Hari Chand

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameHari•Chand
Used nameHari•Chand
Born1 April 1953 in Ghorewaha, Hoshiarpur, Punjab (IND)
Died13 June 2022 in Ghorewaha, Hoshiarpur, Punjab (IND)
Measurements172 cm / 63 kg
NOC India

Biography

Hari Chand was one of India’s greatest long-distance runners. Chand was born in Ghorewah in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district. As a boy, he used to chase rabbits, which helped with his stamina and gave him a passion for running. After Chand’s father initially wanted him to become a wrestler, he switched to distance running while at school, running barefoot during his early years.

In 1974, Chand became the national champion in the 5,000 metres. At the 1976 Montréal Olympics, Chand set a national record in the 10,000 metres that stood for 32 years, until it was broken by Surendra Singh. Four years later, Chand ran in the 10,000 metres and the marathon at the 1980 Moskva Olympics. Between his two Olympic appearances, Chand won two gold medals at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, with victories in the 5,000 metres and the 10,000 metres. For his achievements in athletics, Chand was bestowed with the Arjuna Award.

Personal Bests: 10000 – 28:48.72 (1976); Mar – 2-22:08 (1980).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1976 Summer Olympics Athletics IND Hari Chand
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 8 h2 r1/2
1980 Summer Olympics Athletics IND Hari Chand
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 10 h3 r1/2
Marathon, Men (Olympic) 31

Special Notes