DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the sporting world in mourning the untimely demise of renowned Indian shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, describing his passing as "a profound loss to the nation."
Rana, 49, who brought laurels to the country through his achievements as an elite shooter and later played a key role in nurturing young talent as a coach, died due to complications related to heart.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a profound loss to the world of Indian sports," PM Modi wrote on X.
"He brought immense glory to the nation through his extraordinary achievements in shooting. Equally remarkable was his contribution as a mentor, shaping and guiding young athletes with great dedication.
"His unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline and service to the sporting world earned him immense admiration. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the entire sporting fraternity in this hour of grief. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister added.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya too remembered Rana's contributions to Indian shooting.
"Deeply pained by the passing of Indian shooting legend Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His incredible contributions to our nation, as a champion athlete and an exceptional mentor, leave behind an inspiring legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the sporting fraternity. Om Shanti," Mandaviya said.
Olympic champion shooter Abhinav Bindra said he was heartbroken by Rana's passing, recalling their association as teammates and his contribution to Indian shooting.
"Heartbroken to hear about Jaspal Rana's passing. Jaspal was my teammate, and in many ways, part of a generation that helped shape Indian shooting. He was intense, gifted, and carried the pride of the country every time he stepped onto the range.
"This is a huge loss for our sport. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, students and everyone whose life he touched," Bindra posted.
London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar also expressed shock at Rana's death, saying the former national champion's contribution as a shooter and coach would be remembered.
"Rana ji was my teammate back in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. It's a huge loss for the sport and the country. He was a good coach too," Vijay Kumar said.
"Few days back I got to know that he was unwell but never thought that he will leave us all like this. I am shocked," he added.
Rana, an Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, was widely regarded as one of India's finest pistol shooters and later became a respected mentor who guided several young shooters, most notably double Olympic bronze medallist Manu Bhaker.
Former world number one in double trap, Ronjan Sodhi described it "very shocking".
"Got to know that he is no more. Very good friend of mine, actually can't believe it. It's very, very sad, very unfortunate. A very dear friend, an amazing person. I can't say more. A big loss for all of us," Ronjan said.
"Actually he was the first person who showed us how to win on the world stage (following his exploits at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan)," Ronjan added.
