Kamalpreet Kaur Olympic Medal Dream: India's big star in the discus throw, Kamalpreet Kaur played her discus competition on August 2 and finished at the 6th spot.
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Kaur's best attempt was 63.70. Starting well in the women's discus throw final, she threw 61.62 in her first attempt. Before rain halted the game, Kaur had a foul in the second throw. She threw 63.70 in her third attempt and stood at the 6th rank.
The Kamalpreet Kaur story is an inspirational one, and a great reminder that India's glory at the Olympics comes from women from small towns with big dreams. Now a household name, Kaur's gained global recognition as a young woman sports star in India.
From Sri Muktsar Sahib to Tokyo: The Kamalpreet Kaur Story
Kamalpreet Kaur is just 25 and hails from a small town in Punjab called Sri Muktar Sahib. She grew up in a village in a rustic setting and a homely atmosphere. Women were never really allowed to dream of being sportswomen but events in Kaur's life got her to get into sport. She was not big on studies and expressed the same to her parents, who have a basic business in the village.
Kaur's strength and physique suited some of the top sports India plays such as shot put and discus throw. In 2012, she kicked off her journey into sporting events and soon picked important state level titles in Punjab. She dropped shot put and focussed on discus throw where he coach brought her a lot of fresh expertise. The 25-year-old decided to take up the sport professionally in 2014.
PC: The Indian Express
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Shot Put to Discus
The sportswoman from Punjab started as a shotput athlete but later looking her stance and instinct, her coach at the Sports Authority of India centre in Badal village, asked her to experiment with discus, at which she immediately excelled and started winning events.
Among the top Discus throwers in the world
In 2021, she became one among the top discus throwers in the world. She picked two championships. One in Patiala at the Federation Cup, where she crossed the 65 metres mark in discus throw, a record held by Seema Punia, who is also Kaur's biggest inspiration.
Later in June 2021, Kaur crossed the 66 metres mark, bettering her own position.
The Journey at Tokyo Olympics Qualifiers
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Her round in the final set of qualifies saw Kaur cross the 64 metres mark which allows for entry straight into the finals.
What a fantastic performance by the 25 year old who has been wishing to win an Olympic gold. She was among two players to get an automatic entry into the finals along with the athlete from United States Valleria Allman. Kaur will compete with Allman.
The Family Story
Hailing from a simply village family, she face early resistance to playing the sport. Her mom didn't think girls should play such games. Her father was supportive and tried to help her fulfil her keenness. Kaur's mom was skeptical on how her daughter would live and train independently in a hostel far away from her family.
But Kamalpreet was adamant and sure this was the path for her. She beat all odds to overcome both personal and family challenges that came as obstacles. Like many of India's ambitious and talented sport stars, Kaur too faced adversity,- from undercooked rotis to not having enough funds to shop for equipment.'
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PC: The Indian Express