New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) As tributes poured in following the death of India’s legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana, a line from his Instagram bio captured the attention of the sporting world. The message, centred on life’s purpose and service to a greater cause, quickly went viral as athletes and fans remembered the legacy of the former Asian Games gold medallist.

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 passing, with many social media users sharing screenshots of the message and describing it as a reflection of the values that defined his life and career

Rana passed away on Friday at the age of 49 following cardiac complications, sending shockwaves through the Indian sporting community. Widely regarded as one of the finest shooters India has produced, he won multiple medals at international events and later played a crucial role in shaping India’s shooting ecosystem as a coach.

His contribution extended far beyond his own achievements on the range. In recent years, Rana was closely associated with the rise of several Indian shooters, including double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker. His guidance and experience helped nurture athletes who went on to achieve success on the biggest stages of world sport.

One of Rana’s final Instagram posts also gained attention after his death. Shared during a visit to Lugano, Switzerland, the post offered a glimpse into his life away from competition. The images showed him enjoying simple moments, including preparing pasta and sharing meals with members of the Indian shooting contingent.

The post also featured Manu Bhaker, highlighting the close bond between coach and athlete beyond the shooting range.

Rana was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1994 and the Padma Shri in 1997 for his contributions to Indian shooting. Recognised for his excellence in coaching, Rana received the Dronacharya Award in 2020, India’s highest honour for sports coaching.

–IANS

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