Shot-putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a new Asian record at the Indian Grand Prix 4 at Patiala on Monday.
The 26-year-old crossed the Olympic Qualification mark with a throw of 21. 49m in his first attempt, breaking his own National Record and also creating a new Asian Record. He crossed the Olympic Qualifying effort in this event with 21.10m and three more times with throws of 21.28m, 21.13m, & 21.13m in his third, fourth and fifth attempts respectively.
“I am very happy to qualify for my first Olympics. Moreover, it was Asian as well as national record. I was confident of crossing the qualification mark because I was doing 21.20 to 21.40m. So, it was not a surprise for me. I am looking forward to doing well in Tokyo. It was a bit hot today but the conditions were all right otherwise. I had several injuries last year and by the time I was fit, the COVID-19 restrictions came into place. This tournament is a big relief for me. I am now aiming to cross 22m,” Toor said.
