Punjabi varsity’s date with Man Kaur

Gagan K. Teja

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 11

Punjabi University felicitated veteran Man Kaur for her record breaking gold medal run at the 17th World Masters Games in Auckland, here today. 

The 101-year-old from Chandigarh improved upon her previous record in 100m in the 100 plus age category to clinch a gold medal in the championship.  

Man clocked 1.14 minutes to beat her previous record of 1.21 minutes that she had set during the Vancouver Masters Games last year.

Man and her 79-year-old son Gurdev Singh, who won silver in long jump and a bronze medal in 100m in the 75-79 category, had trained at Punjabi University for over three months before heading to New Zealand and the authorities, while honouring the duo, promised to extend every possible help to them for the future tournaments as well.

During their stay at the campus, the Physical Education Department of the university had provided them free accommodation and training equipment to help them prepare well for the event.

Professor Gurnam Singh, Dean Academics, said the university was extremely proud of their success.

Man, meanwhile, thanked the university authorities, especially the Sports Sciences Department for providing scientific support to them, which helped in improving their endurance and enhancing their performance.

While Prof Harish Kumar took care of the athletes’ nutrition, Prof Paramvir Singh looked after the circuit training.

Man Kaur is the most disciplined athlete I have come across in my life. She strictly follows her diet and rigorously trains for two hours despite suffering from osteoporosis, said Prof Kumar. 

Man and Gurdev also interacted with the university sportspersons and advised them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and stay away from drugs. 

Registrar Inderjeet Singh presented a memento and robe of honour to the duo.

He also said the History Channel was making a documentary on the veteran athlete and the major part of it was shot at the university’s Sports Science Department.