NRAI honours legacy of Jaspal Rana, Raja Randhir Singh, names events after them
New Delhi, June 23
The National Rifle Association of India announced on Tuesday that the July 2026 editions of the India Open Competitions will be named in honour of two of the most influential figures in the history of Indian shooting and sports administration.
The India Open Competition in Rifle/Pistol events will now be known as the Jaspal Rana Memorial India Open Competition in Rifle/Pistol Events, while the Shotgun events will be named the Raja Randhir Singh Memorial India Open Competition in Shotgun Events.
The decision reflects the NRAI's commitment to celebrating the lives and legacies of two extraordinary individuals whose contributions helped shape the growth of shooting in India and continues to inspire generations of athletes, coaches, and administrators, a release said.
Jaspal Rana remains one of the greatest legends of Indian shooting and a pioneer whose achievements ignited the country's passion for the sport. A multiple-time Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallist, he was once India's most successful Commonwealth Games athlete with an unprecedented haul of 15 medals, including nine golds.
His historic Asian Games gold medal at Hiroshima in 1994 launched a distinguished international career that established him as one of the finest pistol shooters of his era. Beyond his exploits as an athlete, Rana played a transformative role as a coach and mentor, nurturing several of India's leading pistol shooters and contributing significantly to the nation's emergence as a global shooting powerhouse.
Jaspal passed away in New Delhi earlier this month after battling health complications. He was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket, South Delhi, where he breathed his last, hospital officials confirmed. Rana had reportedly fallen ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich that month and later underwent a medical procedure in Delhi.
Raja Randhir Singh is revered for his monumental contributions both on and off the field of play. One of India's most distinguished shotgun shooters, he represented the country with distinction across multiple Olympic Games and achieved a historic milestone by winning India's first-ever Asian Games gold medal in shooting at the 1978 Bangkok Games. His impact extended far beyond competition; he transitioned into one of the most respected sports administrators in the global Olympic Movement, serving Indian and international sports bodies with distinction and currently leading the Olympic Council of Asia as its President.
On May 27, Raja Randhir Singh passed away on Wednesday morning in New Delhi at the age of 79.
By dedicating the July 2026 edition of India Open Competitions to Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, the NRAI seeks to honour two iconic personalities whose footprints transcended medals and records, leaving a lasting imprint on Indian sport, the release said.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President, NRAI, said, "Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh are two towering figures whose contributions fundamentally shaped the growth and success of shooting in India. While Jaspal inspired generations through his achievements as a champion shooter, coach, and mentor, Raja Randhir Singh left an enduring impact both as an elite athlete and as one of the most respected sports administrators globally. Naming the July 2026 edition of India Open Competitions in their memory is a fitting tribute to their extraordinary legacies and the lasting inspiration they provide to the sporting community."
Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General, NRAI, said the India Open Competitions serve as a critical launchpad for domestic circuit, bringing together elite athletes and the next generation of talent.
"By anchoring these tournaments to the names of Jaspal Rana and Raja Randhir Singh, we want our upcoming shooters to draw strength and inspiration from their journeys every time they step onto the firing line. This initiative bridges our glorious history with the future of Indian shooting, reinforcing the benchmark of excellence required to win at the highest international levels."
The editions of the Jaspal Rana Memorial India Open Competition in Rifle/Pistol Events and the Raja Randhir Singh Memorial India Open Competition in Shotgun Events will bring together the country's leading shooters and emerging talents.
Beyond serving as vital competitive platforms for national ranking and development, the events will stand as living tributes to two iconic figures whose influence on Indian sport will resonate for generations to come.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Raja Randhir Singh was a gem. Not just a shooter but an administrator who put India on the global sports map. His work with the Olympic Council of Asia was immense. Sad we lost both of them so close together. 🇮🇳
Good move by NRAI. But honestly, these dedicated events should have been started while they were alive. Why do we always wait for people to pass away to honour them? Jaspal Rana was struggling with health issues for years. A living legend deserved to see his name in lights.
I met Jaspal Rana at a camp in 2017. The man was so humble despite all his achievements. He would sit with junior shooters for hours, correcting their grip and stance. His coaching turned many into champions. The memorial competition will keep his legacy alive. Well done, NRAI.
Raja Randhir Singh's journey from Olympic shooter to leading the Olympic Council of Asia is incredible. He showed that Indian sports administrators can be world-class too. The shotgun event named after him is a perfect match. Hope the upcoming shooters understand the legacy they are competing for.
Two legends, one announcement. Jaspal Rana's 15 Commonwealth Games medals is a record that will stand for decades. And Raja Randhir Singh was a trailblazer who carried Indian shooting on his shoulders in the 70s and 80s. Respect. Hope the prize money for these events is substantial to attract top talent.
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