Harjinder Kaur Shines with Silver at Commonwealth Games 2026
Harjinder Kaur's Remarkable Journey in Weightlifting
Once uncertain about the impact of weightlifting on her physique, Harjinder Kaur from Nabha has now proven her doubters wrong by clinching a silver medal in the women's 69 kg category at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This achievement marks her second medal at the Commonwealth Games, following a bronze in 2022.
Originating from Mehas village, Harjinder is the daughter of Sahib Singh, a modest farmer with a few cattle.
Her athletic career commenced in Class XI, where she initially engaged in kabaddi for two years. It was her first coach, Paramjit Sharma from Punjabi University, who recognized her remarkable strength and encouraged her to explore tug of war and subsequently weightlifting, a pivotal choice that altered her life.
Despite her initial doubts about weightlifting changing her body, Harjinder's parents supported her decision. Her father recounted, "At one point, she expressed her reluctance to continue, fearing it would alter her appearance. My wife and I urged her to focus on her future through the sport she cherished."
On the day of her competition, Harjinder reached out to her brother Pritpal Singh, expressing her confidence in winning a medal. Her belief was validated as she returned home with another medal from the Commonwealth Games.
Her coach, Paramjit Singh, attributes her success to her discipline and relentless focus. "She was always committed, never missing a training session, even during the Covid pandemic. Her dedication never wavered," he noted.
The family faced significant financial challenges over the years, struggling to cover her training, dietary needs, and travel expenses for competitions. To ensure Harjinder had every chance to succeed, Sahib Singh took out loans to support her aspirations.
Harjinder's childhood was filled with challenges as well. She cycled nearly 5 km daily from Mehas village to her school in Nabha. Her father reminisced, "I remember her bicycle often getting punctured. Instead of complaining, she would push it home, understanding our financial constraints."
After school, she assisted her father with farm tasks, including using the chaff cutter for cattle fodder, which she believes contributed to her arm strength.
Despite their financial struggles, education was always a priority for the family. Pritpal shared, "Our father encouraged us to pursue our studies, regardless of our financial situation. Even in tough times, our parents promised to support our education and dreams."
Today, Harjinder works with the Income Tax Department, and her brother is also employed. After years of hardship, the family has finally found stability. An emotional Sahib Singh expressed, "Hun koi fikar nai mainu (Now I have no worries)."