Praveen Kumar Sobti was a gentle giant: Bahadur Singh

Mahabharat, former Indian athletics team head coach Bahadur Singh was happy to see his old friend and four-time Asian Games medallist and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Praveen Kumar Sobti back on TV playing the character of "Bheem". On Tuesday, when news of Sobti's death started floating around, Singh was left heartbroken. The former athlete fondly remembered his six feet and five inches tall friend as a 'soft-hearted giant', who would step out even in the middle of the night to help his friends.

Read AlsoAsian Games gold medallist and 'Mahabharat' actor Praveen Kumar Sobti passes away

Playing the character of 'Bheem' in blockbuster TV series 'Mahabharat' made him a household name but much before that, Praveen Kumar Sobti was an athlete par excellence and remains India's first and only hammer throw medal winner in the Commonwealth Games.

"In 1977, when the Indian team went to England for an international meet, many athletes refused to travel as the federation would only sponsor the travel. But then Praveen stepped in and assured that he would take care of the food and accommodation there. When we landed in England, a royal treatment awaited us in every city, thanks to Praveen's friends there," recalled Singh. "As the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. He appeared a towering personality but was a soft gentleman inside. He was a happy-go-lucky and positive man full of energy. He was always jolly and full of life. He left us too soon," Singh, himself a decorated athlete with a shot put gold in the 1978 and 1982 Asian Games, added.

Read AlsoRemembering Praveen Kumar Sobti - Asian Games gold medallist & the 'Bheem' of Mahabharat

February 7, 2022, was an unfortunate day when Praveen Kumar Sobti, who played the