Tokyo Olympics: Kamalpreet Kaur in a ‘relaxed’ state ahead of Discuss Throw final, reveals coach

Tokyo Olympics: Kamalpreet Kaur in a ‘relaxed’ state ahead of Discuss Throw final, reveals coach

Kamalpreet Kaur; Athletics at Tokyo Olympics

Athletics has been a sport where India is often criticized for their performances on the world stage. However, the nation banks on the youngster, Kamalpreet Kaur who made the headlines on Saturday, following her stellar performance in the qualification of Discuss Throw.

The 26-year-old qualified for the finals of the event at Tokyo Olympics, after she crossed the automatic qualification mark set at 64.00 meters. Kamalpreet Kaur started off with a throw just crossing the 60m, but showed her true class, with a huge second throw of 63.97m. She bettered her performance on the third row, where she hit the 64.00m qualification mark.

Kamalpreet Kaur finished second overall in the qualification round, and can rewrite history in the finals on Monday. Her long term coach, Rakhi Tyagi could not accompany her to Tokyo, but dialed her number as soon as she entered the finals of Discuss Throw. Tyagi told the youngster that back in India, she had already become a national hero, with cricketers and actors in awe of her performance.

FS Video

Rakhi Tyagi reacted to the Instagram Video story posted by Bollywood actress, Kareena Kapoor, after Kaur’s brilliant throw in Tokyo. “I’m a huge fan of Kareena Kapoor. I just told her, Kamal, I don’t care what happens on Monday, but we have to meet Kareena Kapoor. You have to get me to meet Kareena Kapoor,” Tyagi said.

In response, Kamalpreet Kaur stated that they would also have to meet Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag. It is known that the 26-year-old is a huge fan of the explosive batsman. “Haan (yes) ma’am but then we also have to meet Virender Sehwag,” Kamalpreet replied as quoted by ESPN.

Rakhi Tyagi’s inspiring message to Kamalpreet Kaur prior to the finals

YouTube video

Kamalpreet Kaur revealed that she took up the sport only because she had fared well in her studies, and wanted to explore other avenues. “I only decided to try sports after class 10 because I wasn’t very good in studies,” she had once told ESPN. “I got just 33% in my class 10. So I thought I might as well try this out,” she added.

Kamalpreet Kaur recorded the sixth best throw in the world this year, after she threw 66.59m just a few months ago. Rakhi Tyagi revealed that Kaur is generally a very calm person, and that they spend time watching Bollywood movies.

“I’m her coach and I’m supposed to calm her down but she’s usually really relaxed. We love watching movies. I prefer Bollywood films but she only wants to see Hollywood horror and thrillers. Some weeks ago, she convinced me to watch The Conjuring and Annabelle, and I was so terrified I ran into the bathroom. But she was just happily watching as if nothing happened,” said Tyagi.

The coach also revealed Kamalpreet’s disappointment for not accompanying her at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite being miles away from her student, Rakhi Tyagi had some inspiring words for Kamalpreet Kaur ahead of the final.

“Before the Olympics, Kamal really wanted me to come with her. Eventually even after I sent her off at the airport, she would constantly call me and say ‘Ma’aam I wish you were here’. I told her Kamal I’ll try to come but if I can’t it shouldn’t matter. I’ve told her to just eat and sleep right and the rest will take care of itself. She’s a pure vegetarian so I’ve sent her laddoos and homemade protein bars so that she doesn’t have any issues with her food either,” said Tyagi.

“I’ve told her to just have fun in the stadium. It’s just a game, don’t take too much stress. Ball aye to ghuma ke chauka maarna hai bas. (If you get a ball to be hit, just swing and hit it for a four),” she added.

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