‘He was heading to Germany when it happened’: Uncle reveals final details before Jaspal Rana’s death

Jaspal Rana (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: Former Indian batsman and coach Jaspal Rana passed away in New Delhi on Friday. He was one of India’s most successful shooters and later became a respected coach who helped develop many young shooting talents in the country.Expressing shock and sadness at his death, his uncle Rajendra Singh Rana said Jaspal had no known health problems and was on his way to Germany when the incident occurred.“This is a moment of great sadness. He had no previous (health) problems. He was heading to Germany when this happened,” Rajendra Singh Rana told ANI.Jaspal Rana enjoyed a stellar career spanning more than 30 years. He is India’s most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, winning 15 medals – nine gold, four silver and two bronze – in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006.He also achieved great success at the Asian Games, winning four gold medals and one silver. His achievements included a gold medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.In 1994, he won the gold medal at the World Shooting Championships in Milan and set a record score. He also equaled the world record in the 25m Center Fire Pistol event at the 2006 Asian Games with a score of 590 points.At the time of his death, Rana was serving as India’s high performance coach for pistol shooting. His merits as both a master shooter and a coach have earned him immense respect in Indian sports.Tributes poured in from across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah among those mourning his death.“Deeply saddened by the passing away of legendary sportsman Jaspal Rana Ji. He dedicated his life to building the indomitable art of Indian shooting by winning international honors for the nation and nurturing young shooters as a coach. Rana Ji’s passing is an irreparable loss to the nation. In this moment of grief,” my sincere condolences to his Sha family and sincere condolences to X. His admirers.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the shooting legend.“He is deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a deep loss to the world of Indian sports. He brought immense glory to the nation with his extraordinary achievements in shooting. Equally remarkable was his contribution as a mentor who shaped and guided young sportsmen with great determination. His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and admirable thoughts and adulation earned him the admiration of my wonderful family, my friends. the whole of sports fraternity in this hour of sorrow,” the Prime Minister said.