Ex-Olympian Bahadur Singh Sagoo is Athletics Federation of India president

Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a 51-year-old former Olympian and highly respected figure in Indian sports, has been elected as the president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Originally from Jalandhar, Singh’s journey in athletics began at Sai Dass School in Patel Chowk, where he honed his sporting skills.

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Bahadur Singh, who previously served as Sports Secretary at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) in Jalandhar, is currently posted as Commandant of the 4th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Pathankot.

Throughout his career, Singh has amassed numerous accolades. He won a gold medal in shot put at the 2002 Busan Asian Games and represented India at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics. His achievements earned him the Padma Shri award in 2006, conferred by then-President APJ Abdul Kalam.

A son of an industrialist, Bahadur Singh’s passion for sports was evident from a young age. According to his former classmate and javelin throw coach at Jalandhar’s Government Sports College, Baba Gurdeep Singh, Bahadur Singh was dedicated to his training from school days. “He would practice at the school ground during school hours and then go on to the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium for additional training,” said Gurdeep Singh.

Interestingly, Singh’s athletic career began with discus throw and he won a gold medal at the 1992 Junior Asian Games in Delhi. His brother, now in the USA, was also a national-level athlete who competed in long jump and triple jump.

Singh’s qualities — his humility and lack of ego — have made him well-regarded by peers and colleagues. Amritsar DCP Satbir Singh Atwal, who has known Singh for 30 years, believes his new role as AFI President would be a great asset to the state.

Naresh Dogra, Sports Secretary at the PAP, praised Singh’s efforts in fostering sporting talent during his tenure. “He was always active in ensuring maximum players from Punjab Police participated in various sports events,” Dogra said.

As the new President of the Athletics Federation, Bahadur Singh Sagoo’s leadership promises to bring further success to Indian athletics, built on his extensive experience and dedication to

the sport.