Jaspal Rana, Shooting Coach and Champion, Dies at 49

Jaspal Rana was an Indian sport shooter and coach who died at the age of 49 on 12 June 2026. He was admitted to Max Hospital, Saket, in Delhi, after returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich. He died due to cardiac complications, including a sudden cardiac rupture during sleep after an acute heart attack and a blocked artery.

Jaspal Rana in Indian Shooting

Jaspal Rana won four Asian Games gold medals and 15 Commonwealth Games medals for India. His Commonwealth Games tally included 9 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. He was one of India’s most decorated pistol shooters in international competition.

Coaching Career and Paris 2024 Olympics

Rana coached Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Manu Bhaker became the first Indian in the post-Independence era to win two medals at a single Olympic edition. Rana worked in Indian shooting as both an athlete and a coach.

Awards and Recognition

Jaspal Rana received the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Padma Shri in 1997, and the Dronacharya Award in 2020. The Arjuna Award is a national sports honour in India. The Dronacharya Award is given for excellence in coaching.

Important Facts for Exams

• Jaspal Rana was associated with pistol shooting in India.
• The ISSF World Cup is organised by the International Shooting Sport Federation.
• Max Hospital, Saket, is located in Delhi.
• Paris 2024 was the 33rd Summer Olympic Games.

Legacy in Indian Sports

Jaspal Rana was among India’s leading names in shooting at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He remained linked with Indian sports through both competition and coaching.