Recent promotions to the esteemed position of President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) have elevated Bahadur Sagoo, a name synonymous with athletic brilliance. Sagoo’s 51-year-old journey from a potential athlete to the top position in Indian athletics is a testament to his tenacity, commitment, and love of sports.
The Journey of a Champion: From Jalandhar to the Olympics
Sagoo, who is from Jalandhar, Punjab, has accomplished a number of noteworthy sporting firsts. Sagoo, a Punjab Police commandant, won the gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games and is a former shot put champion. In addition, he represented India in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, displaying his abilities on the largest platform in the world.
When Sagoo earned a gold medal in discus throw at the Asian Junior Championships in New Delhi in 1992, his athletic career officially began. His remarkable career was made possible by this early achievement. He made the transition to shot put in 1994, just two years later, which would result in his greatest success in the discipline.
The Origin of the AFI Junior Program
Looking back, Sagoo acknowledges that his career was shaped by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). In 1989–1990, the AFI launched junior national camps, and I was a graduate of that program. My athletic career started when I joined the program in Patiala, Sagoo remembered in a PTI interview.
His first significant accomplishment, winning a gold medal at the 1992 Asian Junior Championships, came at this time. Sagoo’s career began when India, which has always been outperformed by China in throwing competitions, won seven medals in four throw events for the first time.
A Career Based on Commitment
Sagoo’s commitment to sports was apparent from an early age. At one time, he said, “I held the junior (U-16) national record in discus throw.” Sagoo advanced through the ranks swiftly while being coached by Joginder Singh Saini.
In 1994, Sagoo made a crucial step by switching to shot put. He attributes his decision to make the move to advice from AFI Secretary Lalit Bhanot, who is currently the Chairman of the AFI Planning Commission. “I decided to switch to shot put after Bhanot Sir advised me to do so,” Sagoo stated. In his professional life, he refers to Bhanot as a “father figure.”
Overcoming Injury and Adversity
Despite appearing to be headed for success, Sagoo’s career wasn’t without its difficulties. Doctors advised him to resign after a serious back injury in 1995 threatened to ruin his career. Sagoo stated, “The doctor told me I couldn’t continue my athletic career.” “But I persisted with the help of the AFI and my coaches.”
Sagoo’s perseverance paid off, as he went on to throw a gold medal in the 2002 Asian Games, measuring 19.03 meters, and set a personal best of 20.40 meters in shot put.
A Complete Circle: From Athlete to AFI President
With his election as the AFI President, Sagoo’s 15-year sporting career has finally gone full circle. Sagoo is committed to giving back to the sport that molded his life and career, even if he never imagined taking on such a prominent role. “I never imagined that I would be the president of AFI.” But now that I’m here, I want to give back to the sport that helped me win awards for the nation,” he remarked.
A Tradition of Commitment and Guidance
Under his leadership, Bahadur Sagoo, the next President of AFI, is expected to contribute new perspectives and a profound knowledge of sports. His incredible rise from athlete to Indian athletics’ top position is evidence of his dedication to both the sport and his nation. Indian athletics appears to have a bright future under his direction.
