Ajmer Singh was a famous Indian sprinter hailed from Punjab. Ajmer Singh competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics. He was the gold medallist in the 1966 Asian Games, which was held in Bangkok. He later served as the Director of Sports, in the University of Punjab, Chandigarh. Ajmer Singh was a man who came from very humble family and remained a humble person all his life by giving the service as an able administrator, a great coach and teacher, a passionate mentor, a strict disciplinarian, a warm human being whose heart and home were always open to others, and a very fine family man.
Early Life of Ajmer Singh
Ajmer Singh was born on February 1 in the year 1940. He was born in a Jat Sikh farmer family of Kartar Singh Aulakh and Bachan Kaur Aulakh, at Kup Kalan village in the Sangrur district of Punjab. Ajmer Singh graduated from Government College, Malerkotla. Later, he did his Bachelor degree of Physical Education from Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education of Gwalior. This was followed by Masters in Arts from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Finally, he also did his Ph.D. from Punjab University in Chandigarh. Ajmer Singh is the only Indian personality with a PhD degree in Physical Education to have been honoured by Government of India with the Arjuna Award.
Life of Ajmer Singh
Ajmer Singh, a man of discipline had to walk to the neighbouring village of Rohira, some 2 miles from village Kup in Punjab. Ajmer Singh walked bare feet, rain or shine, winters or summers, dressed in rags through thorny paths to school, and yet achieved first division at all school level examinations. There was no electricity in the colonial times and he would sit at night by a small oil lamp and study, as he would be helping out with all family chores at home and in the fields during day light.
Career of Ajmer Singh
Ajmer Singh took part in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; two years later at the 1966 Asian Games held at Bangkok, he won gold in 400 metres, and silver in 200 metres. While in Nigeria, Ajmer Singh coached Daghba Minha who was his student at Federal Government Girls` College, Abuloma, Portharcourt, Nigeria, in athletics. Daghba Minha who was under the able and dedicated guidance of Ajmer Singh, became the national champion in Shot Put and Discus Throw in Nigeria.
Later Career of Ajmer Singh
Ajmer Singh also remained as a Vice-Chancellor of Laxmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior and Maulana Abul Kalam Chair and Director Sports, at the Punjab University, Chandigarh. Ajmer Singh was awarded the second highest sports award, the Arjuna Award by Government of India in the year 1966.
Death of Ajmer Singh
Ajmer Singh died in Chandigarh (Punjab) in the morning of January 26, 2010, at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife, two sons and grand children.
