2021 Tokyo Olympics | Shotputter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor qualifies for the Games

With approximately a month left for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to kick-start, the Indian Grand Prix 4 provided the last chance for Indian track and field athletes aiming to secure a berth for the mega event. It was Indian shotputter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor, who qualified for the spectacle with an Asian and national record throw of 21.49m

The Olympic qualification mark was set at 21.10m, with him breaching it not only once, but four times, with him following with other throws of 21.28m, 21.12 and 21.13 in Patiala, on Monday. He thus became the first shotputter from India to make the cut for the upcoming event and the first Indian male to qualify for the Olympics since Om Prakash Karhana’s appearance at the 2012 London Games.

"Finally I have achieved my target for a ticket to #Tokyo2020. In spite of numerous setbacks like injuries and Covid situations, me and my coach Sh. Mohinder Singh Dhillon stood strong. I am happy that now I have qualified for Tokyo 2020 and will work hard to give my best during the games," Tweeted Tajinder, after qualifying for the Olympics.