Moga (Punjab): Asian Games gold-medallist Tejinder Pal Singh Toor's father, who died of cancer before he could meet the triumphant shot-putter, was cremated here Thursday.

Karam Singh, 54, died on Monday at a military hospital in Panchkula, Haryana.

The last rites were held at his native village Khosa Pando.

Toor lit the funeral pyre in the presence of a large gathering, which included district administration officials.

After the cremation, Toor broke down as he spoke about his father being his main inspiration.

Karam Singh was suffering from cancer for the past few years and Toor had spoken about his struggle to manage his career in view of his father's ailment after winning the Asiad gold in Jakarta.

It was a tragic turn of events for Toor who returned to India the same day his father died.

The 23-year-old had clinched the men's shot put gold by throwing the iron ball to 20.75 m in the Asian Games.