Pargat grieved by Parduman's death

Chandigarh, Mar 22 (UNI) Three-time Olympian Pargat Singh expressed deep sorrow over the death of 78-year-old former international thrower Parduman Singh who died in Bathinda this morning.

Condoling the death of shot put gold medal winner in the 1954 Asian Games, Punjab Sports Director Pargat said, ''It will be difficult to fill the void created by the death of Parduman who was a towering personality.'' Parduman also won gold in shot put and discus in 1958 Tokyo Asiad and bronze medal in discus in 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.

The Bathidna District Sports Officer represented the Punjab Sports Department at the cremation and Pargat will attend the bhog.

A large number of sportspersons and the Armymen were present at the cremation.

Parduman was consigned to flame at 5 pm this evening.

His grandson Sukhdarshan Singh said the date for the bhog ceremony was yet to be decided.

Parduman leaves behind his lone son Bhupinder Singh and two grandsons.

Parduman was admitted in the Adesh Medical Hospital and College in Bhucho Mandi near Bathinda for the last 20 days. He had retired at Hony Captain and he belonged to Hudson Horse.

UNI