Fazilka's pride, 18-year-old discus thrower Amanat Kamboj, received a hero's welcome upon her return home after clinching the gold medal at the Asian U-20 Athletics Championships 2026 in Hong Kong. The young athlete secured the top spot for India on May 29 with her best throw of 52.24 metres, outperforming the entire field.
Grand Welcome and Felicitations
Upon her arrival in Fazilka, Amanat was greeted with garlands and cheers by a large gathering that included Ferozepur MP Sher Singh Ghubaya and representatives of various non-governmental organisations. The warm reception reflected the pride the local community feels for her remarkable achievement on the international stage.
Father and Coach's Pride
Speaking to The Tribune, Amanat's father and coach, Hakam Chand Kamboj, expressed his elation. He revealed that Amanat had previously won a silver medal at the 2024 Asian U-20 Athletics Championships and had been working tirelessly to upgrade it to gold. "I worked very hard over the past two years to turn my silver medal into gold," Amanat said. "It is a proud moment for me to fulfil my father's dream and receive such a warm welcome from my hometown, Fazilka."
Hakam, who serves with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Jalalabad and is a former national-level discus thrower himself, noted that this gold medal fulfilled his own long-cherished dream, as he had never managed to win an international gold during his career. He added that Amanat, a first-year Bachelor of Arts student at Chandigarh University, has also qualified for the World Athletics U-20 Championships scheduled to be held in the United States on August 5.
Looking Ahead
Amanat's journey from a silver medallist in 2024 to a gold medallist in 2026 is a testament to her dedication and hard work. With her qualification for the World U-20 Championships, she now has her sights set on further glory. The entire Fazilka community, along with her family and coaches, will be cheering for her as she prepares to represent India on the global stage once again.
