Indian shooting champion and coach Jaspal Rana died on Thursday night at the age of 49. The former Asian Games gold medallist passed away in a Delhi hospital, confirmed by National Rifle Association of India president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo. Rana suffered a medical emergency while returning with the Indian team from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany. After landing in New Delhi he was taken to hospital for a procedure to insert a stent. He died several days later despite the treatment. Born on June 28, 1976 in Uttarakhand, Rana became one of India’s top pistol shooters. He won gold at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima and earned multiple medals at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships, mainly in 25m Centre Fire Pistol and Standard Pistol events. After retiring from competition he worked as a coach and guided Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. Rana received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Dronacharya Award. His success helped raise the profile of shooting in India and inspired many young athletes.
