As tributes poured in following the death of legendary Indian shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, a line from his Instagram bio captured the attention of athletes, politicians and fans alike. The message, centred on dedicating one’s life to a greater cause, quickly began circulating across social media, with many calling it a reflection of the values that defined his life.
Rana’s Instagram bio read:
“Jab mrityu nishchit ho, swayam ko achhe kaaran ke liye samarpit karna sarvottam hai.”
(“When death is certain, it is best to dedicate oneself to a good cause.”)
The quote resonated deeply in the aftermath of his demise, with several users sharing screenshots of the bio and describing it as a fitting summary of a man who spent decades bringing glory to India before shaping the next generation of shooters.
One of Rana’s final Instagram posts also drew attention after his death. Shared during a visit to Lugano, Switzerland, it showed him enjoying simple moments away from competition, including preparing pasta and sharing meals with members of the Indian shooting contingent. The post also featured his star pupil, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, highlighting the close bond between coach and athlete.
Rana died at the age of 49 after suffering cardiac complications. He had reportedly experienced chest discomfort while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich and was admitted to Max Hospital in New Delhi, where he underwent a stent procedure. Though he was reportedly recovering, doctors later confirmed that he suffered a sudden cardiac rupture while asleep.
Also Read: Jaspal Rana, Indian shooting legend and Manu Bhaker’s mentor, dies at 49
PM Narendra Modi calls it a “profound loss”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in mourning, describing Rana’s death as a profound loss to Indian sports.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Jaspal Rana Ji. His passing is a profound loss to the world of Indian sports. 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 added that Rana’s commitment to excellence, discipline and service to sport earned him immense admiration and extended condolences to his family and the sporting fraternity.
Also Read: PM Modi mourns Jaspal Rana’s demise, hails his extraordinary contribution to Indian shooting
Amit Shah: “An irreparable loss to the nation”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Rana had dedicated his life to strengthening India’s reputation in shooting, both as a champion athlete and as a coach.
“He dedicated his life to establishing India’s indomitable mettle in shooting by winning international honours for the nation and by nurturing young shooters as a coach. Rana Ji’s passing is an irreparable loss to the nation.”
President Droupadi Murmu remembers his lasting contribution
President Droupadi Murmu said Rana’s exceptional performances brought glory to the country and that his influence extended well beyond his own achievements.
“As an athlete and mentor, he made a lasting contribution by nurturing young talent. His dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire generations of sportspersons.”
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hails his inspiring legacy
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described Rana as both a legendary shooter and an exceptional mentor.
“His incredible contributions to our nation, as a champion athlete and an exceptional mentor, leave behind an inspiring legacy.”
Sporting fraternity pays emotional tribute
Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha said India had lost a wonderful person who first won laurels for the nation as an athlete and then as a mentor to Olympic champions.
“He brought innumerable laurels to our country, first as an athlete and then by mentoring our Olympic champions. We have lost a wonderful person.”
Former Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra remembered Rana as a teammate who helped shape Indian shooting.
“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.”
Former shooter Ronjan Singh Sodhi described the loss as deeply personal.
“He was not only a great shooter but also a great person and a very dear friend. It is a personal loss.”
India men’s cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir also paid tribute, writing:
“Shri Jaspal Rana was a stalwart of Indian Sports. His passing has left a huge void. Om Shanti.”
Chief Ministers and leaders express grief
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called Rana the pride of the state and said his achievements would inspire generations.
“His extraordinary contribution to shooting and the inspiration he provided to young athletes made India proud on the global stage. His passing is an irreparable loss to the sports world, Uttarakhand and the entire nation.”
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy similarly said India had lost not only a legendary sportsperson but also an inspiring mentor whose commitment to excellence would be remembered for generations.
BJP leaders Sudhanshu Mittal and Arun Singh also praised Rana’s dedication to the sport and his role in mentoring young athletes, while BSP leader Shyam Singh Yadav, who said he had known Rana since childhood, described his death as an “irreparable loss.”
A legacy beyond medals
One of India’s most decorated shooters, Rana remains the country’s most successful Commonwealth Games athlete with 15 medals – nine gold, four silver and two bronze. He also won four Asian Games gold medals and famously claimed three gold medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games despite battling a high fever.
After retiring, he transformed Indian pistol shooting as a coach, mentoring several elite athletes, most notably Manu Bhaker, whom he helped guide to a historic double bronze-medal finish at the Paris Olympics.
Honoured with the Arjuna Award (1994), Padma Shri (1997) and Dronacharya Award (2020), Jaspal Rana’s legacy extends far beyond medals. Judging by the line that greeted visitors to his Instagram profile, he believed a life dedicated to a greater cause was its own reward, a philosophy that many now see reflected in the career he built and the generations of shooters he inspired.