New Delhi: Jaspal Rana, an Asian Games gold medallist and one of India’s most decorated shooters who later became a leading coach, died of a heart attack on Thursday. He was 49.
Rana won multiple medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, and is credited with mentoring top talents such as Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary. He also served as the chief coach of the Indian shooting team.
According to reports, he fell ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany, where India won four medals—two gold and two silver. He was admitted to a Delhi hospital for treatment.
Doctors found that he required a stent procedure, but he passed away before arrangements could be completed. Rana had received the Arjuna Award (1994), Padma Shri (1997) and the Dronacharya Award (2020).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled his death. In a message, the Prime Minister said Rana’s passing was a major loss to Indian sport and highlighted his achievements as well as his dedication to guiding young athletes.
