Harinder lights up for festivities after setting new record

Happy family: Harinder Sekhon with his sister Sangeet (left) and mother Manjit.

PETALING JAYA: Many will jump for joy during festivals and it is no exception for national cricketer Harinder Sekhon as he celebrates Deepavali with a new record in his hands.

On Oct 15, the 31-year-old broke his second Guinness World Record for the highest seated box jump at 1.52m.

The previous record for the highest seated box jump was held by American football player Victor Hubbard, who did 1.48m.

The Guinness World Records has endorsed the attempt by the Malaysian.

Harinder’s first world record was achieved in May last year for the highest standing jump (one leg) at 1.38m, which still stands today.

For his latest jump, Harinder had worked tirelessly for the past 11 months, going through vigorous training, diet changes and juggling his duties as an athlete and a full-time mathematics teacher at MAZ International school in Shah Alam.

“Jumping from a seated position is a true test of strength and power, and it’s something that really spurred me on when deciding to break this record,” said Harinder, who is a wicket keeper for the national cricket team.

“There were a lot of mixed feelings and emotions when I realised that I had broken the record. I was thrilled! Part of me couldn’t believe it at first when I balanced myself on the platform.

“All the hard work, dedication and sacrifices have paid off. I might even have my first cheat meal in 11 months, and that occasion could be during Deepavali,” he joked.

The work for his next record starts right away. Harinder hopes to break another record by the first quarter of next year in the long jump.