Asian Games 2018: Family of Amritsar-based athlete rejoices victory in triple jump

After Arpinder Singh ended India’s 48-year-long wait for a gold medal in men’s triple jump at the Asian Games being held in Jakarta on Wednesday, the athlete’s family that was elated with his achievement expressed their happiness and pride.

The 25-year-old from Harsha Chhina village of Amritsar lodged the best jump of 16.77m in his third attempt, pipping Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Kurbanov.

“I was elated to know that my son has made the country proud. He practised for over 12 hours a day, with a sole aim to win a medal for the country,” said Arpinder’s father Jagbir Singh, a retired army constable.

“Arpinder spoke to us over a video call before the game and was certain of winning the gold. He brimmed with confidence and asked us to purchase fire crackers in advance to celebrate the win,” he said.

The national record holder athlete was inclined towards the sport since childhood and began practising at an early age.

“No one in our family has been associated with sports in the past. Arpinder developed interest in triple jump when he was in Class-5. He travelled to Gandhi ground every day for his practise sessions,” said the father, who shared that after identifying his son’s talent and determination, he sent him to Jalandhar sports school to learn and become proficient in it.

Arpinder later went on to pursue his graduation in physical education from Malwa College in Bathinda.

His brother Jagroop Singh, who is a doctor at State health department, said he is proud of his brother’s accomplishments in the field.

“My brother has clinched 14 national medals till now. He had also won a bronze medal in the sport during 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” he said.

Arpinder’s mother Harmeet Kaur said it was her son’s dream to win gold in Asian game. “With the blessings of Waheguru, his dream has come true,” she said.

Aiming to amass a gold medal in the upcoming Olympics, Arminder’s sister Vamandeet Kaur said, “After his spectacular debut, we pray that he wins a gold medal in the Olympics as well and make the whole country proud.”