Manu Bhaker mourns Jaspal Rana: 'Irreparable damage' after coach's death
Synopsis
Manu Bhaker’s two-word tribute — ‘irreparable damage’ — said everything. The man who rebuilt her after Tokyo and guided her to a historic Paris double is gone at 49. Jaspal Rana’s death, days after returning from a medal-winning ISSF World Cup campaign in Munich, leaves Indian shooting without one of its most transformative coaches at a critical pre-Olympic moment.
Key Takeaways
Jaspal Rana , coach and mentor to Manu Bhaker , passed away in New Delhi on 13 June following complications from a stent procedure.
Manu Bhaker posted a tribute on X , sharing pictures with Rana and writing ‘irreparable damage.’ Rana guided Bhaker to a historic two-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics after helping her rebuild post-Tokyo.
Rana reportedly fell ill returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich , where India won four medals .
He was admitted to Max Hospital, New Delhi , and did not recover from post-stent complications.
Bhaker visited Rana’s home and academy in Dehradun to pay her respects.
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker expressed profound grief over the passing of her coach and mentor Jaspal Rana, describing his death as an ‘irreparable damage’ to her life. Rana passed away in New Delhi in the early hours of Friday, 13 June, following complications from a recent stent procedure. He was 49.
Bhaker's Tribute on X
Bhaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her anguish, posting pictures with Rana and writing simply: ‘irreparable damage.’ The post captured the depth of a bond that went far beyond the coach-athlete relationship. For Bhaker, Rana was a mentor, guide, and friend who stood by her through the sport’s most demanding moments.
The Coach Who Rebuilt a Champion
Rana’s role in Bhaker’s career was transformative. After the crushing disappointment of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics — where equipment failure and immense pressure derailed her campaign — it was Rana who helped her rebuild confidence and competitive edge. His guidance ultimately led Bhaker to a historic two-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Games, making her the first Indian athlete to win two medals at a single Olympic edition in the modern era.
Rana himself was one of India’s finest pistol shooters before transitioning to coaching. He built his reputation training young athletes at his academy in Dehradun before taking on a national team role, where he became one of the country’s most consequential shooting coaches.
Final Days and the Shock of His Passing
Rana reportedly fell ill on his return journey from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where the Indian shooting contingent had won four medals. Despite experiencing chest pain, he continued travelling before being admitted to Max Hospital, New Delhi. He did not recover from the complications that followed the stent procedure.
Bhaker, who was in Dehradun for a training camp at the time, visited Rana’s home and academy to pay her respects. Visibly emotional, she reflected on how deeply he understood her — supporting her through victories and setbacks alike.
A Loss for Indian Shooting
Rana’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Indian shooting community. His technical expertise, combined with his ability to manage the psychological demands of elite competition, made him rare among coaches. The partnership with Bhaker stood as the most visible testament to his methods.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the Indian shooting programme faces the difficult task of rebuilding its coaching infrastructure at a critical juncture.
Point of View
And Rana was among the rare few who combined technical depth with the psychological insight needed to manage high-pressure Olympic campaigns. His revival of Bhaker after Tokyo was a masterclass in athlete management that the system rarely produces. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the question of who fills that void is not a sentimental one — it is an urgent institutional challenge that the National Rifle Association of India must address without delay.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jaspal Rana and why was he significant to Indian shooting?
Jaspal Rana was one of India’s most accomplished pistol shooters before becoming a national-level coach. He founded a shooting academy in Dehradun and later joined the national coaching setup, where he became best known for guiding Manu Bhaker to two medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
How did Jaspal Rana die?
Rana passed away on 13 June in New Delhi following complications arising from a recent stent procedure. He had reportedly experienced chest pain while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich before being admitted to Max Hospital, New Delhi.
What did Manu Bhaker say after Jaspal Rana's death?
Bhaker posted on X (formerly Twitter) sharing photographs with Rana and writing ‘irreparable damage,’ conveying the depth of her grief. She also visited his home and academy in Dehradun to pay her respects in person.
What role did Jaspal Rana play in Manu Bhaker's Paris 2024 success?
After Bhaker’s disappointing Tokyo 2020 campaign, Rana helped her rebuild her confidence and competitive form. His coaching guided her to a historic two-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Games, making her the standout Indian athlete of those Olympics.
What does Rana's death mean for Indian shooting ahead of the 2028 Olympics?
Rana’s passing leaves a significant void in the Indian shooting coaching structure at a critical pre-Olympic period. His ability to combine technical training with psychological support for elite athletes was considered rare, and finding a comparable replacement will be a key challenge for the sport’s administrators.
