Manu Bhaker devastated by 'irreparable damage' after coach Jaspal Rana's passing
New Delhi, June 13
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker was left devastated by what she described as an "irreparable damage" after the death of her coach and mentor Jaspal Rana, who passed away in New Delhi early on Friday morning following complications arising from a recent stent procedure. He was 49.
Bhaker went to X to share her sadness over the loss of the man who was key in reviving her career after the disappointment of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He later guided her to a historic two-medal achievement at the Paris 2024 Games.
Manu posted pictures with her coach and wrote, "irreparable damage." Rana, one of India's top pistol shooters, became a coach after retiring from competitive shooting. He started training young shooters at his academy in Dehradun before joining the national team. There, he became one of the country's most important coaches.
Rana's connection with Bhaker was life-changing. After the letdown in Tokyo, where the pressure had been intense, Rana helped her rebuild her confidence and get back into competitive form. With his guidance, Bhaker returned to the highest level of the sport and made history at the Paris Olympics.
While in Dehradun for a training camp, Bhaker visited Rana's home and academy to pay her respects. Clearly emotional, she reflected on their relationship, saying he was more than just a coach. He was a mentor, guide, and friend who deeply understood her and supported her through both victories and challenges.
Their partnership went beyond just technical training; Rana helped Bhaker through some of the toughest times in her career while always believing she could succeed on the big stage.
Rana's sudden passing has shocked the Indian shooting community. He reportedly took ill on the way back from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where India had won four medals. Despite feeling chest pain, he kept traveling before being taken to Max Hospital in New Delhi.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The way he rebuilt Manu after Tokyo is a story of resilience. Many athletes would have quit, but his faith in her made her a double Olympic medallist. Such a tragic loss at just 49. That stent procedure complication is scary - our healthcare system needs better post-surgery care.
Sad to see such a dedicated coach go so young. The Indian sports fraternity has lost a pillar. Manu's tribute is poignant - she knows better than anyone what he meant to her career. Rest in peace, Jaspal Rana. 🇮🇳
While I respect Jaspal Rana's contribution, I feel the sports ministry should have had better medical support for our coaches traveling abroad. The fact that he had chest pain on the way from Munich but still kept moving shows how under-appreciated our support staff are. We need to do better for those who build champions.
Manu's strength is incredible. Losing your mentor and then having to pay respects at his academy in Dehradun... my heart goes out to her. Jaspal Rana wasn't just a coach, he was family to her. The Indian shooting community will never forget his legacy. 🥺
What a tragedy. This man gave India two Olympic medals through Manu Bhaker. His journey from being a top pistol shooter himself to becoming a mentor who changed lives is what real sports development looks like. Hope the government recognizes his family's loss properly. Om Shanti. 🙏
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