"This is a huge loss for our sport": Abhinav Bindra mourns demise of his 'teammate' Jaspal Rana
New Delhi, June 12
India's 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra paid his condolences on the death of his former teammate and Dronacharya Award-winning coach Jaspal Rana.
The 49-year-old passed away in New Delhi on Friday after battling health complications. He was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket, South Delhi, where he breathed his last, hospital officials confirmed.
Bindra shared a post on X and wrote, "Heartbroken to hear about Jaspal Rana's passing. Jaspal was my teammate, and in many ways, part of a generation that helped shape Indian shooting. He was intense, gifted, and carried the pride of the country every time he stepped onto the range. This is a huge loss for our sport. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, students and everyone whose life he touched."
Rana had reportedly fallen ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich on Thursday and later underwent a medical procedure in Delhi. His passing comes as a major blow to Indian shooting, where he played a transformative role both as an athlete and a coach.
One of India's most decorated shooters, Rana leaves behind a remarkable legacy spanning more than three decades. He remains India's most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, having won an extraordinary 15 medals -- nine gold, four silver and two bronze -- across the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006 editions of the Games.
His achievements extended well beyond the Commonwealth stage. Rana secured four gold medals and one silver at the Asian Games, including a gold medal at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games and a historic haul of three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
Known for his grit and determination, Rana famously won three gold medals in Doha despite competing with a high fever, a feat that remains one of the most celebrated achievements in Indian shooting history.
After retiring from competition, Rana devoted himself to coaching and talent development. As a junior national coach, he identified and nurtured several future stars, including Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary.
Despite a widely publicised fallout with Bhaker before the Tokyo Olympics, the two later reunited, with Rana playing a key role in her successful campaign that culminated in two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
He was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997 for his contributions to Indian shooting. He was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2020.
At the time of his death, Rana was serving as India's high-performance coach for pistol events.
— ANI
Reader Comments
What a sad day for Indian sports. 15 Commonwealth medals and he was just 49. It makes you think about the pressure these athletes go through and the toll it takes. I wish we had better support systems for our retired players. His contribution will never be forgotten.
Abhinav Bindra's words capture it perfectly. Jaspal Rana was intense and gifted. I remember watching him win those three golds in Doha with a fever - that's pure willpower. Indian shooting has lost a giant. My heartfelt condolences to his family and students.
It's so sad to lose someone who dedicated their whole life to the sport. From his own stellar career to coaching the next generation like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, he was a true mentor. I hope his family finds strength during this time. 🕯️
This is a huge loss indeed. Jaspal Rana's legacy is not just in his medals but in the shooters he produced. The way he came back to coach Manu Bhaker after their differences shows his commitment to the sport. May his soul rest in peace. His 15 Commonwealth medals will stand as a record for years.
Heartbreaking news. But I hope the sports ministry takes a good look at how we treat our former athletes who have given everything for the country. The fact that Jaspal Rana was still actively coaching shows his passion. Condolences to his loved ones. 🏅
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