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Punjab’s vital role in shaping global sporting landscape

Milkha Singh.

Sandeep Sharma is another Punjabi athlete who has put the spotlight on his sport. He is a professional field hockey player known for his penalty-corner expertise…reports Asian Lite News

In recent years, the rise of Punjabi athletes in the global sporting arena has been remarkable. Despite facing numerous challenges, Punjabi athletes have broken barriers and significantly impacted the international stage. Their success stories are a testament to their hard work and dedication and the resilience and spirit of the Punjabi community.

Sikhism is an indigenous religion from Punjab that emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and well-being. This has led to a strong tradition of sports in the Punjabi community. Punjabi athletes have excelled in various sports, from wrestling to kabaddi. They have achieved greatness on the field and become role models and sources of inspiration for countless young Punjabis.

One such athlete is Milkha Singh, who rose from poverty and personal tragedy to become one of India’s greatest sprinters. He competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he narrowly missed the Bronze medal, but went on to win gold at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Milkha Singh’s story has made him a national hero and an inspiration to many, not just in Punjab but across India.

Sandeep Sharma is another Punjabi athlete who has put the spotlight on his sport. He is a professional field hockey player known for his penalty-corner expertise. Despite the sport’s declining popularity in India, Sandeep’s achievements have brought attention to the game in Punjab. His success has inspired many young Punjabis to take up the sport and has kept the game alive in the region.

Harmanpreet Kaur is a professional cricketer who has made her mark on the international stage. She made history in 2017 when she scored an unbeaten 171 runs in the Women’s World Cup semi-final, helping India reach the final. Her performance was a reminder that women’s cricket in India is just as exciting and talented as men’s cricket.

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One of the most prominent examples of Punjabi sporting success is the wrestler Satpal Singh. He has won numerous accolades and is revered as a hero in the Indian wrestling community. Satpal Singh’s success is not only due to his natural talent but also his perseverance and dedication to his craft. His story inspires young Punjabi athletes trying to make a name for themselves globally.

Another popular sport in Punjab is kabaddi. Despite being an indigenous sport, it has gained international recognition recently. Punjabi athletes like Sandeep Singh have become household names in the kabaddi world. Sandeep Singh is a three-time world champion and has won numerous accolades for his contributions to the sport. He has inspired a new generation of Punjabi athletes to take up kabaddi as a career.

 Boxing is another sport where Punjabi athletes have made their mark. Vijender Singh is a famous boxer from Haryana, which shares a border with Punjab. He has won several medals at the international level and is a former Olympic bronze medalist. His success story has inspired countless young Punjabis to take up boxing as a career.

The stories of these Punjabi athletes are more than just tales of success in sports. They represent the resilience, hard work, and determination of the Punjabi community. Their achievements are a source of pride for their community and inspire future generations to dream big and chase their passion.

The rise of Punjabi athletes in the global sporting arena is not only due to their natural talent but also their hard work and dedication. Many Punjabi athletes have overcome significant obstacles to get where they are today. The challenges they faced included a lack of infrastructure, funding, and discrimination. However, their relentless efforts have paid off and achieved success beyond anyone’s expectations.

The rise of Punjabi athletes in the global sporting arena is significant as it challenges the homogenization of sports culture and presents a diverse perspective on athleticism. The success of Punjabi athletes has led to increased representation and diversity in sports, which is crucial to promoting inclusivity and equality. It also highlights the need for increased investment in sports infrastructure and resources in Punjab to provide Punjabi athletes with opportunities to compete at a global level. The impact of Punjabi athletes goes beyond sports, inspiring young Punjabis to pursue their dreams and break barriers, creating a positive impact on the community and society as a whole.

 Apart from being exceptional athletes, Punjabi athletes have also become essential ambassadors of Sikh culture and values. They have shown the world that Sikhs are not just a religious minority but also a proud and vibrant community that contributes significantly to the global sporting landscape. Furthermore, the success of Punjabi athletes has also brought attention to the broader issues facing the Punjabi community, such as immigration and social inequality.

Athletes from Punjab have made a remarkable contribution to the global sporting landscape. Their success stories are an inspiration not only to the Punjabi community but to the broader world. Moreover, their achievements go beyond sports; they have become essential ambassadors of Sikh culture and values. Therefore, as a society, we must continue to support and celebrate the achievements of Punjabi athletes and recognize their vital role in shaping the global sporting landscape.

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Olympic stars to lead India for World Athletics Championships


While most of the selections were on expected lines, some decisions raised eyebrows — like the omission of long jumper Jeswin Aldrin, who was left out despite qualifying for the event…reports Asian Lite News

Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, top male steeplechaser Avinash Sable and long jumper M Sreeshankar will lead the Indian charge at the World Athletics Championships to be held at Eugene, Oregon in the US, from July 15-24.

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Thursday announced a 22-member squad, including five women, for the biggest competition for athletes this year.

Neeraj, who recently finished second in the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, setting the national record of 89.30 metres in the process and then won a gold medal at the Kuortane Games with a creditable effort of 86.60m in horrible conditions, will be India’s main hope for a gold medal in Oregon, continuing his surge from Tokyo.

AFI president Adille J. Sumariwalla said the team has been selected from among those who had either attained the entry standard set by World Athletics or qualified based on their world rankings.

Seven of the 16 athletes, who will compete in individual events, are National Record holders. They include Sable, Sreeshankar, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, Neeraj Chopra, Sandeep Kumar, Annu Rani and Priyanka Goswami.

The AFI informed that quarter-miler Amoj Jacob has been selected for the 4x400m relay subject to fitness. “Arokia Rajiv will replace Amoj in case he does not regain fitness,” Sumariwalla said.

Similarly, women 400m sprinter Aishwarya Kailash Mishra’s selection was subject to a fitness trial — with electronic time and dope testing. Recently, there were reports of her evading a dope test, though the athlete has denied the allegation.

Aishwarya Mishra clocked 51.18 seconds in the Federation Cup in Kozhikode on April 3 and has not completed a lap in a competitive event since. She entered the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai earlier this month but was disqualified after making a foul start in the 400m heats.

Asked what explanation she gave for not being available for the dope test, Sumariwalla said the athlete informed that she was at her native place where her grandmother was unwell and had also lost her phone.

While most of the selections were on expected lines, some decisions raised eyebrows — like the omission of long jumper Jeswin Aldrin, who was left out despite qualifying for the event.

Sumariwalla and chief national coach Radhakrishnan Nair explained that Jeswin Aldrin was excluded as his form has declined since he achieved the qualification.

“He attained the entry standard by jumping 8.26m in the Federation Cup on April 3 but his graph has shown only a downward trend since. He jumped 7.82, 7.69 and 7.51 in the last three meets,” Sumariwalla said.

AFI President said shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was picked despite the Asian Champion not looking in good form. According to Sumariwalla, the Asian Champion was staging a comeback from wrist surgery and had kept improving his performances.

“In the Inter-State Championships, which was a selection meet, Toor won with a 20.34m effort. He is the best we have in the shot put,” he said.

The teams:

Men: Avinash Sable (3000m Steeplechase), MP Jabir (400m Hurdles), M Sreeshankar and Muhammed Anees Yahiya (Long Jump), Abdulla Aboobacker, Praveen Chithravel and Eldhose Paul (Triple Jump), Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put), Neeraj Chopra and Rohit Yadav (Javelin Throw), Sandeep Kumar (20km Race Walking), Amoj Jacob*, Noah Nirmal Tom, Muhammed Ajmal, Naganathan Pandi, Rajesh Ramesh and Muhammed Anas Yahiya (4x400m).

Women: S Dhanalakhsmi (200m), Aishwarya Kailash Mishra (400m), Parul Chaudhary (3000m Steeplechase), Annu Rani (Javelin Throw) and Priyanka Goswami (20km Walk).

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Sport Sports

Neeraj Chopra to lead 37-member athletics team in Commonwealth Games

“Shot Puttter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will have to perform well in Kazakhstan while Amoj Jacob has been selected subject to his recovery and fitness level,” the AFI President said…reports Asian Lite News

Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra headlined the 37-member squad named by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Thursday to compete in the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8 this year.

AFI president Adille Sumariwalla expressed confidence that the squad would deliver quality performances.

The squad includes three men Javelin Throwers in Neeraj Chopra, DP Manu and Rohit Yadav and three Triple Jumpers in Abdulla Aboobacker, Praveen Chithravel and Eldhose Paul.

“We are requesting the Indian Olympic Association to increase our quota by one and to assist in securing accreditation for a couple of athletes. We have also selected a few subject to their proving their fitness and form before the Games,” Sumariwalla said.

“Shot Puttter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will have to perform well in Kazakhstan while Amoj Jacob has been selected subject to his recovery and fitness level,” the AFI President said.

“Similarly, Discus Throwers Navjeet Kaur Dhillon and Seema Antil Punia as well as Hammer Thrower Sarita Singh will have to perform in Kazakhstan or California. Race walker Bhawna Jat will have to prove her fitness.”

Sumariwalla also said Avinash Sable, Neeraj Chopra and Seema Antil Punia, who are training overseas, sought and were granted exemption from appearing in the National Inter-State Athletics Championships in Chennai.

The team:

Men: Avinash Sable (3000m Steeplechase); Nitender Rawat (Marathon); M Sreeshankar and Muhammed Anees Yahiya (Long Jump); Abdulla Aboobacker, Praveen Chithravel and Eldhose Paul (Triple Jump); Tajinderpal Singh Toor (Shot Put); Neeraj Chopra, DP Manu and Rohit Yadav (Javelin Throw); Sandeep Kumar and Amit Khatri (Race Walking); Amoj Jacob, Noah Nirmal Tom, Arokia Rajiv, Muhammed Ajmal, Naganathan Pandi and Rajesh Ramesh (4x400m Relay).

Women: S Dhanalakshmi (100m and 4x100m relay); Jyothi Yarraji (100mHurdles); Aishwarya B (Long Jump and Triple Jump) and Ancy Sojan (Long Jump); Manpreet Kaur (Shot Put); Navjeet Kaur Dhilllon and Seema Antil Punia (Discus Throw); Annu Rani and Shilpa Rani (Javelin Throw); Manju Bala Singh and Sarita Romit Singh (Hammer Throw); Bhawna Jat and Priyanka Goswami (Race Walking); Hima Das, Dutee Chand, Srabani Nanda, MV Jilna and NS Simi (4x100m relay).

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