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By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still...

Jaspal Rana taught India to aim higher

Indian sport lost one of its finest champions on June 12, 2026, with the untimely passing of shooting legend and coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49. His death has left a void that will be difficult to fill, not only in Indian shooting but in the hearts of countless athletes, admirers and young dreamers who looked up to him as a symbol of excellence, discipline and perseverance. Born in the hills of Uttarakhand, Rana emerged as a prodigious talent at an age when most children are still discovering their interests. By his teens, he had already announced himself on the national stage and over the years he would go on to become one of India’s most decorated shooters. His remarkable achievements at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Championships and international competitions transformed him into a household name and brought unprecedented attention to shooting in India. Yet medals alone do not define Jaspal Rana’s legacy. What truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the sport long after his competitive career ended. As a coach, mentor and guide, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation of Indian shooters. His influence can be seen in the success of numerous athletes, most notably Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, whose achievements carried the unmistakable imprint of Rana’s guidance and belief. He possessed the rare ability to identify talent, instill confidence and demand excellence without losing sight of the human being behind the athlete. To his students, he was more than a coach. He was a teacher, protector and source of strength during moments of doubt. To colleagues, he was a respected professional whose passion for Indian sport was evident in every conversation and every training session. To fans, he represented an era when dedication and hard work could elevate a niche sport into the national spotlight. His sudden departure is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. But while Jaspal Rana is no longer with us, the values he championed — discipline, courage, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence — will continue to inspire generations. India mourns a champion. The shooting fraternity mourns a mentor. His family mourns a beloved husband and father. And the nation bids farewell to a man who spent his life helping others find their aim. Jaspal Rana’s final shot may have been fired, but his legacy will echo through Indian sport for decades to come.

Nine killed as car plunges into open well

Deceased belong to same family, six children included

Nashik: Nine members of a family, including six children, were killed after their car fell into an open well in Nashik district, police said on Saturday.


The accident occurred in the Shivaji Nagar area of Dindori town around 10 pm on Friday, an official said.


Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deaths of children in the tragic incident, and said that he has ordered an immediate safety audit of open wells in public areas.


According to the police, the victims were returning home after attending a function at a banquet hall in the area when their car fell into a well on the roadside near the venue.


Personnel from the local police and emergency services arrived at the scene and retrieved the car and its occupants with the help of two cranes and swimmers around midnight.


The victims were members of the Dargode family from Indore village in Dindori taluka, the official said.


The bodies were brought to the government hospital in Dindori, the official said, adding that a case has been registered.


No Escape

According to information, the victims had attended a function organised by Wadje Classes and were returning home to Indore village (Dindori taluka) when the accident took place. The car went out of control and fell into an open well located along the roadside, which was completely filled with water, leaving no chance for escape.


After receiving information about the incident, Dindori Police, local administration, fire brigade personnel, and disaster management teams rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were challenging as the well was filled with water. The vehicle was eventually pulled out using two cranes around midnight. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also reached the location, and the rescue operation continued late into the night.


The incident has raised serious concerns over administrative negligence. Local residents have alleged that the well, located dangerously close to the road, had no safety measures such as fencing or protective barriers.

While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, Inspector Bhagwan Mathure of Dindori Police Station stated that the well belongs to accused Rajendra Parvatrav Raje. Despite being aware that the well, located adjacent to a public road, posed a serious risk of accidents and possible loss of life, no necessary safety measures were taken. “There was no fencing, barricading, or protective structure around the well,” Mathure said.


Probe Ordered

State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan visited the accident spot. He said that the administration has been directed to close the well, and that the government will provide assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased persons.


The Nashik collector has been asked to probe the incident and submit an inquiry report, he said.


Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis termed the accident "extremely unfortunate".


Preliminary information indicated that the well had a low boundary wall and was in the middle of a frequently accessed area, he said.


The state government has announced financial assistance for the affected family, he said, adding that instructions have been issued to identify and review all wells situated on roads or in areas with public movement.


"Such locations must be audited to assess whether these wells are necessary and what safety measures can be implemented," he said, noting that a higher protective wall could have prevented the tragedy.


The deceased

Sunil Dattatray Dargode (32)

Reshma Sunil Dargode (27)

Asha Anil Dargode (32)

Gunvanti Sunil Dargode (11)

Shreyash Anil Dargode (11)

Shravani Anil Dargode (11)

Srushti Anil Dargode (14)

Samruddhi Rajendra Dargode (7)

Shraddha Anil Dargode (13)

 

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