SHILLONG, June 13: The Meghalaya State Olympic Association and the state’s sporting community on Friday expressed profound grief over the untimely demise of India’s legendary shooter and coach Shri Jaspal Rana, who passed away on the night of June 11, 2026, due to cardiac complications.
In a condolence message, John F Kharshiing, Working President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, conveyed condolences on behalf of the MSOA, Shooting Association of Meghalaya, athletes, coaches, technical officials, and the entire sporting fraternity of the state.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that we have received the heartbreaking news of the untimely demise of Shri Jaspal Rana, India’s legendary shooter, Asian Games Gold Medalist, Dronacharya Awardee, and High-Performance Coach of the Indian Pistol Shooting Team,” Kharshiing said.
“On behalf of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association, the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, athletes, coaches, technical officials, and the entire sporting fraternity of Meghalaya, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, the National Rifle Association of India, and the entire Indian shooting community,” he added.
Kharshiing described Rana as more than just a champion athlete. “Shri Jaspal Rana was not merely a champion shooter; he was an institution in himself. His extraordinary achievements brought immense glory to India, while his transition from champion athlete to world-class coach inspired generations of young shooters across the nation,” he said.
Highlighting Rana’s contribution as a mentor, Kharshiing noted his role in shaping Indian shooting into a global force.
“As High-Performance Coach, he mentored and guided several of India’s finest shooters, including Olympic medallists and international champions. His dedication, technical brilliance, and passion for nurturing talent transformed countless lives and elevated Indian shooting to unprecedented heights,” he stated.
Calling it an irreparable loss to Indian sports, Kharshiing said Rana’s legacy would endure through his athletes and values.
“His sudden departure is an irreparable loss to Indian sports. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to live on through the achievements of the athletes he mentored, the values he embodied, and the countless lives he inspired,” he said.
“At this moment of grief, we join the nation in paying tribute to a true sporting icon whose contributions to Indian shooting will forever remain etched in the history of Indian sport. May the Almighty grant eternal peace to his noble soul and provide strength, courage, and solace to his bereaved family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Kharshiing concluded.
