Kamboj, Balbir elected ATC President and Secy Gen.

Office-bearers of the Association of Twenty20 Cricket (India) at a press conference at Taj Hotel.

BALBIR SINGH
CHANDIGARH, AUG 31

The Association of Twenty20 Cricket (India) has been formed with ID Kamboj as its president, Balbir Singh as secretary general and Pankaj Gupta as Finance Secretary. They and other officie-bearers were also elected unanimously in the meeting which was attended by representatives of 12 State Twenty-20 Associations. Other office-bearers were also unanimously elected. Among them were NRI Harjinder Singh Dhanoa and Manish Kapoor as senior vice presidents. Namdeo Shirgaonkar was also elected working secretary and financial secretary, respectively.
The ATC (India) would coopt more office-bearers as consents for other state and union territories have also been received as they could not attend the meeting due to various reasons, said ATC president I D Kamboj.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Taj here today, ID Kamboj said that the the ATC had been formed to promote cricket and provide opportunities to the players to play. The ATC would this year conduct four national tournaments for Under-15, Under 17, Under-19 and Seniors.
Replying to a question, Kamboj said the ATC would allow any player who is selected to represent the country. Giving details of the activities conducted by the Chandigarh Twenty20 Cricket Association, Kamboj said that besides organising Inter-State National Tournaments, the CTTCA also hosted a prize money National Open Tournament.
On the question of appointing umpires and scorers, general secretary Balbir Singh said "ATC will form its own panels and soon the state associations would be sending interested cricketers to attend national clinics for umpires and scorers."
Working Secretary Namdeo Shraonkar said that representatives from Orissa, Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Vidharbha, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Mumbai were present.
Kamboj said that establishing a National Cricket Academy would be on the priority list of the ATC. The ATC will not charge any entry fee for participation in the Nationals Meets.
Office-bearers: President: I D Kamboj (Chandigarh), Senior Vice-presidents: H S Dhanoa (Punjab), Manish Kapoor (Chandigarh), Ramakant Basode (Maharashtra), Satish Gandhi (Chandigarh), vice-president: Naresh Kumar (Himachal Pradesh), General Secretary: Balbir Singh (Chandigarh), Working secretary: Namdeo Shirgaonkar (Mumbai), joint secretaries: Prof Vikas Tone (Vidharbha), Parbhakar Kumar (Bihar), Rajat Dikshit (Uttar Pradesh), Amarjit Kumar (Chandigarh), Finance secretary: Pankaj Gupta (Chandigarh).
Executive members: Narinder Bansal (Chandigarh), Sidharath Mahapatra (Orissa) and Ms Suman Saini (Haryana).
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Lawrence School, BCS enter final

Balbir Singh
SANAWAR (HP), Aug 30
Last year's runners-up Lawrence School and Bishop Cotton School from Shimla entered the final after beating their respective rivals in the semi-finals with an identical 2-1 margin in the 10th Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament being played here today.
Both sem-finals ended in one-one draw in the regulation period and the deadlock was resolved in extra time. In the first semi-final, hosts and strong contenders Lawrence School ousted defending champions Sherwood College of Nanital by 2-1 in extra time. Sherwood College dominated the first half while Lawrence School enjoyed the territorial supremacy in the second half and extra time.
Sherwood College opened the account in the second minute when Ashyae Joshi converted a centre from right winger Khanal. The defending champions managed to keep their slander lead intact till the 62nd minute when their goal fell. Parul Chabbra trapped a grounder, following a corner kick, before scoring the equaliser. As the match ended in a one-all deadlock, extra time of 15 minutes of two halves was given to arrive at a decision. Ashutosh Chandel snatched the match-winner for Lawrence School in the 94th minute.
The second semi-final between Pinegrove School of Subathu and Bishop Cotton School of Shimla was also extended to extra time. The teams shared two goals in the regulation session. Within six minutes the teams were tied one-all. It was Bishop Cotton School who took the lead through Pung Pung who scored in the fourth minute. Pinegrove School launched a counter-attack and restored parity in the 6th minute through Rudra. Tied one-all, extra time of 30 minutes, two halves of 15 minuters each were given to resolve the issue. Enoch clinched the title for Bishop Cotton School through Enoch.
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Meghna fashions for Carmel Convent win

Jubilant Carmel Convent girls making victory and 'we are No. 1' sign with the winners RF Saupin Trophy. Photo by Balbir Singh
Runners-up Saupin's School girls receiving runners-up trophy. Photo by Balbir Singh.
Balbir Singh

CHANDIGARH, AUG 30
Carmel Convent of Sector 9 eked out a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts Saupin's School, Sector 32 in the final of the inaugural Chandigarh Girls Under-13 Football Festival for RF Saupin Trophy at the Saupin's School ground in Sector 32 here today.
The all-important goal was scored by Meghna with an angular grounder from the left flank in the 11th minute against the run of play.
Cheered on by the hosts students, Saupin's School enjoyed the territorial supremacy. They did every thing except scoring. They had a number of opportunities to pierce the Carmel Convent goal. However, the Carmel Convent goalkeeper was not in a mood to relent. She gave an inspired display under the bar and saved a number of goals. On one occasion, the crosspiece came in Saupin's way. Despite all their brilliant efforts, a goal eluded the hots. Simply it was not Saupin's day today.
Meanwhile, Carmel Convent snatched the match-winner in the 11th minute. In a sudden move from the left flank against the run of play, Carmel Convent's top scorer Meghna unleashed a grounder from the left flank which kept the Saupin's goalkeeper Palhi rooted at one place.
Teams: Carmel Convent-9: Meghna Bhasin, Ekta Geiisinger, Sharika Kaul, Jaspreet Kaur Rishi, Manya Setia, Adrj Jachakra Barti.
Saupin's School-32: Kishmita, Navreet, Palhi, Tanya, Shivangi, Niti Sood.
Referee: Kulwinder Singh. Assistant Referee: Daljit Singh.
Before the final, the Chandigarh Football Association, which organised the Festival for RF Saupin Trophy, conducted skill tests. In the target competition Shirika Kaul of Carmel Convent secured the first position while Rumanjot Kaur of St Stephen's-45 was runner-up. Neeti of Saupin's School excelled in dribbling to finish on top while Meghna of Carmel Convent secured second position.
Navreet secured first position for Saupin's School in penalty kick competitions. Gurleen of St Stephen's was second.Head Master Amarbir Singh Sidhu distributed the prizes.

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Lawrence face Sherwood in semis

Balbir Singh
Sanawar (HP), Aug 29

Bishop Cotton School of Shimla are pitted against Pinegrove School, Subathu and holders Sherwood College of Nanital will cross swords with runners-up and hosts Lawrence School, Sanawar in the semi-final matches in the 10th Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament here tomorrow.
Pinegrove School topped pool A by scoring more number of goals and relegated to second spot in the league table in their group. Both teams had seven points each with two victories and one draw each.
Pinegrove School completed their fixtures with a 4-1 verdict over Doon School of Dehradun by 4-1 in their last league match. In a pool B fixture Yadvindra Public School of Patiala downed Bishop Cotton School of Shimla by 1-0.
In the morning session, Lawrence School finished their Pool B programme with an all-win record and qualified for semi-finals with nine points.
In their last pool outing, hosts Lawrence School prevailed over Army Public School of Dagshai by 2-0 and emerged pool champions. Trapping a stray pass in the middle, Karan Hora sprinted down the middle before scoring Lawrence School's first goal with a solo effort in the 20th minute. Five minutes before the end, Penjo Wangchuk sidestepped a couple of APS defenders before scoring the second and last goal for the hosts. It was third successive win for Lawrence School in the four-team league phase.
Lawrence School had beaten their traditional rivals Bishop Cotton School of Shimla by 3-1 and YPS Mohali by 7-0.
Sherwood College also completed their league programme with two victories and one draw. In their last league fixture in pool B, Sherwood College outplayed Yadvindra Public School of Mohali by 3-0. Gosal stole the show for Sherwood College as he scored two goals within a span of four minutes. His first goal came in the 30th minute and second in the 34th minute.
Khanal made the victory margin more authentic with a fine goal in the 50th minute.
In their earlier matches, Sherwood edged Doon School of Dehradun by 1-0 and played 1-1 draw with Pinegrove School of Subathu.
=========Balbir Singh, 09417153533====

Carmel Convent and Saupin's enter final

The match between Carmel Convent-9 and Vivek High School-38 in progress in the inaugural Chandigarh Girls Under-13 Football Festival in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Photo by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 29
Carmel Convent, Sector 9 and hosts Saupin's School-32 topped group A and B, respectively, and qualified for the final of the inaugural Chandigarh Girls Under-13 Football Festival for RF Saupin Trophy being organised by the Chandigarh Football Association at Saupin's School ground in Sector 32 here today.
Sacred Heart remained unbeaten in Group A and with nine points emerged the group leaders with nine points with an all-win record. In their four-team group matches, Carmel Convent beat Vivek High School-38 by 2-0; beat St Stephen's-45 by 1-0 and St Xavier's-44 by 4-0. They scored seven goals and conceded none.
There was a two-way tie in group A between hosts Saupin's School and Sacred Heart-26. Both had an identical points tally to seven points. However, Saupin's pipped Sacred Heart on the basis of goal difference. Saupin's scored nine and conceded one while Sacred Heart had seven in favour and one against.
Saupin's and Sacred Heart had played one-all draw. Saupin's beat Banyan Tree School-48 by6-0 and Mount Carmel-47 by 2-0. Sacred Heart defeated Mount Carmel by 3-0 and BanyanTree by 3-0.
The final will be played tomorrow at 9 a.m. Before the final, skill competitions would be organised.tomorrow. On the basis of their performance in the Chandigarh Festival, the CFA would be selecting 25 probables for coaching camp in preparation for Chandigarh's participation in the forthcoming AIFF Girls Under-13 Festival at Puri (Orissa).
Tanvi Bhargav hogged the limelight for Sacred Heart as she performed a hat-trick as her team beat Banyan Tree School, Sector 48 by 3-0. Tanvi scored in the 4th, 8th and 15th minutes.
Saupin's School outclassed Banyan Tree School by 6-0. Shivangi pumped in four goals in the 8th, 15th, 18th and 19th minutes. Kishmita (12th) and Kamalpreet (14th) contributed one goal each. Carmel Convent struggled to prevail over plucky St Stephen's by 1-0. The all important goal was scored by Meghna in the third minute.
Other results: Saupin's School (Kishmita 8th, 15th) bt Mount Carmel-47 2-0; Sacred Heart-26 (Harshjot 2nd, Tanvi Bhargav 8th and 17th) bt Mount Carmel-47 (Kirti 10th) by 3-1 and Carmel Convent-9 (Adrija 14th, Meghna 20th) bt Vivek High School-38 2-0.

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12 teams for WWICS Cup Cricket

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 29
Twelve teams from Panchkula, Mohali, Chandigarh and Patiala will take part in the inaugural WWICS Cup Cricket Tournament for Under-14 being organised by Desh Prem Azad Academy at St Stephen's School of Togan from September 1.
Giving this information here today, Azad Academy chairman Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad said that the teams have been divided into four pools. Each team will play two matches in the league phase. Top team from each pool will qualify for semi-finals. It will be a 25 overs each side in the league matches while semi-finals would be of 30 overs each side. The final will be of 35 overs.
Chandigarh Public Relations Director Vivek Atray will inaugurate the tournament on Septmber 1 at 10 a.m. The opening match will be played between Desh Prem Azad Academy vs St Anne's School at 10 a.m. The remaining matches will be played at 2 p.m.
Disturbed over fielding of overage players in sports competitions, Dronacharya said "the organising committee held meetings with the coaches and managers of the participating teams to take appropriate steps to contain this menace. They officials have assured to extend full cooperation."
Azad cautioned that the teams found fielding overage players would be scratched and they would not be allowed to compete in future tournaments to be organised by the Azad Academy.
According to organising Secretary Suraj Salhotra, attractive prizes would be given to the winners, runners-up, men of the matches (semi-finals and final), Man of the Series, the best wicketkeeper, the best batsman, the best bowler.
The following are the groupings and fixtures:
Group A: DP Azad Academy, St Anne's-32, St John's-26.
Group B: CCA-GNPS, Sector 16 Stadium, Satluj School.
Group C: AKSIPS, YPS Mohali, St Soldier's International Pkl.
Group D: MCA Mohali, Patiala Gymkhana and Stepping Stone.
Fixtures: Group A: DP Azad Academy v St Anne's-32, (September 1); DP Azad Academy v St John's-26 (Sept 7); St Anne's-32 v St John's-26 (Sept 9).
Group B: CCA-GNPS v Sector 16 Stadium (Sept 3), CCA-GNPS v Satluj School (Sept 6); Satluj School v Sector 16 Stadium (Spt 10).
Group C: AKSIPS v YPS Mohali (Sept 2); AKSIPS v St Soldier's International Pkl (Sept 5); YPS Mohali v St Soldier's International Pkl (Sept 11).
Group D: MCA Mohali v Patiala Gymkhana (Sept 4); MCA Mohali v Stepping Stone (Sept 8) and Patiala Gymkhana v Stepping Stone (Sept 12).

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Lawrence maintain winning spree

Balbir Singh
Sanawar (HP), Aug 28
Hosts The Lawrence School maintained their winning spree as they gave a soccer lesson to Yadvindra Public School, Patiala by 7-0 in their group B match of the 10th Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament being played at The Lawrence School ground here today.
This was their second successive victory in the four-day tournament. On the opening day, they defeated their arch rivals Bishop Cotton School, Shimla.
Today they owed their fluent triumph to Karan Hora who pumped in four goals. Penjo Wanchuk had given them the lead by converting a spot kick with a smooth action. Shanur Sharma and Abhimanyu Soin contributed one goal each.
Yadvindra Public School of Mohali and The Doon School, Dehradun played one-all draw and split points in a pool A match.
Earlier, Bishop Cotton School of Shimla recorded their first win as they defeated Army Public School, Dagshai by 3-0 in a group B encounter.
BPS today gave an improved display. They opened their account through vice-captain Pung Pung Tenzing in the 10th minute. Siddharth Sharma added one goal as the Shimla School led 2-0 at half time.
On resumption Sri Pandey shattered the hopes of APS to come back into the game by adding another goal to swell BCS's tally..
Army Public School suffered their first defeat in two matches they have played so far. On day one, APS had beaten Yadvindra Public School of Patiala by 4-2.
In a group A encounter, Sherwood College of Nanital and Pinegrove School, Subathu played a goalless draw and split points. Both teams had their share of chances to score but their forwards were wayward in their shooting or the woodwork came in their way and a goal eluded them.
On the opening day, Sherwood School had beaten The Doon School of Dehradun by 1-0 and Pingrove School got the better of Yadvindra Public School of Mohali by 3-1.
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Chairman's Soccer Cup on Aug 31

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 28
Twelve teams are taking part in the inaugural Chairman's Cup Soccer Tournament for Under-13 to be played on August 31 and September 1 at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Sector 3 in Panchkula, according to St Xavier's High School Principal George S Shear. Schools from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and Kalka are competing for the Chairman's Cup.
Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Neerja Sekhar will inaugurate the tournament while Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Khirwar will preside over the function.
The following teams are taking part: St Xavier's Blue, St Xavier's Black, Panchkula, St Xavier's Chandigarh, St Xavier's Mohali, Doon International Mohali, Ryan International Chandigarh, Little Flowers Convent Panchkula, Gurukul Panchkula, Holly Child Panchkula, Delhi Public School, Pinjore, Alpine School Pinjore, Stone Brook School Kalka.
JOSEPH'S CC SCORE TWO WINS: St Joseph's Coaching Centre recorded two wins in the girls Super League of the XIth Chandigarh Junior State Ball Badminton Championship for Santosh Rani Trophy being played at Shishu Niketan Senior Secondary School in Sector 22 here today.
Joseph's Coaching Centre defeated Ryan International School, Sector 49 by 29-6, 29-13 and later accounted for Government Senior Secondary School, Khuda Lahora, by 29-24, 29-23.
St Joseph's School-44 had a mixed luck. They beat Ryan International by 29-8, 29-14 but lost to GSSS Khuda Lahora 26-29, 27-29.
In the boys section, GSSS Khuda Lahora beat Moti Ram Arya School-27 by 29-15, 29-13, 29-28.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Ball Badminton Association will honour those who were adjudged the best up coming players in the Nationals Championship and North Zone winners and runners-up captains along with three coaches on the Nationals Sports Day function tomorrow. They will be presented Santosh Rani Awards, according to Baljinder Singh Banwait, general secretary of the association.
MIVAAN AND SEERAT CHAMPS: Mivaan and Seerat Sidhu won the boys and girls singles titles, respectively, in the Independence Day Min Tennis Tournament organized by Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association at the CLTA Stadium in Sector 10 here today.
In the boys final Mivaan beat Ashley Arora 15-13 and Seerat Sidhu defeated Ashna Arora 15-13 in girl singles final.
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Meghna hat-tricks for Carmel Convent

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 28
A fine hat-trick by Meghna Bhasin helped Carmel Convent School, Sector 9 outplayed St Xavier's, Sector 44 by 4-0 in a pool B match of the inaugural Chandigarh Girls Under-13 Football Festival for R F Saupin Trophy which began at Saupin's School ground in Sector 32 here today.
Dominating in the six-a-side match, Meghna Bhasin started her chase for three-in-a-row in the fifth minute. She completed her feat by scoring two more goals in the 10th and 12th minutes. In an effort to clear Eketa Geisinger's shot, Xavier's defender Anushka directed the ball into her own goal.
Hosts Saupin's School-32 and Sacred Heart-26 played a one-all draw in group A encounter. While Niti Sood converted a spot kick to put Saupin's School into the lead in the fifth minute, Tanvi restored parity for Sacred Heart in the 12th minute.
Mount Carmel School-47 logged full points at the expense of Banyan Tree School-48 by 2-0. Kirti scored the first goal for the winners in the fifth minute while Jagmohan Kaur made it beyond doubt with a 15th minute goal in group A fixture.
In the last match of the day, Vivek High School-38 blanked St Stephen's School-45 by 3-0. Shaira starred in Vivek's comfortable victory as she contributed two goals by scoring in the sixth and ninth minutes.. Arushi completed Vivek's tally with a goal in the 15th minute.
Earlier, Head Master Amarbir Singh Sidhu inaugurated the tournament and he was also introduced to the teams. Also present on the occasion was Saupin School chairman Pierre L Saupin.
On August 30, besides the final, skill tests would be conducted
The Chandigarh Football Association officials will be selecting 25 probables for a coaching camp to prepare the Chandigarh team for participation in the All India Football Federation Girls Under-13 Soccer Festival to be held at Puri from October 22 to 30.

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MRI of junior footballers must: AIFF

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 28
The Chandigarh Football Association will conduct trials to select 25 probables for coaching camp to prepare the state team for the National Football Championship for boys Under-16 at Haldwani in Uttar Pradesh from September 16 to October 15.
Giving this information here today, Chandigarh Football Association secretary Rakesh Bakshi said that the trials would be held on August 30 at 4.30 p.m. at St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45. The boys born on or after January 1, 1993 are eligible for participation in the selection trials for the Nationals.
The All India Football Federation has made it compulsory for the state units to conduct Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of junior players before sending them for participation in the National meets. If three players of a state unit are found overage during the medical tests conducted by the organisers, the defaulting team would be scratched from the Nationals.
The federation has also laid down other strict penalties, including fine up to Rs 50,000 on the state associations for fielding overage players. According to Bakshi, these steps have been taken to contain the tendency of fielding overage players.
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St Joseph's, GSSS Khuda Lahora in super league

CHANDIGARH, AUG 27
Government Senior Secondary School of Khuda Lahora, Moti Ram Arya Senior Secondary School, Sector 27 (pool A), St Joseph's-44 Coaching Centre and Sector 44, Ryan International School, Sector 49 (pool B) qualified for the super league for boys in the 11th Chandigarh Junior State Ball Badminton Championships for Santosh Rani Trophy at Sishu Niketan Senior Secondary School ground in Sector 22-D here today.
In the girls section, St Joseph's-44 Coaching Centre, Government Senior Secondary School of Khuda Lahora (pool A), St Joseph's School-44 and Ryan International, Sector 49 (pool B) made it to the super league.
Earlier, Farmesh Singh, President of Santosh Rani Trust and senior vice-president of Chandigarh Ball Badminton Association inaugurated the three-day championships.
Results:
Boys Pool A: MRA SSS-27 bt GSSS-38W 29-3- 29-22; GSSS, Khuda Lahora bt SNSSS-22D 29-17, 29-18; SNSSS-22 bt GSSS-38W 29-23, 29-12; GSSS Khuda Lahora bt MRASSS-27 22-29, 29-22, 29-22; MRASSS-27 bt SNSSS-22 29-9, 29-18, GSSS Khuda Lahora bt GSSS-38W 29-15, 29-14.
Pool B: St Joseph's CC-44 bt GSSS-15 29-12, 29-10, Ryan Int-49 bt GMSSS-19 29-11, 29-11; GHS-41 bt GSSS-15 29-10, 29-13; GHS-41 bt GMSSS-19 29-10, 29-11, St Joseph's-44 CC bt GHS-41, 29-19, 29-11, Ryan Int-49 bt GSSS-15 29-11, 29-10; St Joseph's-44 CC bt Ryan Int-49 29-13, 29-15; GHS-41 bt GSSS-15 29-10, 29-14, GSSS-15 bt GMSSS-19 29-20, 29-18, Ryan Int-49 bt GHS-41 29-27, 29-15.
Girls Pool A: St Joseph's-44 CC bt IS DSSS-21 29-24, 29-15; GSSS Khuda Lahora bt GMSSS-19 29-10, 29-14; ISDSSS-21 bt GMSSS-19 29-14, 29-12; GSSS Khuda Lahora bt ISDSSS-21 29-18, 29-12; St Joseph's4-4 CC bt GMSSS-19 29-20, 29-10; St Joseph's-44 CC bt GSSS Khuda Lahora 29-27, 29-8.
Pool B: St Joseph's-44 bt SNSSS-22 29-9, 29-10, Ryan Int-49 bt GSSS-38W 29-10, 29-8; St Joseph's-44 bt GSSS-38W 29-9, 29-12, SNSSS-22 bt GSSS-38W 29-26, 27-29, 29-25, Ryan Int-49 bt SNSSS-22 29-16, 29-19, St Joseph's-44 bt Ryan Int-49 29-8, 29-18.

Nirmal, Hussan, Manjeet to be honoured on Aug 29

Chandigarh, Aug 27
The Chandigarh Sports Council and the Chandigarh Administration will honour three players for bringing laurels to the city by winning medals in the international competitions, at a function to be organised on the National Sports Day, August 29, the birthday of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, at the Multipurpose Hall of Sector 42 Sports Complex at 3 p.m.
Those to be feliciated with cash incentives are: 49-year-old LPG distributor of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Nirmal Jit Singh, who won three gold and one silver medal in the Asian Powerlifting Championship at Kazkhstan in May 2003, 27-year-old Hussan Lal, who won the bronze medal inthe Sr Asian Powerlifting Championship in Seoul, South Korea in May 2006 and 19-year-old Manjeet Singh who won silver medal in the 12th Asian Junior Rowing Championship at Singapore in July 2006.
Adviser to the Chandigarh Administrator Lalit Sharma will be the chief guest and confer awards, according to Joint Director Sports Dr JPS Sidhu.

Netherlands men’s and women’s teams qualify for Olympic Games

As a result of the EuroHockey Nations Championships, only Netherlands achieved double qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as both the Dutch men’s and women’s team reached the podium in Manchester last weekend.
The EuroHockey Nations Championships was not just an event for the European Title. There was much more at stake for the participating countries as the medal winners would earn an Olympic ticket.
The event in Manchester was a tournament of surprises, especially in the men’s event. The newly crowned European Champion Netherlands, runner-up Spain and bronze medalist Belgium achieved Olympic Qualification. World Champion Germany and host England were also medal favorites, but as they dropped out of the medals, they have to earn Olympic berth though one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers. England (as the nominated UK home country) has qualified Great Britain for the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifier.
France, Ireland and Czech Republic also get another chance at one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers, together with the top three of the EuroHockey Nations Trophy, to be played in Lisbon, Portugal from 9-16 September 2007.
The women’s teams of Germany, Netherlands and England reached the podium at the EuroHockey Nations Championships. England (as the nominated UK home country) has qualified Great Britain as 2008 Olympic Games participant.
Spain, Azerbaijan, Ireland, Italy and Ukraine will get another chance at one of the WorldHockey Olympic Qualifiers, together with the top three of the EuroHockey Nations Trophy, to be played in Siauliai, Lithuania from 2-9 September 2007.
The FIH World Rankings will be updated when the entire European Nations tournament cycle is finished mid September 2007.

Badal to inaugurate PWHL League on National Sports Day

Pargat Singh (extreme right) addressing press conference in Jalandhar on Monday. Also seen in the picture are Deputy Commissioner Ajit Singh Pannu and SSP Arpit Shukla.

JALANDHAR Aug 27
The Punjab Government will celebrate the National Sports Day in a big way on August 29, the birthday of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. The State-level function will be organised at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will be the chief guest on the occasion. Besides the Chief Minister, a large number of ministers, sports dignitaries and officials are likely to attend the function. Sports Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike will preside over the function.
Addressing a press conference here today, Punjab Sports Director three-time hockey Olympian Pargat Singh said that on the National Sports Day, an exhibition hockey match between "Penalty Corner King" Prithpal Singh XI and four-time Olympian Udham Singh XI will be played at 2.30 p.m. Olympian and International players will be seen in action on August 29, the birthday of Dhyan Chand, which has been declared as the National Sports Day by the Government of India.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will also inaugurate the ambitious Weekend Punjab Hockey League which will continue for 4-5 months as more than 90 teams would be competing in the WPHL in different age groups for boys and girls. More than 1500 budding hockey players would be provided a platform to show their skills.
Pargat Singh said "we are building a strong base for hockey in Punjab under the 'catch 'em young' programme. During the WPHL, a team of experts would spot the talented players for advance training on scientific basis and properly channelise the youth energy. This exercise will also help in containing the drug menace among the youth." This time matches in the Punjab Hockey League will be played on weekends.
Mr Badal will also distribute sports equipment, hockey stick, hockey ball, footballs, basketballs and volleyballs to the budding players.
Pargat Singh said "competitions for boys and girls will be held in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar. "
As many as 38 teams will be compete in the boys Under-14 category. Sixteen teams each in the Under-16 and Under-19 and Colleges sections will compete in the Weekend Hockey League.
Ten teams each in the Under-15 and +15 will take part in the weekend matches for girls.
Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Ajit Singh Pannu and SSP Arpit Shukla also addressed the press. Elaborate security arrangements have been made. Entry to the stadium would be free.

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Pinegrove, Lawrence, APS, Sherwood win

A group photo of The Lawrence School, Sanawar and Bishop Cotton School, Shimla teams in the 10th Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament in Sanawar on Monday.
Balbir Singh
Sanawar, Aug 27
Karan Solanki held the spotlight by performing hat-trick on the opening day as Pinegrove School of Subathu outplayed Yadvindra Public School of Mohali by 3-1 in Pool A match of the 10th Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament at The Lawrence School ground here today.
Displaying brilliant dribbling skills and shooting power, Karan Solanki, getting good support from his colleagues, opened the account for Pinegrove School in the fifth minute. YPS Mohali fought back with a determination and neutralised the lead through Harpreet who scored in the 10th minute.
Pinegrove School then pressed hard and Karan Solanki booted home two more goals to down YPS Mohali. The Pinegrove School forward Solanki then put his team ahead with a solo effort in the 22nd minute. Karan Solanki further increased the victory margin for Pinegrove School as he brilliantly executed a header after receiving a floater from the right flank.
Hosts The Lawrence School started their campaign with a bang as they defeated their traditional rivals Bishop Cotton School of Shimla by 3-1 in the second Pool A outing. Cheered by their colleagues The Lawrence School took just five minutes to forge ahead as Penjo Wanchuk caught the BCS defence on the wrong foot. The Lawrence School doubled the score through Nippon booted home a goal in the 13th minute.
Despite down by two goals, Bishop Cotton School were not disheartened. With three minutes left in the match, Prithvi Thakur reduced the margin with a fine goal. The Lawrence School counter-attacked and Nippon foxed the BCS with a powerful shot and gave his team a well-deserved victory.
A brace by Gurmeet paved the way for Army Public School, Digshai to beat Yadvindra Public School of Patiala by 4-2. Spearheading the APS attack, Gurmeet drew the first blood for his school in the seventh minute. Maintaining pressure, APS made it 2-0 through Phunchok.
The YPS Patiala boys reorganised their game and launched counter-attack. Their moves bore fruits in the18th minute as Udaybir Singh scored the first goal for his team. The Digshai boys further increased the margin through Lalit Kumar in the 45th minute. Gursimarpal netted the second goal for YPS in the 50th minute. Gurmeet rounded of the winners' tally in the 65th minute.
Sherwood College, Nainital eked out a narrow 1-0 win over The Doon School of Dehradun in the Group B fixture. The all-important goal was scored by Rajiv Gupta in a solo effort in the sixth minute.
Earlier, Col Sanjeev Sood inaugurated the tournament and took salute at the march-past by eight teams.
The Lawrence School captain Parath Goyal took the oath on behalf of the participating teams.

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Saupin's Soccer Festival for girls U-13 begins on Aug 28

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 27
Eight teams will take part in the inaugural Chandigarh Girls Under-13 Football Festival for RF Saupin Trophy to be conducted from August 28 to 30 at the Saupin's School ground in Sector 32 here.
In the Chandigarh Football Association organised U-13 girls festival, the participating teams have been divided into two groups.
The Group will consist of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School-26, Saupin's School-32, Mount Carmel School-47 and Banyan Tree School-48. St Stephen's School-45, Vivek High School-38, St Xavier's Senior Secondary School-44 and Carmel Convent School-9 have been clubbed in group B.
In the opening group A fixture, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School-26 will face hosts Saupin's School-32 at 10.a.m. Carmel School-47 will meet Banyan Tree School-48 in the second pool A match.
In group B St Stephen's School-45 are pitted against Vivek High School-38 and St Xavier's Senior Secondary School-44 are scheduled to meet Carmel Convent School-9 on the opening day.
CFA secretary said that the association would be selecting probables during the meet for the coaching camp. The CFA will be fielding a 16-member, including two officials (one lady must) in the All India Football Federation Under-13 Girls Festival at Puri from October 22 to 30.
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IHF president paying tribues to Jhaman Lal

Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill (third from right) and organising committee members of the S N Vohra Sub-Junior Hockey U-14 Tournament observing two-minute silence in memory of Olympian Jhaman Lal Sharma in Chandigarh on Sunday night. Also seen in the picture are Olympian Tarlochan Singh Bawa (extreme right) and Chandigarh Hockey Association president Additional Director General of Police Chandersekhar. Photo by Balbir Singh

MKS lift SN Vohra Sub-Jr Hockey Trophy

Balbir Singh

CHANDIGARH, AUG 26
Scoring one goal in each, Malwa Khalsa School of Ludhiana defeated Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy of Amritsar by 2-0 in the final of the sixth S N Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior Under-14 Hockey Tournament, organised by the Rock Rovers Club, at the floodlit Sector 42 Astroturf Hockey Stadium here on Sunday night. Malwa Khalsa School got the sweet revenge as they were beaten the Amritsar team 2-3 in a nail-biting last four-team league match on Saturday.
With a pre-match psychological advantage MRS Academy began on a confident note and they were all over the ground for the first ten minutes. After initial probings Malwa Khalsa School Academy took time to settle down. With their team functioning as a well-oiled machince, Malsa Khalsa School shot into lead in the 23rd minute when sprightly forward Akashdeep hit a powerful diagonal shot from the right flank which caught MRS Academy goalkeeper Harmanpreet on the wrong foot.
In the second half Malwa Khalsa School Academy converted their fourth penalty corner in the 54th minute through Tarandeep Singh. Malwa Khalsa School Academy mounted relentless pressure in the closing stages of the game to further increase their victory margin. They forced three penalty corners in succession in the 59th minute. However, they failed to take advantage of these opportunities.They were awarded seven penalty corners.
MRS Academy tried their best but a goal eluded them tonight. Their forwards were either wayward in their shooting or the Malwa Khalsa School defence thwarted their moves. The MRS Academy were awarded penalty corners in the 8th, 57th and 58th minutes. However, they wasted these chances.
Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill watched the full match and distributed the prizes. Baba Uttam Singh Academy of Khadoor Sahib was adjudged the most well behaved team. Harmanpreet (MRS Academy), Lovedeep (MRS Academy), Dhanraj (Malwa KS, Ludhiana), and Akashdeep (Malwa Khalsa School, Ludhiana) were adjudged the best goalkeeper, the best fullback, the best halfback and the best forward, respectively. Tarandeep Singh was voted the man of the match.
Before the final a two-minute silence was observed in memory of former Olympian Jhaman Lal Sharma, who died today.

Jyoti Kaushik and Ankur win titles

A group photograph of the gold medal winners in the All India invitational Table Soccer Championship in Chandigarh on Sunday. Photo by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 26
Manipur duo of M.Prabina Devi and O .Binaroi Devi won the girls Under-18 doubles final in the All India invitational Table Soccer Championship which concluded at Banyan Tree School here today. Sheetal Negai and Twinkle Bhatia (Team B) claimed the runners-up title.
Agile Jyoti Kaushik of Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18 emerged winner in the girls Under-18 singles section. In the final she prevailed over her colleague Sheetal Negi by 2-1. Binaroi of Manipur will take home bronze medal. Vikramjeet Singh and Tarsem Nain of DAV School, Moonak bagged the boys Under-18 doubles title. Jaskaran Singh and Arshdeep Singh (both of Khalsa Academy) finished second and third, respectively.
Ankur of D.A.V Secondary School-8 Chandigarh displayed his good skill to claim the boys under-14 singles title.
CBSE Joint Director Regional Office Panchkula DR Yadav distributed the prizes.
Meanwhile, the India Open International Table Soccer Championship Masters Series 2007 will be organised by the International Table Soccer Federation here November 16 to 18.
Speaking on the occasion of prize distribution function, Table Soccer Federation of India chairman Ravinder Talwar said that it would be for the first time that an interntional table soccer tournament would be held in India. The All India Invitation Table Soccer Championship which concluded today, was the reharshal before the international assignment.
TSFI president Balwinder Singh Johal said that Japan, Pakistan, Malayasia, Thailand, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and hosts India have already confirmed their participation. More teams are likely to send their entries.
Results
Girls Under - 18 singles: 1 Jyoti Kaushik (G.G.M.S.S - 18 Chandigarh), 2 Sheetal Negi (G.G.M.S.S - 18 Chd), 3 Binaroi (Manipur). Girls Under -18 doubles: 1 M.Prabina Devi and O .Binaroi Devi (Manipur), 2 Sheetal Negai and Twinkle Bhatia (Team B). Boys Under -18 doubles: 1 Vikramjeet Singh and Tarsem Nain ((DAV Moonak), 2Jaskaran Singh (Khalsa Academy) and Arshdeep Singh (Khalsa Academy), 3 Jaspal Singh / Sarbkjeet Singh (Team C).Boys Under 14 singles: 1 Ankur (D.A.V Sec-8 Chd), 2 Arshad (D.A.V Sec-8 Chd), 3 Amrit Pal (Khalsa Academy).
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Lawrence School face BC School in opener

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 26
The 10th edition of the Bhupinder Singh Memorial Football Tournament will begin with a match between hosts The Lawrence School, Sanawar and Bishop Cotton School, Shimla tomorrow at 7 a.m. at The Lawrence School ground in Sanawar. Four matches would be played on day one in the four-day tournament.
Eight teams have staked their claims for the top honours. The teams have been divided into two groups. The pool A will comprise Sherwood College, Nainital, Yadvindera Public School, Mohali, The Doon School, Dehradun and Pinegrove School, Sabathu.
Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Yadvindra Public School, Patiala, Army Public School Dikshai and The Lawrence School, Sanawar have been placed in pool B.
Monday's fixtures: The Lawrence School, Sanawar vs Bishop Cotton School, Shimla 7.a.m.; Pinegrove School, Sabathu vs YPS Mohali (8.30 a.m.); YPS Patiala vs APS, Dikshai 3 p.m. and The Doon School, Dehradun vs Sherwood College, Nainital (4 p.m.).
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MRS Academy gain psychological advantage

Balbir Singh
Chandigarh, Aug 25

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy of Amritsar defeaeted Malwa Khalsa School of Ludhiana by 3-2 in the last four-team round robin league match of the sixth SN Vohra Sub-Junior Under-14 Hockey Tournament being organised by Rock Rovers Club at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here on Saturday evening.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy topped the league table by logging nine points with an all-win record. The teams four goals in the first half. Malwa Khalsa School drew the first blood in the third minute as Gagandeep converted their first penalty corner. MRS Academy fought back and neutralised the lead as Gurpreet converted his team's third penalty corner in the 21st minute. Then Gurpreet put the MRS Academy into the lead by scoring a fine field goal in the 37th minute. Ramandeep Singh made it 3-1 in favour of MRS Academy. The Ludhiana team reduced the margin in the 51st minute with a penalty corner conversion through Nirmaljeet..
Harmanpreet of MRS Academy was declared the man of the match.
MRS Academy forced penalty corners in the 19th, 20th, 21st and 39th minutes. Malwa Khalsa School were awarded penalty corners in the 2nd, 8th, 11th, 18th, 22nd, 35th, 48th, 50th, 51st, 56th and 60th minutes. They were also awarded a penalty stroke which they muffed in the 11th minute.
Baba Uttam Singh Hockey Academy of Khadoor Sahib routedoutplayed GRM School of New Delhi by 7-0 after establishing a commanding 5-0 lead at half time.
Gagandeep Singh (5th, 28th), Gurpreet Singh (9th, 10th), Amandeep (23rd), Varun Kumar (40th) and Sukhjeet Singh (55th) were the scorers.
Indian Hockey Federation president KPS Gill will distribute the prizes after the final which will be played under lights.
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Bikramjeet wins U-8 singles title

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 25
Bikramjeet Singh from Khalsa Acadmey, MehtaChowk, bagged the boys Under-8 singles title in the All India Invitational Table Soccer Championship being organised by Table Tennis Federation of India at the Banyan Tree School in Sector 48 A here today.
Talwinder Singh of Golden Bells School, Mohali and Jobanpreet Singh of Sacred Heart School, Fathegarh Sahib, finished second and third, respectively.
The duo of Vandana and Manpreet Kaur of D.A.V, Moonak defeated Sukhdeep and Jaspreet of Baba Sahid Public School in the girls Under-12 doubles final.
The Boys Under-18 doubles title went to H.Seitajit Singh and H. Bisarjit Singh of Manipur who got the better of Arshdeep Singh and Amanpreet of KhalsaAcadmey, Mehta Chowk.
Results:
Boys Under - 8 singles: 1 Bikramjeet Singh (Khalsa Acadmey, MehtaChowk), 2 Talwinder Singh( Golden Bells School, Mohali), 3 Jobanpreet Singh (Sacred Heart School, (Fathegarh Sahib).Girls Under -12 doubles 1 Vandana and Manpreet Kaur (D.A.V Moonak), 2 Sukhdeep and Jaspreet (Baba Sahid Public School).Boys Under-12 doubles: 1 Indersain Goel and Asim Mehta (D.A.V Moonak), 2 Vishnu and Gaurav ( M.D.A.V High School, Sector-22 Chd), 3 Sanjay and Ravinder (D.V.M Behror(Rajasthan).Boys Under-18 doubles: 1 H.Seitajit Singh and H. Bisarjit Singh (Manipur), 2 Arshdeep Singh and Amanpreet (KhalsaAcadmey, Mehta Chowk), 3 Rahul Gour and Subham Gour (Rajasthan) Boys Under-17 doubles:
Amritsar bt Delhi Public School Pinjore.
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Karan gets Rs 1 lakh as PCA hike prize money

The members of the Punjab Junior teams after receiving cash awards. Photo by Balbir Singh
Balbir Singh

CHANDIGARH, AUG25
Prolific batsman Karan Goyal was declared the best senior cricketer of Punjab and he was presented a cash award of Rs one lakh by Punjab Cricket Associaiton Inderjit Singh Bindra on helf of the association at the Dhruv Pandove Hall of the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. Mandeep Singh and Siddharath Kaul were jointly declared the best junior cricketers of the state. They shared Rs 50,000.
The PCA distributed Rs 12 lakh among its junior players and coaches for their outstandng performances. Punjab last year won the Under-15 Polly Umrigar Trophy and the Under-17 Vijay Merchant Trophy. They also finished runners-up in the Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy. Coaches Krishan Mohan and Munish Bali received cash award of Rs 50,000 each.
"The PCA doubled the prize money to be disbursed among the members of the victorious teams," announced PCA president Inderjit Singh Bindra.
Chandigarh Cricket Association, affiliated to the Punjab Cricket Association, was adjudged the the best district by logging maximum points. CCA secretary Mohinder Singh received a cheque of Rs 2.5 lakh. Patiala Cricket Association finished runners-up and got a cash incentive of Rs 1.25 lakh.
Similarly, the PCA has also hiked the prize money amount for winning the Ranji Trophy and other BCCI recognised tournaments. Denying that the prize money amount has been increased under pressure from the ICL, Bindra said that these decisions were taken four years ago.
Bindra calculated that if a cricketer plays in all big tournaments including the Ranji Trophy, his earning would come to approximately Rs 30 to 35 lakh per annum. It comes to Rs 35,000 per playing day per match.
The following cricketers, coaches and officials received cash awards.
Member of the winner of Polly Umrigar Trophy U-15: Mandeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Bhavish Goel, Ankit Pursharthy, Arjun Kumar, Karanpreet Singh (21,000 each), Pankaj Chaudhary, Pargat Singh (19,500 each),
Vishal Thind, Gurinder Singh (18,000 ), Raj Kamal Dhillon , Shah Nawaz Mirza (16,500 each), Aman Bawa (15,000), Amaninder Singh (13,500), Rohin Thapar (10,500), Manan Vohra (4,500). Lakhbir Singh (trainer) (15,000), Krishan Mohan (coach/manager) (50,000).
Members of the victorious Vijay Merchant Trophy U-17: Perry Goel, Kunwar Raina, Himanshu Chawla, Sharad Loomba, Gunjot Singh, Anil Sihag, Mohit Mohindra, Krishan Alang, Siddharth Kaul(20,400 each), Harpreet Singh (Golu), Vaibhav Narang (15,300 each). Rahul Khosla, Deepak Bansal (13,600), Robin Singh, Preet Kamal Rai (11,900 each), Robin Dhillon (10,200). Munish Bali, coach/manager (50,000).
Best junior cricketers: Siddharath Kaul and Mandeep Singh (25,000 eah).
Best senior cricketer: Karan Goyal (1 lakh). Best Districts) Chandigarh Cricket Association (Winners): 2,50,000. Patiala Cricket Association (Runners-up) : 1,25,000.

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PCA to have professional selectors and cricketers on retainership

From left to right: GS Walia, MP Pandove, IS Bindra and BC Gupta addressing press conference at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. Photo by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGRH, AUG 25: The Punjab Cricket Association will appoint professional selectors on the senior selection panel and earned the distinction of becoming the first affiliated unit of the Board of Control for Cricket in India to take this decision.
Announcing this important decision here today, PCA president Inderjit Singh Bindra told newsmen that the executive committee discussed this issue and authorised the president and secretary MP Pandove to appoint the paid selectors on the Senior Selection Committee.
But the names for the selection committees for Under-19, U-22, Under-15 and Under-17 were finalised and announced in the executive committee meeting.
Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra said that MP Pandove, who is also joint secretary of the Board, would be visiting Australia to study their system. "The PCA wants to follow the best system in the world," said Bindra.
Addressing a press conference after the executive committee meeting held at the PCA Stadium in Mohali today, Bindra also announced another significant decision to select
cricketers in all age groups who will be given retainership for playing. "They will be paid for playing," said Bindra.
The PCA president said that the prize money for the Punjab cricketers had been doubled and executive committee also decided to introduce retainership system in all age groups from this year. "Twenty players in all age groups will be recruited and paid for playing cricket. It will be full time job for them. After Pandove's return from Australia, the PCA will finalise and adopt the best contract system of the world for selecting players on retainership basis.
The executive committee also okayed the decision to appoint a full time media manager to liaison with the media.
R P Pandove has been appointed as chairman of the selection committee for Junior Under-19 and 22. Balbir Singh has been appointed chairman of the Junior Selection Committee for Under-15 and Under-17.
The PCA will also appoint a full time media manager to coordinate with the print and electronic media. "PCA secretary GS Walia is handling the media affairs. However, as Walia is also handling various portfolios, the executive committee decided to have a full time media manager," said Bindra. MP Pandove said "a decision to appoint an individual or hire an agency would be taken soon."
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Second wins for MK School and MRS Academy

CHANDIGARH, AUG 24

Malwa Khalsa School of Ludhiana and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy of Amritsar brightened their chances to qualify for the final as they registered their second successive wins in the four-team round league phase of the sixth edition of the S N Vohra Sub-Junior Hockey Championship for Under-14 being organised by Rock Rovers Club at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.
Malwa Khalsa School logged full points at the expense of Baba Uttam Singh Hockey Academy of Khadoor Sahib whom they beat by 2-0. The teams played a goalless in the first half. After a barren first half, Malwa Khalsa School reorganised their game and two minutes after resumption, they forged ahead with a field goal scored by ough Akashdeep who again struct in the 55th minute.
Gagandeep of Malwa Khalsa School was declared the man of the match.
Malwa Khalsa School forced penalty corners i the 16th, 17th, 26th, 27th and 29th minutes. Khadoor Sahib Academy wasted penalty corners in the 44th, 50th, 57th and 59th minutes.
In the second league match, formidable Maharaja Ranjit Singh Academy routed GRM School, New Delhi by 6-1 after taking a commanding 4-0 lead at half time.
Lovedeep (4th, 52nd penalty corners), Gurpreet (5th, 25th), Gurbir (10th) and Deepinder (49th, pc) were the winners' scorers. The lone goal for GRM School was scored by Sumit who converted a penalty corner in the 44th mi8nute. Gurpreet Singh of MRS Academy was adjudged man of the match.
Tomorrow's fixtures: BUSH Academy Khadoor Sahib vs GRM School, New Delhi (3.30 p.m.) and Malwa Khalsa School, Ludhiana vs MRS Academy (4.45 p.m.).

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Amanpreet-Khushpreet win girls u-14 doubles crown

Amanpreet and Khuspreet of Golden Bell, Mohali and Papak and Shrishti of Hansraj Public School, Mohali playing the girls U-14 doubles final. Photo by Balbir Singh.

CHANDIGARH, AUG 24
Amanpreet and Khuspreet of Golden Bell School of Mohali defeated Papak and Shrishti of Hansraj Public School of Panchkula by 6 goals to 4 in the girls Under-14 doubles final in the All India Invitational Table Soccer Championships which began today at Banyan Tree School in Sector 48 here today.
Golden Bell School, Mohali also claimed the girls U-14 doubles bronze medal through Harsha and Jeevanpreet.
Showing good concentration and alertness, Nanki of Golden Bell School, Mohali emerged winner in the girls Under-8 singles.
Gagandeep and Harpreet of Banyan Tree School, Sector 48-A defeated Swarnjeet and Manoj of Golden Bells School Mohali in the boys Under-14 doubles final.
Twinkle Bhatia of Satluj Public School, Panchkula beat Rajbeer Kaur of Safron City, FatehgarhSahib, Punjab in the girls Under-14 singles final.
More than 50 schools from 12 states and Union Territories are taking part in the meet being organised by the Table soccer Federation of India (T.S.F.I), according to federation secretary Yadwinder Singh.
Results: Girls Under-8 singles: 1 Nanki (Golden Bell School Mohali), 2 Simran (Hansraj Public School, Panchkula), 3 Bindu (C.R.B. Public School Chd).Boys U-10 doubles: 1 Gurjot Singh and Jaspreet (St .Soldier's SchoolMohali), 2 Saurav and Rishab (C.L Aggarwal D.A.V Chd), 3 Gagandeep and Gurpreet (St.Soldier School Mohali).Boys Under - 14 doubles: 1 Gagandeep and Harpreet (Banyan Tree School Chd), 2 Swarnjeet and Manoj (Golden Bells School Mohali), 3 Manbir and Saksham (Golden Bell School Mohali).Girls Under-12 singles: 1 Palak Dhnigra (D.P.S Pinjore), 2 Srishti Bhalotia (D.P.S Pinjore), Rashi (Hansraj Public School, Panchkula). Girls Under -14 singles: 1 Twinkle Bhatia (Satluj Public School, Panchkula), 2 Rajbeer Kaur (Safron City FatehgarhSahib,Punjab), 3 Sumandeep Kaur (Safron City Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab).
Girls Under-14 doubles: Amanpreet and Khushpreet (Golden Bell School, Mohali), 2 Papak and Shrishti (Hans Raj Public School, Panchkula), 3 Harsha and Jeevanpreet (Golden Bell School, Mohali).

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Full points for MK School, MRS Academy

CHANDIGARH, AUG 23
Malwa Khalsa School of Ludhiana and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy from Amritsar logged full points from their semi-final fixtures in the sixth S N Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior Under-14 Hockey Tournament being conducted by Rock Rovers Club at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.
Malwa Khalsa School outplayed GRM School of New Delhi whom they handed out a 6-0 drubbing. Akshdeep and Kulbir Singh stole the show by scoring three goals each. Akshdeep pumped in goals in the 5th, 14th and 59th minutes and was adjudged the man of the match. Kukbir's goals came in the 21st, 51st and 56th minutes. The winners forced penalty corners in the 4th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 45th, 46th and 53rd minutes. However they could not take advantage of any of the PCs.
LLater, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Academy defeated Baba Uttam Singh Hockey Academy of Khadoor Sahib by 3-1. Ramandeep Singh registred a brace for the winners by scoring in the27th and 35th minutes. Gurprit had given the Amritsar team in the lead with a field goal in the seventh minute. Simrandeep reduced the margin for Khadoor Sahib by converting a penalty corner in the 37th minute. Ramandeep of MRS Academy was declared the man of the match. The Amritsar team got penalty corners in the 31st, 33rd, 37th, 41st and 55th minutes.
Tomorrow's fixtures: BUS Hockey Academy Khadoor Sahib vs Malwa Khalsa School, Ludhiana (3.30 p.m) and MRS Academy vs GRM School, New Delhi (4.45 p.m.).

Neha, Soumi qualify for World Jr TT

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 23

Neha Aggarwal of Delhi and Soumi Mondal of Railways Sports have been qualified to participate in the fifth ITTF World Junior Table Tennis Championships to be held at Palo Alto, CA, USA from December 8 to 15, according to Table Tennis Federation of India secretry general MC Gupta.
Neha Aggarwal is ranked 63 and Soumi Mondal ranked 79 in U18 age category in world.
Sourav Saha of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board Table Tennis Academy, Ajmer and Ankita Das of North Bengal have qualified for the World Cadet Challenge scheduled to be held at Cape Town, South Africa from October 23 to 28 2007. Saha and Ankita have been selected to represent the Asian Continent. Both the players have qualified on the basis of their performance in the 13th Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships held at Hoengseong, Korea from July 25 to 30.
The Asian cadet contingent for the World Cadet Challenge is:
Cadet boys: Song Hongyuan (CHN), Namura Taiya ( JPN), Saha Sourav (Ind), Law Tsun Lung (HKG).
Cadet girls: Yang Ha Eun (Kor), Das Ankita (Ind), Lee Ho Ching (HKG) and Suthasinee Sawettabut (THA).

St Joseph's win U-14 carrom crown for fifth time

The jubilant St Joseph's team which won the U-14 title for the fifth time in a row in the Union Territory Inter-School Girls Carrom Tournament. Photo by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, AUG 23
St Joseph's Senior Secondary School, Sector 44 maintained their monopoly by winning the girls Under-14 crown for the fifth year in succession in the Union Territory Inter-School Girls Carrom Tournament played at St Stephen's School in Sector 45 here.
The St Joseph's team compriging Diksha Verma, Himanshi, Sakshi and Prachi defeated Mount Carmel-47 (Samridhi Piplani, Anushi Sharma, Gunjan and Harleen) by 2-1 in the final.
Earlier, St Joseph's and Mount Carmel-47 entered final by beating Government High School-32 and Sacred Heart-26 by 2-1 and 3-0, respectively.
Sacred Heart-26 secured third position as they prevailed over GH School-32 by 2-1.
DAV Model School-15 (Akansha, Jeeth, Tanya and Vishakha) defeaeted St Joseph's-44 (Mansimar, Bhanu Sadna, Shina and Nidhi) by 2-1 in the girls Under-19 final. Sacret Heart-26 finished third at the expense of Government Model Senior Secondary School-26 by 2-1.
Results: Under-14: Final: St Joseph's-44 bt Mount Carmel-47 by 2-1 (Diksha Verma bt Samridhi Piplani 13-3, Himanshi bt Anushi Sharma 11-0, Sakshi and Prachi lost to Gunjan and Harleen 1-10).
For third and fourth positions: Sacred Heart-26 bt GHS-32 by 2-1.
Semi-finals: St Joseph's-44 bt GHS-32 by 2-1 and Mount Carmel-47 bt Sacred Heart-26 by 3-0.
Under-19 (final): DAVMS-15 bt St Joseph's-44 by 2-1 (Akansha bt Mansimar by 15-0, Jeeth lost to Bhanu Sadana 0-25, Tanya and Vishakha bt Shina and Nidhi by 11-5).
For third and fourth places: Sacred Heart-26 bt Government Model SSS-18 by 2-1.
Semi-finals: St Joseph's-44 bt GGMSSS-18 by 3-0 and DAVMS-15 bt Sacred Heart-26 by 2-1.

CHANDIGARH BEAT MOHALI: Chandigarh defeted Mohali on the basis of their first innings lead of 29 runs in the Punjab Inter-District Cricket Tournament for Under-22 at the DAV Senior Secondary School ground in Sector 8 here today.

Mohali won the toss and elected to bat first. They were dismissed for 126 runs in 53.4 overs. Sumit Ohri (18) and Navneet (28) were their main scorers.Siddharth Kaul (4 for 64) and Naresh Kumar (4 for 18) were the main wicket takers for Chandigarh. In reply Chandigarh were all out at 155 in 69.3 overs and gained a vital first-innings lead of 29 runs. Vaivhav (25), Gurkirat Singh (35), Gaurav Gambhir (52) were the main scorers for Chandigarh. Harmeet (3 for 55), Harman Singh (2 for 38) and Parminder (3 for 19) were the main wicket takers for Mohali.

Meanwhile, trials for the selection of Chandigarh team will be held on August 27 at 2.00 p.m. at the DAV Sr.Sec.School ground in Sector 8, Chandigarh.The selected team would take part in the Inter District Tournament organised by the Punjab Cricket Association for Katoch Shield. All players either studying or living in Chandigarh are eligible for the trials.The players must bring a photocopy of the birth certificate or a certificate from the respective institute confirming the date of birth.

ALL INDIA TABLE SOCCER: More than 400 players from different States and Union Territories will take part in the All India Table Soccer Championship to be played from August 24 to 26 at Banyan Tree School in Sector 48. Matches will begin at 12 noon. Teams from Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttranchal, Himachal
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Manipur, Assam, Uttar Pradesh) have confirmed their participation.

Ranike gives financial help to families of late Avtar and Gurdeep

Punjab Sports Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike handing over financial grant to hockey coach Gurdeep Singh's son Rajwinder Singh. Also seen in picture if Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh.

CHANDIGARH, AUG 23

The Punjab Government today gave financial assistance to the family of handball player Avtar Singh of Ludhiana and hockey coach Gurdeep Singh of Amritsar who died recently. Keeping the welfare of their families in mind, Punjab Sports Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike handed over cheques of Rs one lakh each to their family members. Mr Ranike promised to extend all possible help to the Punjab players and the coaches.
Punjab Sports Secretary RPS Pawar and Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh were present on the occasion.
The Sports Minister handed over the cheque to Avtar Singh's father Sohan Singh at the Civil Secretariat. Gurdeep Singh's son Rajwinder Singh received the financial assistance from the Sports Minister.
Avtar Singh, who died in May 2007, was an outstanding handball player. He represented Punjab 12 times in the National Handball Championships. Despite belonging to economically backward section of the society, Avtar Singh was a dedicated player. The 25-year-old Avtar had won gold medals in the 2005-2006 Nationals held in Ludhiana and 2006-7 Nationals at Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh). Avtar's appointment as constable in the Punjab Police was approved by the Director General of Police, Punjab.
The Punjab Handball Association Secretary Teja Singh described Avtar's death a "big blow" to Punjab handball.
Hockey coach Gurdeep Singh gave excellent results as he produced a number of national and international hockey players. Gurdeep was one of the sincere coaches of Punjab who worked with zeal to promote hockey in the state.

Surjit Hockey Academy upset

Malwa Khalsa School stun Surjit Academy

CHANDIGARH, AUG 22

Capitalising on most of the chances that came their way Malwa Khalsa School shocked holders Olympian Surjit Hockey Academy of Jalandhar by 3-1 in a league match in the sixth edition of the SN Vohra Memorial Sub-Junior Under-14 Hockey Tournament being conducted by Rock Rovers Club, an affiliate of the Chandigarh Hockey Association, at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.

Ranjit Singh (23rd), Gagandeep (36th) and Akashdeep (58th) contributed one goal each for the winners. Mandeep Singh reduced the margin for Surjit Academy by scoring a field goal in the 33rd minute. Both teams forced four penalty corners each but failed to convert these.

In another league match, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Academyoutclassed Modern Sports School, Rohtak in all departments of the game and registered an each 5-0 triumph after leading 2-0 at half time. The highlight of the one-sided affair was a brilliant performance of Randeep Singh who scored three goals, no hat-trick. His goals in the 20th, 47th and 57th minutes. Gurbir Singh contributed two goals (22nd and 35th).
The Amritsar Academy forced penalty corners in the 16th, 33rd, 37th, 39th, 40th, 43rd, 49th and 59th minutes. Rohtak team were awarded penalty corners in the 14th, 45th, 46th and 47th minutes.
Meanwhile, three players of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Academy were found medically overage.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy and Malwa Khalsa School, Ludhiana qualified for the semi-final league.

POA to construct Olympic Bhawan

Photo: POA president SS Dhindsa visting site.

CHANDIGARH, Aug 21
The Punjab Government has decided to allot two acre of land on lease to the Punjab Olympic Association in the proposed Multipurpose Sports Complex opposite the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali for construction of the Punjab Olympic Bhawan.

POA president and Member of Parliament and senior Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa this evening visited the multipurpose sports complex to make an on-the-spot inspection of the site to be leased out for 99 years to the POA.

The decision to allot land to the POA for construction of the Olympic Bhawan was taken in the last meeting the POA officials had with the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Mr Dhindsa said that after getting the possession of the land, the POA would chalk out the construction plan. The POA proposes to have a state-of-art gymnasium, museum, Hall of Fame and club house. Regarding the finance for constructing the Olympic Bhawan, Mr Dhindsa said "We have more than 3.5 crore in our account and more money would be raised if required."

Spread over an area of 22 acre of land, construction work on the Multipurpose Sports Complex, would soon start after discussing the Public-Private Partnership through PIDB. Mr Dhindsa suggested that sufficient funds should be raised for the smooth running of the activities of the Punjab Sports Department. Mr Dhindsa also suggested that good coaches should be given cash incentive in recognition to their outstanding contribution.

Except construction of gates and boundary wall, the space is used for parking during international cricket matches the Punjab Cricket Association.

Punjab Secretary Sports RPS Pawar said that this time the Punjab Cricket Association would have to pay for using the land of the Multipurpose Sports Complex as parking slot. The Sports Department would raise fence around the outer area of the complex to prevent any unauthorised used by any one.

Punjab Sports Director Olympian Pargat Singh, Joint Director Chanchal Randhawa, Additional Joint Director SL Lote, POA treasurer PS Virk and PS Kumedan were among those present on the occasion.

Except construction of gates and boundary wall, the space is used for parking during international cricket matches the Punjab Cricket Association.
Punjab Secretary Sports RPS Pawar said that this time the Punjab Cricket Association would have to pay for using the land of the Multipurpose Sports Complex as parking slot. The Sports Department would raise fence around the outer area of the complex to prevent any unauthorised used by any one.
Punjab Sports Director Olympian Pargat Singh, Joint Director Chanchal Randhawa, Additional Joint Director SL Lote, POA treasurer PS Virk and PS Kumedan were among those present on the occasion.

Mongia still aspires to don India colour

Photo: Dinesh Mongia talking to media in Chandigarh.

Balbir Singh

CHANDIGRH, AUG 22

Even after signing a three-year contract with the Indian Cricket League, Punjab all-rounder 30-year-old Dinesh Mongia still aspires to play for India. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has banned those cricketers who associate themselves with the rebel ICL of Essel World Group. While the BCCI will now allow ICL cricketers to play under its banner, the ICL will also its cricketers to represent the country if selected by the BCCI. Dinesh Mongia does not see any controversy or rivalry between the BCCI and the ICL.
Dinesh Mongia said "I am a cricketer and want to play cricket. I have joined the ICL not for any other consideration except for purely playing cricket."
Asked why he has taken a big risk of joining the rebel ICL of Essel World Group, Mongia said "I want to play cricket as I enjoy it. For the last 15 years I am making efforts to play for the country. If I prove my worth in the ICL in the company of world's top cricketers, I may be chosen to don the India colour."
Categorically stating that money was not the consideration for joining the ICL, Dinesh Mongia said "the signing amount is not big. It is always an honour to play for Punjab and Board of Control for Cricket in India. The ICL will be providing more opportunities to the cricketers. With the launching of the ICL, the players strength will rise to 400. At present 200 players are playing at different levels under the BCCI banner. ICL has enrolled 100 and the BCCI will be now requiring 100 more players for replacements. Hence more cricketers will get more opportunities to play," explained Mongia.
Mongia said that after the 20-20 Indian Cricket League in October, 50-over-a-side and three-day matches format has been
Answering a question the Punjab Cricket Association may not allow him and other Punjab players who have joined ICL, to practice at the centres run by the association, Mongia said "there are many academies where cricketers practice after paying fee. Meanwhile all arrangements for regular practice would be made within next two weeks or so."