Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara has expressed grief over the passing of legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, who died in New Delhi on Friday, 13 June at the age of 49 due to cardiac complications. Lekhara called Rana 'instrumental in shaping the dominance' of India in shooting, mourning a figure who defined the sport across two generations.

Avani Lekhara's Tribute

Taking to X, Lekhara wrote: 'Deeply anguished by the passing of Jaspal Rana sir. He has been instrumental in shaping the dominance of our country in the sport of shooting, both as a distinguished athlete and a coach. My deepest condolences to his family, close ones and the entire Indian shooting fraternity.'

Lekhara's words captured a sentiment shared across Indian sport — that Rana's influence extended far beyond his own competitive achievements, into the careers of the athletes he trained and mentored.

Circumstances of His Death

Rana had reportedly fallen ill during his return journey from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where India secured four medals. He was admitted to Max Hospital in Delhi, where doctors performed a stent procedure. He had earlier been hospitalised in late May after experiencing chest pain. He subsequently succumbed to heart-related complications, according to reports.

His mortal remains were kept at his residence in Dehradun, where family, friends, fellow athletes, and admirers paid their last respects. He was accorded full state honours.

A Career That Defined Indian Shooting

Rana is widely regarded as India's finest pistol shooter. His competitive career was marked by exceptional consistency at the international level before he transitioned into coaching. He established a shooting academy in Dehradun and later joined the national set-up, where he became one of the country's most influential coaches.

Notably, Rana played a crucial role in guiding Manu Bhaker to her historic twin bronze medals at the Paris Olympics — a landmark achievement in Indian shooting history. His ability to develop elite talent cemented his reputation as a coach of rare calibre.

The Indian Sporting Fraternity Mourns

The broader Indian sporting community has been in mourning since news of Rana's death broke. His passing comes at a moment when Indian shooting is at a peak — a peak he helped build. This is the sport's most significant loss since the passing of other pioneering figures of his era.

With Rana gone, the Indian shooting ecosystem must now reckon with filling a void that spanned competitive excellence, coaching expertise, and institutional memory. The sport's next chapter will be shaped, in no small part, by the foundation he laid.