Three athletes with strong ties to Punjab's Jalandhar district have secured places in the Indian athletics contingent for the Commonwealth Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Glasgow from July 22.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) recently announced a 32-member Indian athletics team, which includes sprinter Gurindervir Singh and Rashdeep Kaur, who belongs to Sangrur but trained in Jalandhar for 10 years.
While Gurindervir, a native of Jalandhar, has been selected for the men's 100-meter race, Rashdeep has earned a spot in the 4x400-meter mixed relay team.
Adding to Jalandhar's pride, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, who trained under a Jalandhar-based coach, has also been selected for shot put in the Commonwealth Games.
Rashdeep Kaur's Inspiring Journey
Rashdeep's journey to the international stage is particularly inspiring. Born into a family of modest means, with her father owning just two acres of farmland, her early years were marked by financial challenges.
Her mother, Gurpinder Kaur, recalled the sacrifices the family made to support her daughter's sporting ambitions. "We did not have much, but we never let her dreams die," she had said earlier. Despite financial hardships, the family remained determined to ensure that Rashdeep never had to depend on others to pursue her goals.
Training Under Sarabjit Singh Happy
Both Gurindervir and Rashdeep received their early training under renowned coach Sarabjit Singh Happy in Jalandhar. Expressing his happiness over their selection, Happy described it as a proud moment for the city and wished both athletes success at the Commonwealth Games.
Strengthening Jalandhar's Sporting Culture
Their achievements have further strengthened the rich sporting culture of Jalandhar, which continues to produce athletes capable of excelling on the international stage.
