Asian gold medalist international thrower passes away

Chandigarh, Mar 22 (UNI) Former international thrower Parduman Singh who had won gold in shotput and discus in the 1958 Tokyo Asiad and bronze medal in discus in 1962 Jakarta Asian Games passed away here today after a prolonged illness.

Parduman who leaves behind his son and two grandsons, had won his first gold medal in shotput in the 1954 Asian Games.

Three-time Olympian and Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh expressed deep shock over the death of 78-year-old thrower.

''It will be difficult to fill the void created with the death of Parduman Singh. who was a towering personality,'' Pargat said.

The Bathidna District Sports Officer was directed to represent the Punjab Sports Department at the cremation and Pargat will attend the bhog later.

A large number of sportspersons and army personnel were present at the cremation.

Parduman was ailing in the Adesh Medical Hospital and College in Bhucho Mandi near Bathinda for the last 20 days. He had retired at Hony Captain from the Hudson Horse.

Parduman suffered a paralatic attack in 1990-91 and after that he was not keeping good health. Parduman hailed from Bhagta Bhai Ka and was also sarpanch of the village.

UNI