New Delhi, 12 June (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and several other senior leaders on Friday expressed grief over the demise of former international shooter and coach Jaspal Rana.

In a message posted on X, President Murmu described the news of Rana’s passing as deeply saddening. She said he was a renowned shooter who brought laurels to the nation through his outstanding performances. Noting that he won numerous medals in shooting competitions across the world, the President said Rana carved out a distinct place for himself in Indian sports. She added that, as both an athlete and a mentor, he made a significant contribution by nurturing young talent. According to her, his dedication, discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence would continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

Om Birla said that Rana proudly carried India’s flag on the global stage through his shooting achievements over many years. He noted that Rana’s exceptional performance at the 2006 Asian Games, where he won three gold medals, would always be remembered. Birla described his death as a profound loss to the Indian sporting fraternity.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that Rana’s remarkable contributions to the country as a champion athlete and an outstanding mentor had left behind an inspiring legacy that would continue to motivate aspiring sportspersons.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Rana was not only an exceptional athlete and coach but also a humble, simple and kind-hearted individual. He credited Rana with playing a highly influential role in popularising shooting as a sport in India.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda said that Rana achieved numerous international accomplishments during his illustrious sporting career and brought great honour to India on the global stage.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that through his extraordinary talent, discipline and dedication, Rana provided the nation with many proud moments in shooting. He added that Rana’s contributions, from his achievements as a competitor to his efforts in developing young talent as a coach, would always be remembered. Pradhan described his passing as an irreparable loss to Indian sports.

Widely regarded as one of India’s finest shooters and coaches, Jaspal Rana leaves behind a lasting legacy through both his accomplishments in international competition and his role in mentoring a new generation of Indian shooting stars. His death has prompted tributes from across the political and sporting spectrum, reflecting the profound impact he had on Indian sport.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar