Transition Mode

A deputy commandant in the CRPF and renowned quarter miler of yesteryears,Paramjeet Singh will see himself in a new role as one of the coaches deputed to train India's 400m London Olympic hopefuls.

A deputy commandant in the CRPF and renowned quarter miler of yesteryears,Paramjeet Singh will see himself in a new role as one of the coaches deputed to train India’s 400m London Olympic hopefuls. At 38,Paramjeet who is better known for breaking Milkha Singh’s longstanding 400m record in 2000,has been coaching the CRPF recruits for the past one and half years. “Its a great opportunity but much more than that,it is an honour for me. I have been performing the role of a mentor for the CRPF athletes but training the cream of Indian athletics is going to be interesting as well as special. I hope I am able to contribute well in the athletes’ campaign for the London Games,” said Paramjeet Singh on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi.

Paramjeet has been informed to join duties from May 1 at either Bangalore or Patiala. As an athlete,Paramjeet participated in the three Asian Games Hiroshima,Bangkok and Busan,winning a silver and bronze in the Busan edition. From 1992 onwards till 1997,Paramjeet reigned supreme as the premier 400m runner in India. But a sudden spurt of athletes during in 1998 ensured that he could no longer take things for granted.

That competition says Paramjeet motivated him to work even harder. This was the time when he went past Milkha Singh’s record of 45.73 with a timing of 45.65 in 1998. However unable to maintain his high standards towards the end of his career,he decided shift focus to coaching.

“This transition happens in everyone’s life. You start off as an athlete and being coached by someone but eventually you also have to go through that same cycle. I am proud that I have been given a chance to pass on my knowledge to the athletes going to participate in the London Games,” he added. Paramjeet admits the task at hand will be a challenge as methods of training have changed significantly since his days.

“You have to change with times. I feel the involvement of foreign coaches,highly improved diets and a proper sports schedule are the need of the hour. Our batch was trained by Harbans Singh but the way we were trained is different from the current style. We used to train hard in a particular way and our diets were simple home-made food. But now days,the focus is on supplements,which according to me is not a sure shot formula for success. I am in favour of foreign coaches for the simple reason that they still know something better than us and that is why they rule the sport. But my focus will be on unity as it can really drive the athletes as a unit,so I will be making them practice as a unit,” Paramjeet explained.

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