Manpreet Kaur Secures Bronze in Shot Put at Asian Games, Reflects on Family Legacy
Manpreet Kaur's Emotional Journey to Bronze
Manpreet Kaur has clinched a bronze medal in shot put at the Asian Games held in Japan. While she celebrated this significant achievement, she expressed mixed feelings, wishing she could have secured a medal of a different color. As a mother to a 15-year-old, she felt a strong desire to improve her performance. Representing Haryana, she shared her thoughts with a local news outlet after the event.
In her words, "I am happy, but I wanted to change the color of the medal. Still, it is all okay."
This moment was particularly poignant for Manpreet as she reflected on her late father and father-in-law, both of whom had envisioned her success in athletics.
During a phone interview, her voice trembled with emotion as she recounted memories of her father and father-in-law.
Hailing from a village in Nabha, Manpreet lost her father when she was in sixth grade. He had always encouraged her to pursue sports. Following his passing, she relocated to Fatehgarh Sahib, where her paternal relatives raised her. It was her cousin, Jagjit Singh Randhawa, who introduced her to athletics and became her first coach.
"She began with the 100-meter sprint, but after sustaining an injury, she transitioned to shot put," Randhawa explained.
Her athletic journey continued after marrying Karamjit Singh, who also serves as her coach. Karamjit, along with their daughter, traveled to Japan to support Manpreet during her competition.
For Manpreet, having her teenage daughter present at the Asian Games was an emotional highlight. Her daughter is set to turn 15 next month.
"She will turn 15 next month. I can hardly believe how grown up she is. She understands everything and supports me. Sports has kept me so engaged," Manpreet expressed.
She also became emotional while reminiscing about her father-in-law, who passed away a few years ago.
"Even in his final days, he encouraged me to practice shot put and improve my throws. I honored his wishes by working hard towards his dream," she shared.