Harshjyot Singh joins CBU track and field program
Native of India ready to jump into AUS competition
Harshjyot Singh joins CBU track and field program
Native of India ready to jump into AUS competition
By Corey LeBlanc
Harshjyot Singh has been busy since he arrived in Cape Breton less than two months ago.
Not only has the native of India started his studies in Cape Breton University's (CBU's) Shannon School of Business post-baccalaureate diploma in business management, but he has also been training with teammates and coaches with the Sydney-based university's up-and-coming track and field program.
"It has been great – I am learning a lot from everyone," Singh says of his continuing sport experience.
Growing up in Ludhiana - a large industrial city in the north Indian state of Punjab – track and field became a big part of his life.
"Quite popular," he notes of athletics in his country.
Early on, Singh – who has competed at the state and national levels – remembers he focused on sprinting, including the 100 and 200-metre races.
"My speed was quite good," he says.
As he continued on his athletic journey, one of his Indian coaches encouraged Singh to turn to jumping.
He started with the high and long disciplines, while – three years ago – he also added the triple jump to his repertoire.
"There was a lot of progress," Singh says of the latter, one that became his signature event.
Along with training, he watched YouTube videos as a way in which to improve his technique.
When it comes to what appeals to him about the triple jump, Singh points to its intricacy – how each element, from the start to the landing, is a key to success.
Noting that he hadn't been training for 18 months or so, he has ramped up that effort since arriving in Sydney.
Singh says the goal for his first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) is to win a triple-jump conference crown, along with contributing in any way he can to helping the Capers improve.
"He has quite a good story," CBU head coach John Hudec says.
He adds that his student-athlete has shown great commitment to the program in his first month or so, while noting the talent and experience he brings to the Caper ranks.
Although he expects Singh to focus primarily on the triple and long jumps, Hudec says he could also compete in the high jump and contribute to the CBU relay teams.
Hudec predicts – in looking at his previous results – that Singh will be a "contender" for an AUS championship in the triple jump.
"We are expecting some big things from Harsh," he says.
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