Manjit Singh to see his newborn son after 5 months

Haryana’s Manjit Singh, who won the gold medal for India in the 800 meters finals on Tuesday, will be holding his 5-month-old son in his arms for the first time on his return from Jakarta.

Singh was training for the Asian Games in high-altitude areas, including Bhutan, when his son Abhir was born. Singh's busy schedule kept him away from meeting his son all the while, his wife Kiran Devi said.

While Narwana, Singh's hometown, was glued to the television on Tuesday evening, Kiran made sure Abhir saw his father when he stood tall on the podium. Kiran says Singh would often send gifts for Abhir from wherever he would train.

But his passion to win a gold medal for the country overpowered every other emotion that surrounds him. Singh's father Randhir owns land in the village and runs a dairy farm. The family is gearing up to celebrate the rare feat once the champion returns to India.

While Haryana constitutes a big chunk of medal winners, Singh's win is special since it ended India’s dry run in the event for decades. Besides, Singh surprised all when he emerged a winner after being rated as an underdog.