'Told he was murdered by a fellow athlete': Preeti recalls losing training partner

Preeti Pal

India’s Preeti Pal dedicated her second silver medal at the Asian Para Games to her training partner Chirag Tyagi, who was shot dead in May. The sprinter remembered Chirag as a younger brother who dreamed of winning medals for India.

She believes he would have reached the podium in Nagoya, Japan, had he been alive.Preeti and fellow Indian sprinter Simran Sharma trained with Chirag at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium under coach Gajendra Singh. His death left both athletes devastated, and memories of him returned as they celebrated their achievements at the Games.

“Within a short time, Chirag became our trusted training partner. He was like a younger brother, but he guided us,” Preeti told The Indian Express.She recalled Chirag’s ambition to represent India on the international stage. “I still remember him telling me, ‘Preeti didi, ek din main bhi apki aur Simran didi ki tarah Paralympic aur Asian Games main medal jeetunga aur tirange ko rise hote dekhunga (One day I too will win medals for India in Paralympics and Asian Games and watch the Indian tricolour rise high).’ I dedicate the medals I won to Chirag. He was like a younger brother,” she said.

Preeti Pal and Simran shine at the Games

Preeti, who has cerebral palsy, won silver in the women’s 100m T35 final in 13.98 seconds on Wednesday, adding to her silver in the 200m T35 event on Tuesday.Simran, who has impaired vision, won her second gold medal of the Games by claiming the women’s 100m T12 title in an Asian Para Games record time of 12.02 seconds, following her 200m gold.

Preeti recalled how she first learned of Chirag’s death while visiting her family in Uttar Pradesh.“Initially, we thought it was an accident. Some hours later, we were told that Chirag was murdered by a fellow athlete. It was a tough phase for us. Chirag stayed in the room opposite us at the stadium. When we are at the stadium, we are reminded of him every day,” she said.

Chirag’s family remembers his dream

Chirag’s parents, Manoj and Nisha, followed the athletes’ performances from home.His mother said he was inspired by Preeti and Simran and was proud of their achievements.

Both athletes, along with their coach, have also stayed in touch with the family and provided financial support.Chirag had qualified for the Para Asian Games in the men’s 400m and 1500m T12 events after winning gold at the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship in Bengaluru in May.Preeti remembered how Chirag had cheered her on when she won the 100m T35 title at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi last year.“We had a deep bond,” she said, adding that she regretted never tying a rakhi on his wrist. “Winning medals gives me joy. I wish Chirag were with us to share the joy.”