A housekeeper’s daughter Amandeep Kaur finds hope after Khelo India University Games triumph
Amandeep Kaur created a new record in the 800 meters at her debut Khelo India University Games.
Guwahati: For Amandeep Kaur, the Panjab University sensation who won the gold in the 800 meters with a record time, the Khelo India University Games are not just any competition. She sees this triumph as a stepping stone to a better life – a life currently littered with an unemployed, alcoholic father and a struggling mother, who works as a minimal-wage domestic worker who helps the family of seven meet their basic needs.
Amandeep’s race at the Khelo India University Games epitomized steely determination. Her goal was the gold, she knew well enough that good performances here could ultimately help her find recognition through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) development program, which supports athletes’ dreams of representing the country with funding for the right training and necessary equipment. , and stipends.
“My goal extends beyond winning medals and breaking records; it is about securing a place in TOPS, not only for my personal growth as an athlete, but perhaps also to relieve my family of financial burden,” said Amandeep.
The middle-distance runner, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, etched her name in history by setting a new Games record – a remarkable 2:06.27s that eclipsed the previous record held by international Harmilan Kaur Bains, who clocked a time of 2:06.40. s in the first edition of KIUG in Odisha.
This triumph also marked Amandeep’s debut in the KIUG, adding another layer of significance to her meteoric rise. Just before that, the 21-year-old athlete won a silver medal in the 800-meter run during the 3rd National Open U-23 Athletics Championships in 2023.
Amandeep’s recent success is not just about personal glory, but also an opportunity to uplift her family and provide them with the support they desperately need.
“Today, if you perform well in sports, you get better opportunities and even a chance at a job. The weight of financial responsibility rests on my mother’s shoulders, and my determination comes from a desire to lighten that burden. For me, running is not just a sport; it is a promise to change the course of my family’s story and ensure a bright future for all of us,” she asserted.
The seeds of Amandeep’s athletic journey were sown at the age of 13, while she was still in school. However, it was only ten months ago that she made the life-changing decision to take up athletics seriously by joining the Punjab State Institute of Sports’ Center of Excellence (Athletics) in Dasuya. Under the guidance of coach Deepak Kumar, who is not only her mentor but also takes care of her basic training expenses, Amandeep has transformed her raw talent into a force to be reckoned with.
“While I am grateful for the gold medal and setting a Games record at my first Khelo India University Games, my satisfaction does not lie solely in my timing. I know my capabilities and I believe there is room for improvement. This victory is just the beginning. I am determined to push my limits, break more records and reach greater heights,” Amandeep said confidently.