Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has expressed deep grief over the death of her coach and mentor Jaspal Rana. She described the loss as "irreparable damage" in a social media post that has touched the hearts of many.
Rana passed away in New Delhi early on Friday morning. He was 49 years old. According to reports, his death followed complications from a recent stent procedure.
Manu Bhaker's Emotional Tribute to Jaspal Rana
Bhaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her sadness. She posted pictures with her coach and wrote the words "irreparable damage." The post reflects the deep bond between the athlete and the man who helped shape her career.
According to MSN, Bhaker described the loss as difficult to process. She remembered Rana not just as a coach, but as a mentor, guide, and friend who played a pivotal role in her journey.
Jaspal Rana's Role in Reviving Bhaker's Career
Rana was instrumental in reviving Bhaker's career after the disappointment of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Under his guidance, she went on to achieve a historic two-medal performance at the Paris 2024 Games.
According to The News Mill, Rana was one of India's top pistol shooters before becoming a coach. He started training young shooters after retiring from competitive shooting.
Who Was Jaspal Rana?
Jaspal Rana was a decorated shooter during his competitive years. He won multiple medals for India, including an Asian Games gold. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and talent development.
According to The New Indian Express, Rana had fallen ill while returning from the ISSF World Cup in Munich. He was later hospitalised in Delhi before his passing.
Our Take: A Loss That Goes Beyond Sport
The bond between Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana shows how important a coach can be in an athlete's life. Rana did not just teach Bhaker how to shoot — he helped her rise from failure to glory. The words "irreparable damage" are not an exaggeration. When a mentor who believed in you during your lowest moments is gone, the loss is truly deep. For Indian sports, this is a reminder that behind every medal is a coach who often stays in the shadows. Rana's contribution to Indian shooting will not be forgotten.
