India's shooting fraternity is in mourning following the death of Jaspal Rana, one of the country's greatest competitive shooters and most consequential coaching figures, who passed away on Friday, 12 June. Rana's career spanned decades — first as a fearless marksman who pursued the 10-ring with relentless focus, and later as a mentor whose influence shaped a generation of Indian champions.

The Coach Behind the Champion

In recent years, Rana became widely recognised as a central force behind the rise of Manu Bhaker, whose Olympic medal-winning performances at the Paris Olympics brought unprecedented attention to Indian shooting. His role in nurturing Bhaker's talent and instilling a culture of high standards extended his legacy well beyond his own competitive achievements on the range.

Those who observed Rana at close quarters during the Paris Olympics witnessed the discipline that defined him. During Bhaker's event, he stood quietly behind the firing line — notebook in hand, tracking every shot with total concentration. His expression revealed a coach focused entirely on performance, not occasion.

When asked how he assessed Bhaker's display, his reply was characteristically blunt: 'Can do much better.' There was no room for complacency, even after a strong outing. Later, when Bhaker secured her historic bronze medal and reporters sought his reaction, Rana deflected the spotlight entirely. 'Speak to Manu, she earned this day,' he said, before walking away. In those few words lay the essence of the man — demanding excellence from athletes while refusing to claim credit for their success.

A Voice That Never Stayed Silent

Rana was equally known for his willingness to publicly name shortcomings in Indian shooting's administrative structure. He believed problems should be addressed openly, regardless of who was responsible. Even when it involved top officials of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), he never hesitated to express his views. For him, silence was never an option when the future of the sport was at stake.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, an interview with Rana gained wide circulation. The reason was straightforward: he spoke with conviction about the systemic changes India needed to consistently win medals in shooting. There was no diplomatic hedging — only an uncompromising desire to see Indian shooters succeed on the biggest stage.

Athlete, Mentor, Institution

As a competitor, Rana pursued excellence without compromise. As a coach, he pushed athletes to unlock potential they did not know they possessed. As a stakeholder in Indian shooting, he demanded accountability and higher standards from everyone in the system. The spirit of giving everything to the sport — what those close to him described as a kuch kar dikhane ka jazba — was visible in everything he did.

Beyond the range, Rana maintained a valued relationship with journalists who covered the sport. He was consistently willing to explain complex rules, scoring formats, and evolving points systems, helping reporters communicate the nuances of shooting to a wider public. His accessibility made him a trusted source and a respected figure in sports media circles.

The Void He Leaves Behind

His passing leaves a gap that Indian shooting will find difficult to fill. The sport has lost one of its most articulate ambassadors; athletes have lost a demanding and devoted mentor; and sports journalism has lost a knowledgeable guide who never spoke in half-measures.

Jaspal Rana's legacy, however, endures — in the champions he helped create, in the medals won by shooters he inspired, and in the fearless honesty with which he served a sport he loved. For a man who believed in hitting the 10-ring and staying locked on the target, his impact on Indian shooting will remain right at the centre for years to come.