Asiad gold medallist Sagoo elected AFI president

Sagoo (51), who is perhaps the first Sikh face and the only from the region to be elected unopposed for the top post in the last two decades, had lived his golden days at best in Punjab and also expressed his commitment towards bringing back the region on the national map of athletics. “Haryana is doing fairly well in the national circuit, but Punjab is still lacking. I must not say, but Punjab is lacking in its old culture of being a hub of jobs for sportspersons. I remember, sportspersons winning medals at national level getting government jobs in various state departments,” said Sagoo.

He further added, “In recent times, the state athletes have done a fair job in national events. However, things take time to change. Like at AFI, we took many years to develop a structure which is only dedicated for the betterment of athletes. And, I must say...I would like to see Punjab back on the national map again.” Sagoo, who will serve a four-year term, is a one-time Asian Games gold medallist and a two-time national champion in shot put. He clinched gold at the 2002 Asiad in Busan with a throw of 19.03m. He also competed at the Olympics in 2000 and 2004. His career-best throw of 20.40m came at the Koncha-Zaspa Sinitskoha Memorial in Kyiv (Ukraine) in 2004. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour. “Collective efforts of all the stakeholders, including the government will ensure Indian athletics make a good impression at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in the USA,” added Sagoo.

He also maintained to continue development of athletics in the coming years. “Perhaps, AFi is the only governing body which has so many former national and international achievers in their house. We have been working towards the development of athletics in all states. And, I ensure that the work for the same will continue for the next four years. As the AFI is planning to host some major international events, the national calendar is also on the cards to identify the talent. As I said, my team is my core strength for developing athletics,” he added.