PIS thrower Rana qualifies for Youth Olympics

Chandigarh, July 5

Punjab’s Kunwer Ajai Raj Singh Rana has qualified for the Youth Olympics after winning the gold medal in the javelin throw event in the Asian area qualification in Bangkok.

The 16-year-old — who is a trainee of the Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) – won with a personal best effort of 76.13 metres. Rana was a cut above the rest, with the silver medallist, from Japan, throwing a best of 72.04m. India had a second medal in the event – Vikas Yadav winning the bronze with a throw of 68.65m.

Rana, who belongs to Kiratpur Sahib, trains under PIS coach Bikramjit Singh in Jalandhar. “He came to me as an 11-year-old and has shown a lot of improvement in the last five years,” said Bikramjit.

Rana’s progress over the last few months has been phenomenal. At the junior (16-20 years) Fed Cup National Championships in April, Rana had won the bronze medal with a best of 68.94m. “Considering he is just 16, this is a huge throw. But to improve your personal best at the  tournament is incredible,” said Bikramjit. — TNS