Muktsar girl Kamalpreet Kaur qualifies for women's discus throw finals at Tokyo Olympics

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, July 31

Kamalpreet Kaur from Kabarwala village in Lambi Assembly segment here on Saturday qualified for the women's discus throw final in Tokyo Olympics.

She finished second in the qualification round with the throw of 64-metre in her final attempt. She is the first Indian woman to touch the mark at the Olympics.

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Meanwhile, discus thrower Seema Punia failed to advance to the final. Punia, who had booked a last-minute Olympics berth, was way below her season and personal best marks. She fouled her first throw and had 60.57m and 58.93m in her next two attempts to make an exit from what would be her last Olympics.

Speaking over the phone, Kamalpreet's father Kuldeep Singh said, "I am overwhelmed and busy receiving guests at my residence. I spoke with Kamalpreet over the phone and congratulated her."

Meanwhile, a large number of people have started congratulating her on social media. "It is a proud moment for us. Our wishes are with her and we are hoping that she will win a medal," said Jugraj Singh, a resident of her native village. He further said that the village residents would celebrate her success today.

Notably, the state government had recently provided her financial assistance for the participation in the Olympics. Further, SAD chief-cum-MP Ferozepur had yesterday spoken to Kamalpreet through a video call to boost her morale.

“Badal saab & I were thrilled to watch Kamalpreet Kaur qualifying for finals of Discus Throw early this morning with a 64.00 throw at #TokyoOlympics. Congratulations & best wishes from all of us in Punjab," said Sukhbir in a tweet.

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