Bhubaneswar, Jun 12: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the passing away of legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, who died late last night in New Delhi at the age of 49 following medical complications.

Pradhan, in a message posted on X in Hindi, said: “The news of the demise of renowned shooter and coach Jaspal Rana ji, who enhanced India’s glory at the international level, is extremely saddening. With his extraordinary talent, discipline, and dedication, he gave the nation many proud moments in shooting. From his achievements as a player to his role in nurturing new talent as a coach, his contribution will always be remembered. His passing is an irreparable loss to the Indian sporting world. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to his family and admirers in this difficult time. Om Shanti.”

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर भारत का गौरव बढ़ाने वाले प्रख्यात शूटर और कोच जसपाल राणा जी के निधन का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है। अपनी असाधारण प्रतिभा, अनुशासन और समर्पण से उन्होंने निशानेबाजी में देश को अनेक गौरवपूर्ण क्षण दिए। खिलाड़ी के रूप में उपलब्धियों से लेकर कोच के रूप में नई…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 12, 2026

Rana was one of India’s most decorated shooters, winning medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and later dedicating himself to coaching. Rana’s decorated career included 15 Commonwealth Games medals, multiple Asian Games golds, and triumphs at the World Shooting Championship.
Also Read: Jaspal Rana, Former Asian Games Gold Medallist And Renowned Shooting Coach, Dies At 49

The shooting legend was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Padma Shri in 1997, and the Dronacharya Award in 2020 for his excellence in coaching. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian shooting, but his contributions as both athlete and coach will remain etched in the country’s sporting history.