Kamalpreet Kaur qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in women’s discus throw; Hima Das pips S Dhanalakshmi in 200 meters at Federation Cup

Kamalpreet Kaur qualifies for Tokyo Olympics in women’s discus throw; Hima Das pips S Dhanalakshmi in 200 meters at Federation Cup

Kamalpreet Kaur secured a place in the Tokyo Olympic Games as she came up with a national record throw at the discus throw event in the Federation Cup. Just two years ago, Kamalpreet had made waves with a meet record throw to win the event. This time around as well, she was considered a huge contender to win as were the promising Navjeet Kaur Dhillon and veteran Seema Punia.

However, the stage belonged to Kamalpreet who came up with a throw of 65.06 meters in the first throw itself to breach the Olympic qualification mark of 63.50 meters. “I wanted to do even better but for some reason got nervous. Maybe because I had made 65m already, I kept stepping over. But next time I will be ready,” Kamalpreet told The Hindu after the win.

“With nothing happening for a year, I trained with stuff like beds and flowerpots in the village. I had prepared well but was unable to sleep properly for the last three days with nervousness and excitement,” she added.

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Sports Authority of India congratulates Kamalpreet Kaur; Hima Das wins 200m

Kamalpreet Kaur
Kamalpreet Kaur

The official Twitter handle of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) confirmed the news of Kamalpreet Kaur’s win and wrote, “Many congratulations to #KamalpreetKaur who achieved qualification for #Tokyo2020 in women’s discus throw with a national record attempt of 65.06m. This is also above the Olympic qualification benchmark of 63.5m.”

Meanwhile, in the 200 meters event, S Dhanalakshmi of Tamil Nadu who had won the 100 meters event by pipping Dutee Chand narrowly missed out on a double as she was beaten by Hima Das of Assam. Dhanalakshmi had broken PT Usha‘s meet record in the semi-final but on the day of the final, she couldn’t keep up the form from the semi-final. It was a strong showing nevertheless and it is evident that a bright future awaits.

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