Arjuna awardee, Asian Games medallist Balwinder Dhaliwal passes away at 67

CHANDIGARH: Arjuna awardee and former Asian Games medallist Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, one of India’s finest shot putters, passed away here Monday after battling lung cancer. He was 67.A 10-time national champion between 1981 and 1992, Dhaliwal dominated Indian shot put for over a decade. He won bronze at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and went on to clinch silver (1983), gold (1985) and bronze (1987) at the Asian Athletics Championships.One of his career highlights came in 1986 when he set an Asian record of 18.71m at an international meet in New Delhi. His achievements earned him the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award (1983) and the Arjuna Award (1987). Dhaliwal, who began with Punjab Police before joining Tata Steel as assistant sports officer in 1983, later dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young athletes, including a stint as athletics coach at PU from 2016 to 2024.Remembered as a humble, deeply religious and committed sportsperson, he remained active as vice-president of the Chandigarh Athletics Association till his final days, with colleagues terming his passing a major loss to the sport.His son Paramjeet, a shot putter, credited him for shaping his career, recalling his discipline, blunt guidance and passion, even as he battled illness.His antim darshan will be held at Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 39, from 11 am to 12.30 pm, followed by the last rites at Sector 25 cremation ground.