Suma Shirur, India's former rifle shooter and Dronacharya awardee coach, shares a heartwarming story of Jaspal Rana, a natural talent in the shooting lane and a kind soul outside it.
The two athletes met when Shirur joined the national squad, and they traveled together to numerous competitions, including a 40-day tour in Europe in 1999. On Shirur's birthday, Rana surprised him by arranging a call with his fiancé, Siddharth Shirur, who was wishing him a happy birthday.
Rana's thoughtful gesture left a lasting impression on Shirur, showcasing his kind and endearing nature. Outside the shooting lane, Rana was a fun-loving person who enjoyed light-hearted conversations and was always willing to offer helpful suggestions.
When Rana became a coach, he brought a new level of passion and dedication to the sport. As one of the first coaches for pistol to be part of the NRAI's junior programme, he worked extensively with the national junior team and the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy. His unique coaching style and ability to get the best out of his students earned him recognition, including the success of Manu Bhaker, who won Olympic medals under his guidance.
Rana's humility and willingness to wear a jersey from Shirur's Lakshya Shooting Club, despite having his own academy, is a testament to his kind and endearing nature. Shirur remembers Rana as a shooting star and a heart of gold, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes.
