India loses one of her sharpest sons: Jaspal Rana passes away aged 49

India's shooting icon Jaspal Rana has passed away at 49. The Asian Games gold medallist shooter was instrumental in tutoring Manu Bhaker to her historic double bronze-medal feat at the Paris Olympics.

According to the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Rana breathed his last at a Delhi hospital on Thursday night. Rana recently underwent a medical procedure after falling ill during the Indian contingent's return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany. Upon landing in New Delhi, he was immediately hospitalised and underwent a medical procedure to have a stent fixed.

The NRAI had officially appointed Rana as the high-performance coach for the 25m pistol discipline in February 2025. After a decorated career as an elite shooter, Rana transformed Indian shooting through his roles as the junior national team coach and high-performance trainer. As a junior pistol coach since 2012, he groomed teen sensations such as Saurabh Chaudhary, Anish Bhanwala, and Chinki Yadav. His work with the junior programme created a massive pipeline of international talent.

Rana is credited with instituting rigorous training routines that perfectly replicated the pressure of actual Olympic matches. For his immense contributions to the sport and the development of the next generation of shooters, the government conferred on him the prestigious Dronacharya Award in 2020.

Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the death of shooter Jaspal Rana, saying his demise 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 guiding young athletes with great dedication. His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and service to the sporting world earned him immense admiration," the PM wrote.