52-year-old ASI wins two golds at athletic c’ship

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 30

Assistant Sub-Inspector (traffic) Surinderpal Singh here has once again made the city proud by winning two gold medals at the Chandigarh Masters Athletic Championship held at Chandigarh on November 27.

The 52-year-old ASI won medals in 3,000 metre race walk and 5,000 metre run. At an age when most people refrain from hard physical exercises, Surinderpal Singh has set an apt example of hard work and commitment.

He proudly says, “My records set in 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre race during my police training have not been broken yet.” He said he took to athletics during his school days and was also adjudged best athlete in the All India School Games.

He is also a recipient of the “Pride of Punjab Police-Lifetime achievement award”. He had joined the service after winning bronze medal during in Indo-Silone Games, 1980.

Talking about his fitness mantra, Surinderpal Singh said, “Regular practice is very important, but more important is to keep a watch on dietary habits. I never eat at marriage functions and parties. Home-cooked food is the best for health.”

Children these days are addicted to junk food and it’s quite harmful, he rues. “To stay healthy, one should avoid spicy and fried foods. It is difficult, but would be better for health,” he said.

He said his friends often joke about how he finds time for practice after managing traffic all day. “I do not have a particular schedule for running. It doesn’t matter if it is day or night or even afternoon. I run even during lunch breaks,” he said.