Olympic medallist shooter Manu Bhaker has expressed deep grief following the reported death of her coach and mentor Jaspal Rana, describing the news as “unbelievable” and saying she is still struggling to process the loss of a figure she credited for shaping much of her sporting journey. Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, said Rana was not only her coach but also a close confidant who understood her emotional and competitive mindset better than most people around her.

She said their bond went far beyond formal training sessions and evolved into a relationship built on trust, discipline, and mutual understanding over years of working together. Reflecting on her time under his guidance, Bhaker said Rana played a decisive role in both her technical development and mental preparation as a top-level shooter. She recalled that he balanced strict coaching methods with moments of quiet support, ensuring she remained focused during high-pressure competitions while also learning to manage setbacks and expectations.

According to her, many of his lessons only became fully clear with time and experience on the international stage. Bhaker also emphasised the personal side of their relationship, noting that Rana had an instinctive understanding of her emotional state during training and competition. She said he could recognise when she was confident, when she was anxious, and when she needed reassurance, often adjusting his approach accordingly to bring out her best performance.

Also Read: Legendary Shooter and Coach Jaspal Rana Dies At 49, PM Modi Mourns His Passing

This adaptability, she added, was central to her growth as an elite athlete. The shooter further stated that her career achievements would always be closely associated with her coach’s influence. She said that every medal, every podium finish, and every breakthrough moment in her career would carry his imprint, as he continued to believe in her even during phases when she struggled with consistency and form. She credited him with helping her build the resilience required to compete at the highest level of international sport.

On Friday, Bhaker visited Rana’s residence in Dehradun to pay her final respects, where she became emotional while speaking about their shared journey. She said the shooting range would never feel the same again without his presence, voice, and guidance, adding that his absence leaves a significant void in her daily sporting life and preparation routine.

The wider sporting community has also acknowledged Rana’s influence as a respected coach in India’s shooting ecosystem. Many athletes who trained under him have credited his discipline-driven approach for their international success, and Bhaker’s tribute has further highlighted the depth of his impact on Indian shooting sport. His death marks a moment of collective mourning for athletes and coaches who viewed him as a guiding force in competitive shooting development.

Also Read: Asian Games Gold Medallist Jaspal Rana, Indian Shooting Coach, Dies At 49