Tokyo Olympics: Discus Thrower Kamalpreet Kaur Finishes Creditable Sixth

Discuss thrower Kamalpreet Kaur finished sixth in her first Olympics. The 25-year-old Kaur had qualified for the final as second-best on Saturday with a throw of 64m. A farmers daughter from Punjab’s Kabarwala village Kamalpreet had raised hopes of India’s elusive athletics medal. This was after finishing second in the qualification round on Saturday.

Kamalpreet who was without her personal coach looked visibly nervous as she lacked international exposure. Her only international competition was when she took part in World University Games in 2017.

American Valarie Allman won the gold with a first-round throw of 68.98m. Germany’s Kristin Pudenz took the silver medal with a personal best throw of 66.86m on her fifth attempt. The bronze medal was clinched by reigning world champion Yaime Perez of Cuba, who hurled the disc to a distance of 65.72m on her first attempt. Two-time defending champion Sandra Perkovic of Croatia was fourth with a best throw of 65.01m.

Kaur had told PTI recently that she was earlier reluctant to pursue a career in athletics, considering the poor financial condition of her family. But her parents supported her.

Speaking to the media, Kamalpreet’s father Kuldeep Singh said that it was her first participation in Olympics. He added that though she gave her best the elusive rains played spoilsport and somewhat spoilt her rhythm.

He added, that she will continue practice in future. She performed well and played till the last round. He added that his daughter will work hard and will keep patience and prepare for future events.

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