Only 6 athletes from Punjab in Asian athletics

Aakanksha N Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 9

The decline of athletics in Punjab has been confirmed yet again.  The Asian Athletics Championship had only six athletes from Punjab representing the national contingent in Bhubaneswar. This is in sharp contrast to the glorious past when Punjab athletes used to dominate the national contingent in every international athletics competition.

Out of the total 42 events held in Bhubaneswar, Punjab’s representation was limited in only three — discus throw, shot put, javelin throw. Ramanpreet Kaur (shot put), Kamal Preet Kaur (discus throw), Tajinder Pal Toor (shot put), Jasdeep Singh (shot put), Davinder Singh (javelin throw), and Kirpal Singh (discus throw) competed in the event.

Manpreet Kaur, who won the gold medal in shot put, and triple jumper Arpinder Singh hail from Punjab, but both shifted base to Haryana last year.

“Why would they play from Punjab? Arpinder Singh and Manpreet Kaur have created national records still Punjab government has failed to recognise their achievements. The national champions are not rewarded here on time. Haryana government gives cash prize and jobs,” said a sports official, requesting anonymity.

The officials are also of the view that the state lacks proper infrastructure. “Jalandhar had a very good synthetic track but it is in a state of neglect for many years now. Nothing has been done to renovate it. The situation is almost same in Ludhiana and Bathinda district. We need more coaches also,” he added.

Punjab Athletics Association general secretary KPS Brar said the government should increase the sports budget. It should give special attention to build good infrastructure so that more and more athletes come forward and play, he said.