The tragedy followed a sudden illness during the Indian team's return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich.

Indian shooting legend and Dronacharya awardee Jaspal Rana has passed away at the age of 49. The president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, confirmed that the renowned coach breathed his last on Thursday night at a hospital in New Delhi.

Rana was a transformative figure in Indian sports, transitioning from an elite marksman to a high-performance coach. He served as the primary mentor for the national pistol team, fundamentally modernizing India's approach to international shooting. His deep technical knowledge and leadership were instrumental in shifting the country's performance trajectory on the global stage.

His coaching legacy is highlighted by his pivotal role in Manu Bhaker’s historic double-bronze win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Since 2012, he groomed several world-class talents, including Saurabh Chaudhary, Anish Bhanwala, and Chinky Yadav. Under his expert guidance, these athletes emerged as dominant forces in the junior and senior circuits, establishing new benchmarks for excellence.

The tragedy followed a sudden illness during the Indian team’s return flight from the ISSF World Cup in Munich. Upon landing in New Delhi, he was immediately hospitalized and underwent a cardiac procedure involving stents; however, he could not recover.

Widely respected for his transformative impact on the national shooting program, Rana’s passing marks the end of an era for the sport in India. His vision and dedication will continue to influence generations of Indian shooters to come.