EXCLUSIVE: Angry Jaspal Rana pulls the trigger before Asian Games

Jaspal Rana opens up on how other coaches hate his guts, training again with Manu Bhaker and more.

EXCLUSIVE: Angry Jaspal Rana pulls the trigger before Asian Games

Jaspal Rana (Via PTI)

From being nicknamed “Goldfinger” in his hey days to winning the most coveted award as a national coach, Jaspal Rana has seen it all. Having ruled the world of pistol shooting from 1994 to 2006, where he won eight medals in the Asian Games, Jaspal was a prodigy. If he exploded on the big stage at the Hiroshima Asian Games, first, in 1994, the finish he made in 2006 in Doha was majestic.

In his second innings, as coach, Jaspal Rana showed rare dedication and pedigree in evolving as a dedicated mentor. Having been part of the junior development program of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), results were tangible. He produced a galaxy of champions from Saurabh Chaudhary to Anish Bhanwala and then Manu Bhaker.

YouTube video

Call it politics, or victimization, the same NRAI which nominated him for the Dronacharya Award now treats him like a pariah dog. In an exclusive chat with FirstSportz, Jaspal takes aim. Bull’s Eye!

FS Video

FS: Your thoughts on the Asian Games and the Indian campaign.
Jaspal Rana: As a shooter at heart, I wish all the athletes good luck. The Asian Games is a wonderful stage to compete in and I have been part of the journey as competitor at first and then coach. Yet, if you ask me today if all is well with the Indian shooters, I will keep my fingers crossed.

FS: What do you think is wrong with the system?
Jaspal Rana: There are so many wrongdoings today in the NRAI and it’s not just about them disliking me or treating me like plague. I was good enough to be the coach for a whole bunch of young shooters who then matured. The people running the NRAI are punishing me for no rhyme or reason. I was made a villain in 2021 during the Tokyo Olympics when I was not even there! So, you can imagine they have bile in their belly. To treat me so shabbily is shocking but this is being watched by all in the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Ministry as well.

Explore: Indian athletes set to shine on big stage at Asian Games as Hangzhou set to touch great heights host, believes OCA President Raja Randhir Singh

Jaspal Rana Manu Bhaker
Jaspal Rana with Manu Bhaker (Via META/Open Source)

FS: Despite the seeming disconnect, you are again training Manu Bhaker. Please take us through the process.
Jaspal Rana: Manu Bhaker is like my own daughter. If there are or were differences between a father and daughter, they are forgotten. My job is to do the best I can for her, though I am not with her. She spent a week at my academy in Dehradun recently and I hope she peaks in coming days. For me, more than the Asian Games, the Asian Championship next will be crucial. That is where she can win a quota place for India in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

FS: Do you think if you had started training her again before it would have been better?
Jaspal Rana: The good part is we are back together despite many coaches hating me. They hate me as I am the best and know my job. They hate me for my guts, my honesty. Nobody can deny or disprove my contribution to Indian shooting. If the people who run the NRAI want coaches who boot-lick, sorry, that’s not me! I am a sincere and honest man and did the best for my country. How do we forget that Saurabh Chaduhary, now out in the cold, has also been ignored by the NRAI.

FS: What happened to Saurabh and are you going to speak to him?
Jaspal Rana: When Saurabh was doing well, he was loved by all. His gold medal at the last Asian Games in Palembang (Indonesia) brought him name and fame and awards. All of a sudden, he faded away. The NRAI did nothing to make him feel important and they have not cared for him. If Saurabh approaches me, I am available. But then, when I am not part of the coaching system in any way, what can I do?

FS: Are you in touch with the NRAI?
Jaspal Rana: Yes, I am in touch with Mr Kalikesh Singh Deo, the senior vice president off and on. It is the NRAI’s call if they want me, my services are available. After all, Manu Bhaker approached me directly as she knows I am the best who understands her. That is the kind of faith shooters still have in me. The sad part is there are many coaches who are in the system today who are incompetent and incapable of doing good. They are masters in playing politics and doing CHAMCHAGIRI.

FS: How do you spend time in Dehradun?
Jaspal Rana: I have an academy in Dehradun with all facilities. Just because I am not getting a job with the NRAI does not mean I will be sitting idle. I am more than happy to coach juniors who come to my place. My doors are open to all those who want my guidance, as a Guru I cannot say no to anyone.

In case you missed it: