(PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and several political leaders on Friday paid tribute to legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, describing his death as a major loss for Indian sport and remembering his contribution as both a champion athlete and mentor.Rana, 49, died at a Delhi hospital after suffering a cardiac episode following his return from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, where the Indian contingent won four medals, including two gold.Leading the condolences, Prime Minister Modi remembered Rana’s achievements on the international stage as well as his role in nurturing future generations of shooters.“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,” the prime minister wrote on X. Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid homage to the decorated shooter, saying his contribution to Indian sport would be remembered for years to come.“His dedication to excellence and his immense contribution to Indian sport have left an enduring mark on our nation,” Gandhi wrote on X while extending condolences to Rana’s family and the sporting community. Union home minister Amit Shah described Rana’s passing as an “irreparable loss” to the country.“He dedicated his life to establishing India’s indomitable mettle in shooting by winning international honors for the nation and by nurturing young shooters as a coach. Rana Ji’s passing is an irreparable loss to the nation,” Shah wrote on X. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Rana’s legacy extended beyond his achievements as a shooter.“From bringing glory to India on the world stage to nurturing future generations of shooters, his contribution to Indian sport was truly extraordinary,” Kharge wrote on X. “He even delved in public service to work for his state of Uttarakhand.” Rana was serving as the high-performance coach for India’s pistol shooters. According to National Rifle Association of India president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, he fell ill during the flight back from Munich and was taken directly to hospital after landing in New Delhi. He later underwent a stent procedure but could not recover.Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest shooters, Rana won multiple medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, before transitioning into coaching and playing a key role in developing India’s next generation of pistol shooters.
