Olympian athlete Ajmer Singh passed away

Chandigarh: Olympian and 1966 Jakarta Asian Games gold medallist athlete Ajmer Singh passed away today. Ajmer, 70, who was also the former vice-chancellor of Laxmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior and a professor in Panjab University breathed his last here, his family said. The athlete, who clinched the gold medal in 400 metres in Jakarta, has donated his body for research to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. His body will be kept at the Pushpak Complex for paying last respect and then it will be handed to PGIMER authorities. Punjab Sports Director and Padma Shree Olympian Pargat Singh expressed his deep sorrow on the demise of Ajmer. "His death has left a void which would be difficult to fill. India has lost a leading sports personalty who was an inspiration to all," he said. Director, Physical Education and Sports of Kurukshetra University and former international spiker Dalel Singh also expressed deep sorrow over the demise. "Besides losing eminent sports personality, I have lost my teacher. I have done my Phd under Ajmer Singh in 2001," he said. "I knew him since long. His death is a personal loss to me," said Dronacharya award winner cricket coach Desh Prem Azad said. Born on February 1, 1940 at Kup Kaian village in Sangrur, Ajmer Singh hit the headlines in the 1966 Jakarta Asian Games where he bagged gold in 400 metres and silver in 200 metres. He was also a member of Indian team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 1966. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal deeply condoled Ajmer Singh`s death. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister described Ajmer Singh as a rare example of scholarly pursuits and sporting activity. "In his death the Sports fraternity had lost a gem and thus void had been created which was difficult to be filled," the Minister said. PTI