By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Jun: The passing away of shooting ace Jaspal Rana, who is also hailed as the pride of Uttarakhand, has left the people and the leaders of Uttarakhand in grief. Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) today expressed deep sorrow at the demise of Padma Shri awardee and internationally acclaimed shooter Jaspal Rana. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family and countless admirers to bear this irreparable loss. He said Rana’s contribution in bringing glory to Uttarakhand, elevating Indian shooting to new heights and guiding numerous young sportspersons will always be remembered.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conveyed his condolences, describing Rana as a sportsman whose exceptional talent, hard work and remarkable achievements brought pride not only to Uttarakhand but to the entire nation on the global stage. He said Rana’s role in inspiring and mentoring young players towards excellence in shooting will remain unforgettable. The Chief Minister added that his sudden demise is an irreparable loss to the sporting fraternity, Uttarakhand and the country, and prayed for peace to his soul and courage to his family and admirers in this hour of grief.
Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal said the death of Rana, originally from Tehri district, is extremely tragic and an irreparable loss for India. Uniyal remembered Rana as an outstanding player and coach, as well as a humble and noble human being. He noted Rana’s significant role in popularising shooting as a sport in India and inspiring the younger generation. Winning gold medals at the World Shooting Championship, Asian Games and other international competitions, Rana brought immense pride to the nation. Uniyal prayed to Goddess Kunjapuri for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family and well‑wishers.
Sports Minister Rekha Arya described Rana as a son of Devbhoomi, a great shooter and Dronacharya awardee whose untimely demise has left the sporting world and Uttarakhand in shock. She said his achievements in raising the national flag on international platforms and his guidance in shaping talents like Manu Bhaker will be remembered in golden letters. She prayed to Baba Kedarnath and Lord Badrivishal to grant peace to his soul and strength to his family and admirers.
Vikasnagar MLA and senior BJP leader Munna Singh Chauhan also mourned Rana’s passing, stating that his extraordinary contribution to shooting, historic achievements and inspiration to young players brought India pride at the global level. He said Rana’s unique personality and illustrious career will remain a source of inspiration for generations. He added that his sudden departure is an irreparable loss to the sporting fraternity, Uttarakhand and the nation, and prayed for peace to his soul and strength to his family, well‑wishers and admirers.
Many other dignitaries from Uttarakhand have also expressed shock and grief over the untimely passing away of shooting legend Rana at just 49 years of age.
Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee President Ganesh Godiyal has also expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of renowned shooter Jaspal Rana and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. In his condolence message, Godiyal said that the sudden passing of Jaspal Rana, who brought immense glory to the country through his achievements in shooting, is an irreparable loss not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. He said Rana’s outstanding contribution to enhancing India’s prestige in the field of shooting and his efforts in inspiring generations of talented sportspersons from the state and the country would always be remembered.
