South Asian Games gold medal winner honoured at Nalagarh

Sandeep Singh Saini, who had bagged a gold medal in the 200-m race at the 2025 South Asian Games held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, was felicitated at Nalagarh yesterday. He hails from Dhang Uparli village in Nalagarh tehsil and serves as a Havildar in 22nd Punjab Regiment. He is at present stationed in Jammu. After winning the gold at the Open National Games, Sandeep was selected for the South Asian Games held in Ranchi. He said that he had clocked 20.95 seconds in the National Games. He added that while growing up, he was an average student but had a penchant for sports.

He now aims to participate in the Commonwealth Games. Trials for the event will be held in May and June next year and he is preparing for it. Sandeep’s father, Jaswinder Singh, is a truck driver. He is proud of his son’s gold medal haul and is hopeful he would get more success in the future.

Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Singh Bawa, who honoured the athlete, said, “ Athletes don’t just win medals, they create a reputation for the region and inspire future generations to thrive. Sandeep has brought glory to the region at the national and international levels and we are proud of him.”

He added that the budding talent of the Nalagarh region was creating a new identity for itself in the country and the state through their hard work, dedication and discipline. Sandeep’s gold medal was not just an achievement, but a symbol of pride for the entire region. He also assured the athlete of all possible support from the Himachal Pradesh Government and announced Rs 21,000 for him from his own pocket.

The Nalagarh Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Narendra Ahluwalia, also extended his heartfelt greetings to Sandeep.