Harjinder Kaur Shines with Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026
Harjinder Kaur's Remarkable Achievement
Harjinder Kaur from Punjab, hailing from a modest farming background in Mehas village, has clinched a silver medal in the women’s 69 kg weightlifting category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following her bronze medal win at the 2022 edition.
Just before her competition, the 29-year-old reached out to her brother, Pritpal Singh, expressing her unwavering confidence in her training.
Pritpal shared, "She assured me she was in great shape and was optimistic about winning either gold or silver." Her confidence was validated as she returned home with a medal. Recently, Harjinder was also awarded the esteemed Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award.
Reflecting on their family's journey, Pritpal mentioned, "There were times when people questioned our decision to support our daughter in sports, but we chose to ignore such negativity."
The family faced financial hardships, often struggling to fund Harjinder’s training, nutrition, and travel for competitions. Acknowledging her dedication, her father, Sahib Singh, took out loans to help her pursue her aspirations.
Harjinder's early life was filled with challenges. She would cycle approximately five kilometers daily from Mehas to Nabha for school.
Her father reminisced, "I remember her bike frequently getting flat tires, yet she would silently push it home, understanding our financial constraints."
In addition to her studies, Harjinder assisted her father on the farm, performing tasks like cutting straw for cattle feed, which she credits for her physical strength.
Pritpal noted that Harjinder's athletic journey began in Class XI when she initially played kabaddi. Her first coach, Paramjit Sharma, recognized her potential and encouraged her to try tug of war, eventually leading her to weightlifting—a pivotal moment in her sports career.
The transition to weightlifting was challenging, and at one point, Harjinder contemplated quitting due to concerns about her physique.
Sahib and his wife reassured her, emphasizing the importance of focusing on her future through the sport she loved.
Despite their financial difficulties, education was always a priority for the family.
Pritpal recalled, "Our father instilled in us the importance of education, regardless of our financial situation. Even in tough times, our parents promised to support our educational and personal dreams."
Harjinder's passion for strength sports runs in the family; Sahib had participated in local weightlifting contests during his youth.
Currently, Harjinder works with the Income Tax Department, and her brother is also earning, marking a significant turnaround for the family after years of struggle.
With a smile, Sahib expressed his relief, stating, "Hun koi fikar nai mainu (Now I have no worries)."