Asian Games Champion Abhay Singh felicitated by alma mater Guru Nanak College

The GNES, which runs the Guru Nanak College and the Guru Nanak School in the capital of Tamil Nadu, organised a felicitation function at the Guru Nanak College today

Chennai-based Guru Nanak Education Society felicitated Abhay Singh, Post Graduate student of Guru Nanak College, and a member of the Indian squash team at the recently concluded Asian Games at Hangzhou in China where they won the Gold medal in the men’s team event and a Bronze medal in the mixed doubles.

The GNES, which runs the Guru Nanak College and the Guru Nanak School in the capital of Tamil Nadu, organised a felicitation function at the Guru Nanak College today.

According to a press statement by GNES, Dronacharya Awardee Cyrus Poncha, the Secretary of Squash Rackets Federation of India and former National coach was the Guest of Honour. 

In his felicitation address, Manjit Singh Nayar, General Secretary and Correspondent of the GNES, recounted Abhay Singh’s journey in squash and at the Guru Nanak College.

“He took up squash saying he wanted to lose some weight, something that he achieved very quickly and successfully. But with this, I also saw a complete change in his personality, he became a disciplined, hardworking and self-motivated youngster who began to train hard. We have seen him rise up consistently and attain new heights not just here in Tamil Nadu or in India, but across the world,’’ Nayar said in his address.

On the occasion, the members of the management, staff and students of Guru Nanak College and Guru Nanak Matriculation School gave a rousing welcome to the Asian Gold medalist

“At Guru Nanak College, we do encourage all our students to excel in any field of their choice – academics, extra-curricular or sports. In sports, we have been particularly known for producing champion cricketers. But Abhay, I must admit, made me think that why don’t we expand our canvas and help our students to excel in any sport. That thought led us to sign an MoU with Abhay, which I think was his first MoU as a squash player, where he was offered a scholarship initially of INR 1 million, then another of INR 500,000 and then at various stages of his career, upon winning medals or other accomplishments. The journey goes on,’’ he added.

“We were first to back Abhay Singh and I must say that he has made us all very proud of our association and not only lived up to our belief, but exceeded our expectations by having reached so far, so fast. And thanks to his achievements, now Guru Nanak Education Society is also encouraging other individual sports and we have encouraged many more talents and youngsters,” said Nayar.

In his address, Abhay Singh thanked the college and recounted its key role in providing him with a foundation

“In that context, in a few weeks from now, we are about to inaugurate what would be one of the best shooting ranges in the country. We have a lot of talent here which is already winning medals at national university level games. The idea is to promote shooting as a sport, then follow up with squash and tennis as well,’’ he added. 

In his address, Abhay Singh thanked the college and recounted its key role in providing him with a foundation upon which he was able to build his career.

“On getting selected for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games last year in 2022, Guru Nanak College were the first ones to come forward to support me financially with a sports scholarship. The support has helped me fund squash training abroad, source supplements to help improve my physical well being and fund my physical training and sports psychology support,’’ Singh said in his acceptance speech.

‘‘The support in 2022 helped me win six tournaments in India and become National Champion for the first time. The college also extended and increased my scholarship amount this year which helped me perform at the Asian Games and win a gold medal for India,’’ he added.

Abhay Singh being welcomed at the entrance of the college

‘‘Guru Nanak college has also extended cash awards to me for performances at the National Games and now the Asian Games as well. I would like to thank the College and its faculty and team for the constant love and support they give me and look forward to representing them throughout my career,’’ Singh said.

On the occasion, the members of the management, staff and students of Guru Nanak College and Guru Nanak Matriculation School and the entire sports fraternity gave a rousing welcome to the Asian Gold medalist, says the statement.

Singh, along with some other members of the squash team, had already been accorded a hero’s welcome at the Chennai Airport last week when he returned from Hangzhou.