Tajinder Singh Toor: From Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory

The Journey of Tajinder Singh Toor

During his teenage years, Tajinder Singh Toor's uncle and first coach, Gurdev Singh, recognized an exceptional talent in his throwing abilities that left him astonished.

“You have the potential to reach the Olympics,” Gurdev remarked after observing Toor's training sessions. Although Toor, now a two-time Olympian and three-time Asian medalist, laughed off the prediction, saying, “Mazak na karo,” it was a testament to his modesty.

Gurdev Singh, an accomplished shot put medalist himself, shared with a local news outlet, “He was unaware of his own talent, but I recognized it early on.”

Reflecting on Toor's character, Gurdev noted that his nephew consistently paired determination with action.

“Irada bahut pakka hai. Sirf galla nahi karda (He is not just a talker). Whatever he aims for, he accomplishes,” Gurdev explained. The family environment was steeped in sports, with Toor's father being a skilled tug-of-war competitor. Gurdev began training Tajinder at the age of 11, recognizing his potential.

Initially, Toor showed a preference for the discus throw and trained in it for a while. However, Gurdev believed that his physique and natural talent were more suited for shot put. “I encouraged him to switch to shot put,” he stated.

A memorable training session in Moga stands out for Gurdev.

“He was about 17 at the time. While practicing at a school in Moga, he executed a throw with incredible speed and the ideal angle. It was astonishing. That moment solidified my belief that he could compete at the highest levels,” he recalled.

Before relocating to Canada, Gurdev introduced Toor to his current coach, Mohinder Singh Dhillon, who continues to guide him.

“Before this event, he told me, ‘Hun performance bahut vadiya. Medal de chances hai (I am in good form. I have a strong chance of winning a medal),’” Gurdev shared.