Manpreet Kaur, the Patiala-based shot putter, became the latest Indian athlete to qualify for next year’s Olympics. She shattered an 18-year-old national record en route to a sixth title at the 55th National Open Athletics Championship. She threw 17.96 metres in her second attempt to claim the gold medal, a hat-trick of titles at the National Open after she returned to field in 2013 following a three year hiatus because of the birth of her daughter Jasnoor. Manpreet is confident that she can break into 19 metres by Rio next year.
The IAAF entry standard for 2016 Rio Olympics in women’s shot put is 17.80m, while the top three in London 2012 threw 20 m plus.It was also an emotional moment for Manpreet as the previous record holder too worked in the same department of Railways where she’s currently posted.
Shot Put
- The first recorded competitions of shot put were in the 1800’s, in Scotland.
- Shot put appeared in the Olympic Games for men in 1896, and for women in 1948.
- A shot can range from 1 to 7 kg (2.2 lbs to 16lbs) in weight.
Test Your Knowledge
Who won gold in shot put at Asian Athletics Championships 2015?
Which city hosted the 21st Asian Athletics Championships?
The Mascot for 21st Asian Athletics Championships is __________.
