Asian Games: Harshveer Singh in Asiad for the second time; Took part in skating in Jakarta, changed the game in Hangzhou

Playing in the Asian Games is a big achievement for any player, but Harshveer Singh of Punjab is going to be a unique player of the country who will have the honor of playing in two consecutive Asian Games in two different sports. Harshveer from Ludhiana represented the Indian team in roller skating at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. Despite being the Asian champion, his achievements in this sport were neither recognized nor appreciated by anyone. The result was that Harshveer left skating and took up cycling. He also made a mark in the sport, winning two silvers at the Track Asia Cup after becoming champion at the National Championships and the Gujarat National Games. Now he will be part of the Indian contingent in this sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

According to Harshveer, he started roller skating at the age of six in 2004 on the advice of his uncle because he was very obese and used to play video games all the time. In 2011, he won silver in the National School Games. After this he did not look back in this game. He became national as well as Asian champion, but before going to Jakarta Asian Games, his achievements in this sport were neither recognized by the government nor appreciated by anyone. According to Harshveer, his friend's friend Gurbaj Singh asked him to take up cycling. When he was told that a cycle would cost Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh, he backed down. During this, he finished 11th in the Jakarta Asiad.

Harshveer tells that he had to go to world and Asian championships in roller skating at his own expense. A lot of money was spent in this game. He was not in a position to buy such an expensive bicycle, but Gurbaz Singh pursued him. Then at the behest of his father, he went to him. Gurbaj also gave his bicycle to him. His muscles had developed due to roller skating, so he did not face any problem in cycling. He won silver in his very first competition All India Inter University. After this he did not look back and also qualified for the Asiad.