Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun

Dehradun, Jun 13: Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker paid an emotional tribute to her long-time coach Jaspal Rana after the latter's sudden demise, describing him as a mentor, guide and father figure who played a defining role in her career.

Rana, a former multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallist, passed away at a hospital in New Delhi on Thursday night after suffering health complications. He had reportedly fallen ill while returning with the Indian contingent from the ISSF World Cup in Munich, Germany, and required emergency medical treatment upon landing in India.

Despite undergoing a medical procedure, Rana could not be saved, leaving the Indian shooting fraternity and sports fans in shock.

Bhaker visited Rana's residence in Dehradun on Friday to pay her last respects. Overcome with grief, the Olympic medallist broke down in tears while mourning the loss of the coach who had guided her through some of the most important phases of her career.

“I still can't believe it. It is unbelievable news. I am struggling to process it. He was not just my coach, mentor or guide, but also a friend who understood me better than most people,” Bhaker said.

Remembering their relationship, Bhaker said Rana had always pushed her to improve while teaching her valuable life lessons.

“There were times when he was strict, and there were times when he simply listened. He always wanted the best from me, even when I did not understand it at the time. Looking back now, every lesson he taught me had a purpose,” she said.

The bond between Bhaker and Rana had experienced both highs and lows. The pair parted ways after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, but later reunited, rebuilding a relationship that eventually became stronger than before.

“When we started working together again, it felt like coming home. He knew when I was confident, when I was nervous and when I needed support. He always found a way to bring out the best in me,” Bhaker recalled.

Under Rana's guidance, Bhaker scripted history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian since Independence to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games.

Bhaker said those achievements would forever be linked to her coach's contribution.

“Every medal, every success, every moment on the podium will always remind me of him. A part of those victories belongs to him because he never stopped believing in me, even during the most difficult phases of my career,” she said.

Rana's death marks a significant loss for Indian shooting, with tributes pouring in from athletes, officials and fans who remembered him not only as a champion shooter but also as a mentor who helped shape a generation of Indian talent.