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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.

TN Governor faces fresh row Over "Jai Shri Ram" remark after SC rap on withheld Bills



Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, who was recently pulled up by the Supreme Court for withholding assent to 10 bills for over three years, has found himself in another controversy — this time, for allegedly urging students at an event to chant "Jai Shri Ram". The incident has drawn criticism from leaders of the ruling party and academic organisations, with one such group demanding his removal from office.


In a statement, the non-profit SPCSS-TN (State Platform for Common School System - Tamil Nadu) said: "Mr RN Ravi violated his oath of office. He failed to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions. Mr RN Ravi should be removed from the Office of Governor of Tamil Nadu forthwith for deliberately violating Article 159 of the Constitution of India".


Senior Congress leader Sasikanth Senthil criticised the Governor in a post on X.


"After being slammed by the Supreme Court and blocked by the State Government, he's now resorting to stunts like making students chant 'Jai Shri Ram' just to irritate the system," read a rough translation of his post.


"Clearly frustrated, he's sending a message that 'Even if the courts rule against me, I will find other ways to push my agenda." It's a dangerous mix of arrogance and defiance that undermines democratic institutions and the principles of the Constitution!" he added.


Earlier this week, the Supreme Court called the Governor’s decision to withhold assent to 10 key Bills “illegal” and “arbitrary”, stating he had not acted in “good faith”.


In a landmark ruling, the court overturned the Governor’s actions and declared that the bills would be “deemed to be cleared” from the date they were re-submitted to him.

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