The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) expressed deep sorrow at the passing of renowned pistol shooter and national coach Jaspal Rana in New Delhi at 49. Rana, a prominent figure in Indian shooting, left behind a remarkable legacy as an athlete and mentor spanning over thirty years.
NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo paid tribute to Rana, highlighting his significant contributions to Indian sports. Rana was hailed as a trailblazer who motivated a whole generation of shooters to excel globally. His exceptional achievements as an athlete and coach have left an indelible mark on the shooting community.
Born in Uttarakhand in 1976, Rana made a mark on the world stage in 1994 by winning the junior world title in the 25m Standard Pistol event in Milan with a world-record score. He represented India at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, playing a crucial role in popularizing shooting in the country.
Rana had a successful competitive career, securing 15 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including nine gold medals over four editions from 1994 to 2006. He also clinched eight medals at the Asian Games, with four of them being gold.
One of Rana’s standout moments was at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, where he overcame high fever to win three gold medals and equal the world record score in the 25m Centre Fire Pistol event. His remarkable contributions to Indian sports earned him the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997.
Transitioning into coaching after retiring from competitive shooting, Rana played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian shooting. As India’s High-Performance Coach for the 25m pistol discipline, he mentored several elite athletes, including Manu Bhaker, a double bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Recognizing his coaching success, Rana was honored with the Dronacharya Award in 2020. NRAI Secretary General Pawan Kumar Singh emphasized Rana’s unparalleled impact on Indian shooting, underscoring his role in nurturing young talent into accomplished medalists.
