Age no deterrent for this policeman

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 4

Bringing laurels to the traffic police department and the city, Assistant Sub-Inspector Surinderpal Singh (55) won gold in a 5000m race during the recently held Chandigarh Amateur Athletics meet.

Earlier in November, he had won bronze in a 5000m race during the Masters Athletics meet held in Chandigarh. After winning gold in the Chandigarh Amateurs Athletics meet, he will compete in the All India Amateurs Athletic meet scheduled to be held in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, from February 4 to February 9.

At 55, Surinderpal has been emerging as a veteran runner of the city. He can be seen practising in the ground till late in the evening after finishing his duty. “At my age, people often complain of pain in the knee. Many have to get implants fitted. But, I believe that running keeps body healthy and mind fresh,” he said.

Surinderpal had represented India in Asian Games in 2006 and won a bronze in a 3000m race. He was also part of the Indian team that won silver in a 4X400 relay race in the Asian games.

He began his international career in 1980 and won a silver medal in Indo-Silone Games. In the same year, he qualified for Junior World Athletics meet in Berlin, Germany.

Later, he joined the police department in 1988 and his records set in the events of 5000m and 10,000m during his training days are still unbeaten.

Later in the same year, he won four medals for Punjab in 800m, 1500m, 3000m and 4X400 relay during the All India Junior Athletics meet.

He was adjourned the best athlete of the tournament from the entire country.