In an era when Indian athletics was still carving out its identity on the world stage, one man stood head and shoulders above his peers. Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, a former Olympian and Asian Decathlon Champion, remains a pioneering figure in Indian sports history. His illustrious career during the 1960s saw him setting a record that has yet to be matched.
Randhawa is singular in his achievements, being the only Indian athlete to hold four national records in high jump, javelin throw, 110 m hurdles, and decathlon. His multifaceted talents and relentless determination led him to represent India at the 1960 Rome Olympics, a platform where he first showcased his exceptional prowess.
The year 1962 marked a significant milestone for Randhawa when he was crowned the Best Athlete at the Jakarta Asian Games. This accolade was a testament not only to his athletic versatility but also to his dedication and spirit. Two years later, at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Randhawa delivered one of the finest performances by an Indian athlete, finishing fifth in the 110 m hurdles with a time of 14 seconds—a feat that stood as the best performance by an Indian competitor apart from Milkha Singh’s fourth-place finish in Rome.
Randhawa’s remarkable career also saw him breaking barriers beyond the national level. At one stage, he held the Commonwealth records in both high hurdles, clocking 14 seconds, and the decathlon with an impressive 6912 points. Such records highlighted his extraordinary ability to excel across multiple disciplines.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Randhawa’s contributions were recognized with several prestigious awards. In 1961, he was honored with the Arjuna Award, making him the very first recipient of this accolade. His exemplary performance and service to the nation were further acknowledged with the President’s Police Medal, underscoring his status as a role model both on and off the track.
An interesting anecdote from the period captures the essence of the challenges faced by athletes of that era. Dhanwant Singh Bhogal, an industrialist and former athlete who represented India in long-distance walking events during the late 1950s, recalled an incident at the Olympics. “I remember running as an outsider because there was no official or fellow runner accompanying Gurbachan Singh Randhawa,” Bhogal reminisced. “When he won the race and collapsed on the track, the Italians even asked me to come and pick him up, as he had no one with him. This was a stark contrast to today’s environment where champions are accompanied by a host of officials and relatives.”
The story of Gurbachan Singh Randhawa is not just about the medals, records, and awards; it is a narrative of resilience and a reminder of the sacrifices athletes made in the early days of Indian sports. As the nation continues to rise in the global sporting arena, it is time to look back and celebrate the legacy of trailblazers like Randhawa, whose passion and perseverance continue to inspire generations.
