Athletics

Coach Parveer Singh Receives Dronacharya Award for Guiding Seema Punia to CWG Medal and Tajinderpal Singh Toor to Asian Games Gold

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 20, 2026, 00:18 IST

Veteran coach Parveer Singh has witnessed India's athletics growth over 25 years, from Seema Punia's 2006 medal to 2022's double gold.

Coach Parveer Singh Receives Dronacharya Award for Guiding Seema Punia to CWG Medal and Tajinderpal Singh Toor to Asian Games Gold

Parveer Singh, a veteran coach with over two decades of experience in Indian athletics, has been nominated for the esteemed Dronacharya Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport. His coaching journey has been marked by guiding athletes from their early careers to achieving remarkable success on international platforms, including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

A Legacy of Excellence in Athletics

Since joining the Indian athletics team in 2001, Singh has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous athletes. His coaching accolades include mentoring Seema Punia, who secured her first Commonwealth Games medal in 2006, and guiding Harwant Kaur and Krishna Poonia to their respective successes in subsequent years. Most recently, he coached Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Annu Rani, who both clinched gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

In an interview with PTI, Singh expressed gratitude for the recognition he has received, attributing his success to the dedication of his athletes. "My Dronacharya award is due to the commitment of my wards over these long years," he stated, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in nurturing talent. He also acknowledged the support from the Sports Authority of India and the Athletics Federation of India, which provided him with the platform to contribute to the sport's growth.

Commitment to Coaching and Education

Singh holds a doctorate in sports coaching from Punjabi University, which he completed in 2021. Currently serving as the deputy chief coach of Indian athletics at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala, he also works as a World Athletics Level 3 lecturer, training coaches across several Asian countries, including the Philippines and Thailand.

Reflecting on his dual role as a coach and educator, Singh emphasized the importance of practical experience in teaching. "What we study in theory, we get a chance to do in practice," he explained, drawing parallels between the medical field and coaching. His commitment to both coaching and education ensures that he remains at the forefront of athletic training methodologies.

As he prepares for upcoming coaching responsibilities following the Asian Games, Singh remains optimistic about the future of Indian athletics. "From the time I started working as a coach, Indian athletics has been improving," he noted, pointing to the increasing medal tally in international competitions as evidence of progress in the sport.

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