From rift to reward: Jaspal Rana's journey with Paris Olympics bronze medallist Manu Bhaker

NEW DELHI: A former pistol shooting great, Jaspal Rana has long been celebrated for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the sport.

His journey, marked by a series of significant achievements, began with his early recognition as a prodigious talent. Rana's career is highlighted by his success in shattering junior records and securing numerous international medals.

However, an Olympic medal had eluded his collection until a momentous occasion when Manu Bhaker, under his mentorship, clinched a bronze medal, fulfilling a long-held aspiration of Rana's on Sunday.

Rana's career has been characterized by his unique approach to the sport and life. Known for his resilience, Rana made headlines for his remarkable performances, such as winning three gold medals at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha while battling a high fever, a feat unmatched by any Indian shooter at the Asian Games to date.

His early success at the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games further established the potential of Indian shooters on the global stage.


Throughout his career, Rana was mentored by Tibor Gonczol, a renowned pistol coach whose meticulous coaching style greatly influenced him.

Despite his personal preference for standard pistol and centre-fire pistol events, Rana adapted to compete in air pistol and free pistol events, although they did not align with his interests.

As the junior national coach, Rana identified and nurtured talents like Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary, guiding them to represent India at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

However, his coaching journey encountered challenges, including a notable fallout with Bhaker before the Tokyo Olympics, which was unexpected by many.

(Image credit: PTI)

Despite their differences, Rana's rigorous coaching style and high expectations were evident during his tenure with the Indian team at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

The relationship between Rana and Bhaker saw a reconciliation post-Tokyo, with both recognizing the value they could bring to each other's careers.

While his relationship with Manu Bhaker experienced a temporary rift before the Tokyo Games, their reunion and renewed partnership have proven fruitful, culminating in Manu's bronze medal triumph.

Jaspal's unwavering commitment to his wards is evident in his hands-on approach, meticulously crafting wooden grips for Manu's pistols and fine-tuning every aspect of her equipment, leaving no room for error at the Olympic level.

Rana's expertise and strategic insight are expected to be instrumental in Bhaker's performance in her upcoming events. His journey from a celebrated athlete to a mentor reflects his deep-rooted passion for the sport and his commitment to fostering the next generation of shooters.