Age no bar: 84-year-old wins 4 gold medals, eyes World Cup

“Youth has no age,” Pablo Picasso once said — a sentiment that finds living proof in Chand Singh Ahlawat, 84, a retired sports instructor and lifelong athlete who continues to defy time with passion and perseverance.

Ahlawat recently clinched four gold medals in shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and hammer throw at the Fourth Khelo India Masters Athletics National Championship, held at Khel Gaon, New Delhi, from April 11 to 14. The meet saw the participation of nearly 2,000 athletes from 18 states.

A native of Dighal village in Jhajjar and now settled in Laxmi Nagar, Rohtak, Ahlawat began his sporting journey nearly 65 years ago and has since become a veteran of national and international meets, collecting 783 medals along the way.

“I regularly go for a morning walk and also practise athletics in the evening,” says Ahlawat, whose dedication has inspired generations. Many of his trainees have gone on to represent India and have even been felicitated by the President of India.

“I’ve been selected for the Indian team for the Asian Masters Championship in Thailand this year. My next target is the World Cup,” he says with the same fire as a young athlete.

For Ahlawat, sports are not just about medals. “Every player plays with a target. Sports refresh the mind and energise the body. They teach us discipline, early rising, and focus,” he says.

Asked about age-related limitations, he smiled and said: “There is no age limit for sports. All it needs is passion and perseverance.” He also underlines how sports keep the body fit and help steer people away from addictions and unhealthy habits.

Ahlawat stands as a shining example of how age is only a number — and determination, the real fuel for greatness.

Haryana Tribune