Monday morning brought the news of the demise of former long-distance runner Hari Chand- a moment of deep grief for the Indian sports fraternity. He was born on April 1, 1953, and hailed from Ghorewah village in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He was one of the greatest long-distance runners India has ever witnessed.
Chand who passed away at 69, was a two-time Olympian and also won two gold medals at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games. He also had finished first in the 5000m and 10000m races in Bangkok Asiad. Hari Chand was also conferred with Arjuna Award for his contribution to sports in India.
The former long distance runner named a national record for himself for the 25-lapper set in the 1976 Olympic Games. The record which stood for 32 years was broken recently by Surendra Singh.