as one of the most influential figures in Indian shooting and helped shape a new generation of stars. His most notable contribution came as a mentor to Manu Bhaker, who created history by winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Since taking over as the junior national pistol coach in 2012, Rana has nurtured several talented shooters including Saurabh Chaudhary, Anish Bhanwala and Chinki Yadav.
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The last days after the World Cup in Munich
Rana recently traveled with the Indian contingent to the ISSF World Championships in Munich, where the team returned with four medals, including two gold and two silver.According to officials, he fell ill during the return flight and was immediately admitted to a hospital in New Delhi after landing. He underwent a procedure to insert a stent but was unable to recover.In February 2025, the National Rifle Association of India appointed him as the High Performance Coach for the 25m Pistol discipline.Recipient of the 2020 Dronacharya Award, Rana leaves behind a huge legacy as a master shooter as well as the architect of India’s modern shooting success.