The 23-year-old Tajinderpal Singh from Punjab won the Asian Games 2018 gold medal in Men’s shot put on Saturday August 25. Tajinder threw the iron ball to 20.75m in his fifth attempt, breaking the six-year old mark, set by Om Prakash Karhana (20.69m).
According to the young shot putter, the journey was not easy for him as before heading to the throwing circle Tajinderpal Singh was thinking of his bed-ridden father Sardar Karam Singh, who is suffering from cancer for the last two years.
“Yaad rakh (remember),” was the voice screeching to his ears. And Tajinder did, as he remembers why he competes with the new gold.
“This medal is my biggest achievement because a lot of sacrifices have been made. For the last two years, my father (Karam Singh) has been battling with cancer. My family though never let me get distracted. They allowed me to chase my dream. A lot of sacrifices have been made by my family and friends and all those have paid off today,” said Tajinder.
A feeling of relief washed over Karam Singh, who was watching the final lying on his bed at the village as his son Tajinder hurled the sphere 20.75 metres at the Asian Games and won the gold medal.
“Since the time I got cancer, his only concern has been my health and I know that he must be thinking about my health even today,” shared an emotional Karam Singh.
Tajinder said that he did not think of winning gold and his target was to breach the 21m mark. After clinching the record, he added that “I can’t speak to my father. Because of the cancer in his throat, he can’t speak to me over the phone. But I know he is proud of me. Now I will meet my dad but I will be there for only two days. I have to get ready for the next challenge. My coach Dhillon also needs to be credited for the hard work put in by him.”
