Tribune News Service

Faridkot, August 11

The town erupted in celebration and family members were choked with emotions on Wednesday when Rupinder Pal Singh, dragflicker of the Indian hockey team, returned home after a gap of about six months with an Olympic bronze medal.

Rupinder’s mother Sukhwinder Kaur and father Harinder Singh were unable to utter a word after seeing their son, the youngest among four siblings. Many sportspersons, social organisations of Faridkot and close and distant relatives of Rupinder organised a grand reception for him. For his parents, winning the medal was meeting the promise he had made to them some time back.

“My son had vowed not to get married until he clinches a medal in the Olympics. Thank God, he has honoured his vow with grace and dignity,” said Sukhwinder Kaur.

My son has kept his word

My son had vowed not to get married until he clinched a medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Thank God, he has honoured his vow with grace and dignity. —Sukhwinder Kaur, Mother of Rupinder Pal Singh

Rupinder Pal was elated as after the win, they will play in the World Cup and Asian Games. “It was a grand performance by men and women hockey teams and it will give impetus to the game in the country, with a target of winning the World Cup and Asian Games,” said Rupinder. After he was received by his family members, Rupinder Pal went to ‘Tilla’ of Baba Farid here to pay obeisance.