Days after Jaspal Rana's death, mother Shyama Devi passes away

Just days after India mourned the loss of shooting icon Jaspal Rana, his family has been struck by another heartbreaking tragedy. Shyama Devi Rana, the mother of the late Olympian and coach, has passed away following a prolonged illness, deepening the grief surrounding one of Indian sport's most respected families.

The news has sent shockwaves through sporting and political circles, coming less than two weeks after Jaspal Rana's sudden death due to cardiac complications at the age of 49.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the loss as an immeasurable tragedy. In a message, he offered prayers for the departed soul and strength to the family as they cope with consecutive bereavements.

Jaspal Rana's death on June 12 stunned India's sporting fraternity. Celebrated as one of the country's greatest pistol shooters, Rana's passing triggered an outpouring of tributes from athletes, coaches, politicians and fans across the nation.

His mortal remains were flown from Dehradun to Varanasi by air ambulance, where hundreds gathered to pay their final respects. The shooting legend was accorded full state honours before his cremation at Manikarnika Ghat.

His son, Yuvraj Rana, performed the last rites in the presence of family members, members of the shooting community and public representatives.

Who was Jaspal Rana?

Jaspal Rana was among the most decorated shooters India has ever produced. A dominant force in pistol shooting during the 1990s and early 2000s, he won multiple international medals and played a significant role in raising India's profile in the sport.

After retiring from competitive shooting, Rana successfully transitioned into coaching and mentoring young athletes. He was widely credited for helping shape the careers of several Indian shooters, most notably Manu Bhaker.