Khazan Singh

Khazan Singh — Khazan Singh Tokas is one of the most outstanding swimmers India has ever produced. Born on 6 May 1964, in a small village of Munirka in Delhi, Khazan Singh stands tall in a sport, where mediocrity has been the byword for Indian sportspeople. He made a sensational debut in competitive swimming, when he bagged five gold medals at the National School Championships held in 1981-82. While he is currently working with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), his achievements in swimming are still fresh in the minds of sports enthusiasts of the country.

Career In Swimming

In the 1982 National Aquatics Championship at Delhi, Khajan reigned supreme by winning five gold, two silver and one bronze. The following year, at the Nationals in Trivandrum, he raised the bar by clinching seven gold, two silver and one bronze. In 1985, he won the gold medal in the 100 meters freestyle swimming competition held at the Kathmandu South Asian Federation Games and he grabbed a silver medal at the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul. In 1987, he won seven gold medals at the National Aquatic Championship held at Ahmadabad. In 1988, he secured the third position at the Asian Swimming Championship in Beijing, thereby strengthening his presence at the international stage.

International Recognition

Apart from his stronghold over the national title, Khazan Singh earned international laurels as well. He delivered remarkable performances on a stretch. Due to his excellence in swimming, he was chosen to represent India at the 12th Commonwealth Game at Brisbane (1982), 9th Asian Games at Delhi (1982), 2nd Asian Swimming Championship at Seoul (1984) and friendly International Game at Moscow (1984). In 1984, he was conferred with the highly prestigious Arjuna Award by the Government of India, for his excellence in swimming sport.