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Indian Shooting Legend Jaspal Rana Dies at 49, Leaving Legacy Behind Manu Bhakers Olympic Success
Jaspal Rana, a former Indian shooter and long‑time coach, died on 12 June 2026 at the age of 49 after a brief illness that involved cardiac complications. The 49‑year‑old, who had represented India in multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, had transitioned to coaching in the years before his death.
Rana’s coaching career is most noted for his work with Manu Bhaker, the double bronze‑medallist from the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to reports, Rana’s disciplined, results‑oriented approach helped Bhaker become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. His training methods were described by Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan, as “strict” and “hard‑taskmaster” but ultimately effective.
"The biggest contribution Jaspal Rana made to Manu’s shooting career was instilling discipline, focus, hard work and a result‑oriented approach," Kishan told the Press Trust of India on Saturday. "He was a good coach. His training imparted to Manu was excellent. It is a huge tragedy that he left the world like this. We are extremely saddened by what has happened."
Rana’s coaching style reportedly involved early‑morning sessions and a willingness to challenge the range’s availability. Kishan recalled that Rana would often ask range guards to open the facility at 6 a.m. if it was closed, insisting that the training schedule be respected.
The relationship between Rana and Bhaker was not always smooth. In 2021, two or three months before the Tokyo Olympics, Rana reportedly withdrew his coaching support because Bhaker had qualified for both the 10‑m air pistol and 25‑m sports pistol events. Rana wanted her to drop the 25‑m event, which Bhaker had also qualified for. Kishan said the disagreement had a negative effect on Bhaker’s performance after Tokyo, and she was uncertain about continuing in the sport.
"She was a teenager then. She wanted to become a doctor or an engineer. She wanted to become an IAS officer," Kishan explained. "She was thinking about whether she should continue or not. That kind of thing was going on."
Before the Paris Olympics, Rana reportedly reconciled with Bhaker, telling her, "Let’s do it together," and supporting her participation in both events. The decision coincided with Bhaker’s historic performance in Paris, where she won bronze medals in the women’s 10‑m air pistol and the mixed 10‑m air pistol team events.
Bhaker’s achievements have been widely celebrated in India. She became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, and her double bronze haul was the first time an Indian athlete had won two medals at a single Olympic Games since independence.
Rana’s death has been mourned by the Indian shooting community. The Indian Olympic Association and the Shooting Federation of India have issued statements expressing condolences. While no official statement has been released by the Indian Olympic Association regarding future coaching appointments, the shooting federation has indicated that it will continue to support young shooters.
Rana’s legacy extends beyond Bhaker. He was a four‑time Asian Games gold medallist and a 15‑medallist at the Commonwealth Games. He received the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Padma Shri in 1997, and the Dronacharya Award in 2020 for his contributions to Indian shooting.
The impact of Rana’s coaching philosophy is evident in Bhaker’s performance. Kishan said, "What Manu realised was that if there discipline, everything is possible. If you understand these things, then everything else becomes easy."
As of now, Bhaker is continuing her training regimen ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The Indian shooting team is also preparing for the 2027 World Championships in Sydney.
The shooting community will remember Rana for his competitive achievements and his dedication to developing the next generation of Indian shooters. His sudden passing at 49 marks the loss of a prominent figure in Indian sport.
The Indian shooting federation has announced that it will honour Rana’s memory by organising a memorial meet in his name, though specific dates have not yet been confirmed.
In summary, Jaspal Rana’s death has left a void in Indian shooting. His disciplined coaching style helped Manu Bhaker achieve Olympic success, and his legacy will continue to influence the sport through the athletes he mentored and the standards he set.
Rana’s coaching career is most noted for his work with Manu Bhaker, the double bronze‑medallist from the 2024 Paris Olympics. According to reports, Rana’s disciplined, results‑oriented approach helped Bhaker become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal. His training methods were described by Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan, as “strict” and “hard‑taskmaster” but ultimately effective.
"The biggest contribution Jaspal Rana made to Manu’s shooting career was instilling discipline, focus, hard work and a result‑oriented approach," Kishan told the Press Trust of India on Saturday. "He was a good coach. His training imparted to Manu was excellent. It is a huge tragedy that he left the world like this. We are extremely saddened by what has happened."
Rana’s coaching style reportedly involved early‑morning sessions and a willingness to challenge the range’s availability. Kishan recalled that Rana would often ask range guards to open the facility at 6 a.m. if it was closed, insisting that the training schedule be respected.
The relationship between Rana and Bhaker was not always smooth. In 2021, two or three months before the Tokyo Olympics, Rana reportedly withdrew his coaching support because Bhaker had qualified for both the 10‑m air pistol and 25‑m sports pistol events. Rana wanted her to drop the 25‑m event, which Bhaker had also qualified for. Kishan said the disagreement had a negative effect on Bhaker’s performance after Tokyo, and she was uncertain about continuing in the sport.
"She was a teenager then. She wanted to become a doctor or an engineer. She wanted to become an IAS officer," Kishan explained. "She was thinking about whether she should continue or not. That kind of thing was going on."
Before the Paris Olympics, Rana reportedly reconciled with Bhaker, telling her, "Let’s do it together," and supporting her participation in both events. The decision coincided with Bhaker’s historic performance in Paris, where she won bronze medals in the women’s 10‑m air pistol and the mixed 10‑m air pistol team events.
Bhaker’s achievements have been widely celebrated in India. She became the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal, and her double bronze haul was the first time an Indian athlete had won two medals at a single Olympic Games since independence.
Rana’s death has been mourned by the Indian shooting community. The Indian Olympic Association and the Shooting Federation of India have issued statements expressing condolences. While no official statement has been released by the Indian Olympic Association regarding future coaching appointments, the shooting federation has indicated that it will continue to support young shooters.
Rana’s legacy extends beyond Bhaker. He was a four‑time Asian Games gold medallist and a 15‑medallist at the Commonwealth Games. He received the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Padma Shri in 1997, and the Dronacharya Award in 2020 for his contributions to Indian shooting.
The impact of Rana’s coaching philosophy is evident in Bhaker’s performance. Kishan said, "What Manu realised was that if there discipline, everything is possible. If you understand these things, then everything else becomes easy."
As of now, Bhaker is continuing her training regimen ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The Indian shooting team is also preparing for the 2027 World Championships in Sydney.
The shooting community will remember Rana for his competitive achievements and his dedication to developing the next generation of Indian shooters. His sudden passing at 49 marks the loss of a prominent figure in Indian sport.
The Indian shooting federation has announced that it will honour Rana’s memory by organising a memorial meet in his name, though specific dates have not yet been confirmed.
In summary, Jaspal Rana’s death has left a void in Indian shooting. His disciplined coaching style helped Manu Bhaker achieve Olympic success, and his legacy will continue to influence the sport through the athletes he mentored and the standards he set.
