Centenarian bags four golds in athletics championship

Kaur (on the podium) after receiving her winning certificate today.

By Nancy Nais

KUCHING, Dec 4: At 103, old is definitely gold for Man Kaur.

The centenarian has so far clinched four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, shot put and javelin throw events in the 21st Asia Masters Athletics Championship (AMAC) 2019.

The formidable great-grandmother is the oldest veteran athlete in the championship which is being held at Sarawak Stadium from Dec 2 to 6.

Asked how she felt, Kaur smiled broadly with sparkling eyes before she spoke.

“It was very hard today because yesterday, I took part in the 100m and javelin event. But I am very happy today so I ran as fast as I could. Straight after that, I had to go for the shot put event.

“Running and winning gives me happiness, and that is all I want,” Kaur told DayakDaily.

After she finished the sprint, she stood smiling with her hands in the air, later raising the Indian flag after she received her certificate.

Kaur with her first gold medal for 100m event.

When she crossed the finish line, her son Gurdev Singh, 78, and other competitors, many of whom are in their 70s and 80s, were there to cheer her on.

Singh himself also competed in the games, winning two silver medals in the 100m and 200m events.

Earlier this year, Kaur won four gold medals in the track and field events (60m dash, 200m spring, shot put, and javelin throw) at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Torun, Poland.

On her diet throughout her stay in Kuching, Kaur said she only ate biscuits and lots of fruits for energy over the past few days.

“When we run or compete, we cannot eat too much.”

Kaur’s energy and drive to compete has definitely become an inspiration to participants in the unique international event for other athletes.

Kaur’s message for younger folks: Stay away from junk food and stick to a good exercise regimen. —DayakDaily

Kaur (3rd right) holding her son Singh’s hand together with Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (3rd left) today.