Indian shooting lost one of its greatest icons on June 12 as legendary marksman and celebrated coach Jaspal Rana passed away at the age of 49. A towering figure in Indian sports, Rana left behind a legacy built on record-breaking performances, international medals, and his immense contribution to nurturing the next generation of shooters, including Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker.

Rana was not just a champion shooter but also one of the architects of India's rise in international shooting. As the coach and mentor of Manu Bhaker, he played a pivotal role in shaping her career and helping her emerge as one of the world's top pistol shooters. His guidance was widely credited for Bhaker's success on the global stage, including her Olympic achievements.

Born in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Rana became one of India's most decorated shooters. During his illustrious career, he won multiple medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. He was India's most successful Commonwealth Games athlete, securing an incredible 15 medals, including nine golds. His achievements earned him the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri and later the prestigious Dronacharya Award for coaching excellence.

Among the countless achievements in his career, one story stands above all others — a remarkable display of courage that turned him into a sporting legend.

Years ago, Rana was battling severe knee pain and was admitted to a hospital ahead of a World Championship event. Doctors advised him to undergo surgery immediately and avoid competition. But representing India meant more to him than personal comfort. Ignoring medical advice, he chose to compete despite the intense pain.

What followed became one of the most inspiring moments in Indian sports history.

Just hours after leaving the hospital, Rana stepped onto the range and produced a performance for the ages. He not only won the gold medal but also created a new world record, stunning the shooting world and proving why he was regarded as one of the toughest competitors of his generation. The achievement later became his most cherished victory, symbolising his determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to the nation.

Even after retiring from competitive shooting, Rana continued to serve Indian sport with the same passion. As a coach, mentor and high-performance trainer, he helped shape a new generation of champions and remained actively involved in the national setup until his final days. He had recently returned from the ISSF World Cup in Munich before suffering a medical emergency.