Chakar spins with joy, rolls out red carpet for Simranjit

Ludhiana: Simranjit Kaur, Punjab’s first boxer to play in the Olympics, was given a hero’s welcome in Chakar village on Wednesday. Though she could not win a medal for the country, she has become a role model for many girls and aspirants.
A resident of Chakar village, pugilist Simranjit’s journey to Tokyo Olympics was full of hardships. From losing her father at a young age to not being able to have three meals a day and living in a low-lying house that would fill with water in the rainy season, she fought many odds to reach this platform.
On Wednesday, when Simranjit returned to Chakar, 62km from Ludhiana, villagers gave her a rousing reception and students of four schools welcomed her on the way home. She was also honoured at the village gurdwara and a special jeep was called for her in which she went around the village. The vehicle was escorted by the villagers and a dhol player that made many dance with joy.
Villager Balwant Singh Sandhu, who also runs the village’s boxing academy, said, “It is a proud moment for us to welcome Simranjit. We had never dreamt of it. She has become a role model and inspiration for many. Though Simranjit and her family did not want any celebration, we could not stop ourselves as it was such an important day for us.”
About 100 students of different schools of Chakar stood along the road to welcome the pugilist. They clapped for her and also danced to dhol beats.
Simranjit said, “I have been through a really tough time in my life, but it made me stronger and pushed me to work hard for myself and my family. The kind of welcome I have received was overwhelming. I have promised my village that I will perform better in the next Olympics and win a medal.”
Simranjit’s mother Rajpal Kaur said, “Watching Simmi (Simranjit’s nickname) on television, representing India in Olympics, was so far the best moment of my life. It was my dream to see her in the Olympics ring and I consider it to be a big achievement. I know she will work hard and win a medal next time.”