Akashdeep Singh, an athlete from Kahneke village in Barnala district, qualified for the Olympic Games, World Championships and Asian Games by setting a new national record in the 20 km walk with a time of 1.19.55. This is India's first quota in athletics for the Paris Olympic Games-2024 and the fourth Indian athlete overall to qualify for the Olympics.
Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated Akashdeep Singh on this proud achievement and said that this is the result of his hard work. He said that Akashdeep Singh is the first Indian athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games in athletics which is a proud moment for the entire state.
He said that the sports department is making continuous efforts under the commitments made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make the state a leader in sports. He attributed this achievement to Akashdeep Singh, his parents and coaches.
Akashdeep Singh who is preparing under the supervision of the coaches of the sports department at Baba Kala Mehar Stadium Barnala, set a new national record of 1.19.55 in the 10th Indian Open Race Walking competition at Ranchi (Jharkhand) and won Gold Medal in the 20 km walk.