Judoka cop Narinder fought for India in two Olympics

Jalandhar: Punjab's superintendent of police and former judo Olympian Narinder Singh, who ended life at his residence in Punjab Armed Police (PAP) complex on Friday, was cremated here on Saturday. Arjuna awardee Narinder has the distinction of being the only judoka to have represented India in two Olympics, first in 1992 (Barcelona) and 1996 (Atlanta).
His wife Sunit Thakur, also a judoka and former Olympian, in her statement to the police said Narinder was under depression and she found him hanging at their residence on Friday night. His family has not blamed anybody for the suicide.
Narinder, 44, had been suspended in October 2013 after he was booked in an attempt to murder case in Delhi. He had shot at a youth after an altercation over a minor issue and he was left seriously injured. Narinder, who was assistant commandant of the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRB), was posted at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi when he was booked and subsequently suspended.
Sources said Narinder was not reinstated for over two years and was under severe depression when some other cops, who were also facing criminal cases, were serving on key posts.
"He was a very fine player and happened to be the only judo player to represent the country twice in the Olympics, which is a big achievement," said Hiwan Sharma, chief coach of Indian judo team.
Sunit works at a private school in Jalandhar.