Kamalpreet Kaur

Picture Credit: Twitter

India's discus thrower Kamalpreet Kaur qualified for the finals in the women's discus throw event after she finished second in the qualification. Kamalpreet was only the second thrower who achieved automatic qualification with a 64m long throw. Kaur threw her first attempt at 60.29m, second at 63.97m and threw 64m on third attempt.  Kamalpreet is the first Indian woman to breach the 65m mark in discus throw. The previous record of 64.76 was set by Krishna Poonia in 2012.

Here's all you need to know about her:

Name: Kamalpreet Kaur

Born on: 4 March 1996

Birth place: Patiala, Punjab, India

Height: 6 ft 1 in

Weight: 106 kg

Coach: Rakhi Tyagi

How did Kamalpreet Kaur qualify for Tokyo Olympics

Kaur set a national record in discus throw with an attempt of 65.06 m and qualified for the summer Olympics in Tokyo. She extended her record to 66.59m at the Indian Grand Prix-4 at the NIS, Patiala, on 21 June 2021.

Fun Facts:

1.) Kamalpreet Kaur was initially reluctant to take up sport as a career due to financial constraints and her mother’s initial opposition. However, she changed her mind due to her father’s support and her coach’s insistence. She took up athletics in 2012 and began training seriously for the sport in 2014.

2.) Hailing from Badal village of Punjab, the 25-year-old started her professional training in discus throw at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in her village. Kamalpreet became the national champion in discus throw in the U-18 and U-20 categories in 2016.

3.) Kaur was never interested in studies and didn't score good marks in her exams. Things changed when her physical education teacher forced her to give it a shot at athletics. The move paid rich dividends as she came fourth in her very first state meet.

4.) Initially, Kaur was pursuing shot put, but she switched to discus throw after joining the SAI centre at Badal.

5) During the Covid-19 pandemic at the end of last year, Kamalpreet Kaur battled depression and even started playing cricket in her village.

6.) Kamalpreet Kaur is supported by GoSports Foundation through the Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Program.

7.) Kaur is employed as a clerk with the Indian Railways and represents them in National meets.

Achievements & Records

1.) Under 18 and Under 20 national champion in 2016

2.) First Indian woman to break 65m mark, a national record

3.) Two-time Gold medal winner in National Federation Cup

4.) Five-time National Champion