Olympian Hari Chand, whose national record was unbeaten for 32 years, dies

Two-time Olympian and Asian Games double gold medallist Hari Chand, 69, passed away following prolonged illness at his native village Ghorewaha in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on Sunday night

Two-time Olympian and Asian Games double gold medallist Hari Chand, 69, passed away following prolonged illness at his native village Ghorewaha in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district on Sunday night.

A long-distance runner, Hari Chand rose to fame when he won two gold medals in 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre events at the Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1978.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons. The family said his last rites will be performed at the village on Tuesday.

A long-distance runner, Hari Chand rose to fame when he won two gold medals in 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre events at the Asian Games held in Bangkok in 1978.

Earlier, he competed in the Summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976 and created a national record by completing 10,000-metre run in 28:48:72. This record remained unbeated for 32 years. He also took part in the 1980 Olympic men’s marathon in Moscow where he completed the race with a timing of 2:22:08.

Born in a poor family at Ghorewah village in 1953, Hari Chand went on to retire from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as a commandant. He was also conferred with Arjuna Award for his contribution to sports in India.