Korean outplays Vijay Kannan

Former Punjab Director General of Police Sarabjit Singh being introduced to the players.
Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 31 Local star Vijayant Malik and Yannick Nelord found themselves at the receiving end aganst third seeded pair of Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja in the doubles first-round match in the $ 10,000 India F5 Futures ITF Men's Circuit at the CLTA Stadium in Sector 10 here today. Playing on court number 1, Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja were comfortaly placed to outplay Malik-Nelord duo in just 54 minutes in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.
Tomorow, young Malik, a trainee of Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association, will face top seeded Rohan Bopanna who will have a good exposure in the ITF Men's Futures here, before the forthcoming Davis Cup against Japan India will be hosting. Wild Malik is rated underdog as he is ranked 1322nd while Bopanna is top-seeded with a ranking of 328nd. The Malik-Bopanna first-round encounter is slated for tomorrow at 10 a.m. at centre court.
Wild card Yuki Bhambri and Kamala Kannan overcame Japanese pair of Katsushi Fukuda and Kento Takeuchi in an evenly contested doubles fist roud match. The Indian pair won 6-4, 6-7 (7), 10-8. Davis Cupper Hjajrsh Mankad and Rupesh Roy had an easy first-round against N Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Ranjeet Virali Murugesan whom they beat by 6-1, 6-3.
Only two first-round matches in the singles main draw of 32 were billed for the day, Third seed Hyun-Woo Nam of Korea outclassed Indian Vijay Kannan in straight set 6-3, 6-4. In a first-round fixture between unseeded Russians, Danila Arsenov outpointed Sergei Krotiouk in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. .
Earlier, five Indians made it the main draw through qualifying rounds whch were played this mornng. Top seeded Vishnu Vardhan, third seed Virali Murugesan, fourth seed Rupesh Roy, Siriluethaiwattana P and Murali Mithun defeated their respective rivals in the final qualifying round matches. Mithun Murali caused a mild upset by stunning Chinese second seed Ye Du in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.
Vishnu Vardhan ended the challenge of Idan Rosenberg of Israel 6-3, 7-6 (4) to move into the main draw. Virali Murugesan dropped just two games as he defeated Prajnesh Gunndswaran in straight sets 6-0, 6-2.
However, Rupesh Roy and Siriluethaiwattana P were engaged in hard-fought final qualifying round matches. Playing on centre court, Rupesh Roy faced a tough resistance before overcome a stubborn Chinese Qi Xiao in a natch extended to three sets 3-6, 6-3 7-6 (6). Down by first set, Siriluethaiwattana staged a grand rally to snuff out the challenge of N Vijay Sunder Prashanth 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Chinese Ji Shi and Zhuo-Qing Zhou also advanced to the main draw with easy victories. Ji Shi ousted 15th seed Hui Zhang, also of China, 6-3, 6-3 and Zhuo-Qing Zhou shocked fifth seed Ilya Belyaev of Russia 6-3, 6-3. Soiuth African 10th seed Ciaran Moore toiled to overcome Austrian sixth seed Chrstoph Lessiak of Austria in closely-contested final round 6-7 (11), 6-4, 7-5.
Earlier, former Punjab Director General of Police Sarabjit Singh inaugurated the tournament. Accompanied by CLTA Chairman Rajan Kashyap and Silver Badge ITF Referee Puneet Gupta was introduced to the players.
Qualifying (final round): Rupesh Roy (Ind) bt Xiao Qi (Chn) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), Ji Shi (Chn) bt Hui Zhang (Chn) 6-3, 6-3, Zhuo-Qing Zhou (Chn) bt Ilya Belyaev (Rus) 6-4, 6-3, Ciaran Moore (Rsa) bt Christoph Lessiak (Aut) 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5, Perakiat Siriluethaiwattana (Tha) bt N. Vijay sundar Prashanth (Ind) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, Ranjeet Virali Murugesan (Ind) bt Prajnesh Gunneswaran (Ind) 6-0, 6-2, Vishnu Vardhan (Ind) bt Idan Rosenberg (Isr) 6-3, 7-6 (4), Mithun Murali (Ind) bt Ye Du (Chn) 6-4, 6-2.
Results: Main draw: Singles (Ist round): Hyun-Woo Nam (Kor) bt Vijay Kannan (Ind) 6-3, 6-4, Danila Arsenov (Russia) bt Sergei Krotiouk (Russia) 6-4, 6-3.
Men's doubles (Ist round): Roman Jebavy (Cze) and Nathan Thomas (USA) bt Hsin-Han Lee (Tpe)/Yu Jr Wang (China) 6-4, 6-3, Yuki Bhambri and Kamala Kannan (Ind) bt Katsushi Fukuka and Kento Takeuchi (Japan) 6-4, 6-7 (7), 10-8, Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja (Ind) bt Vijayant Malik and Yannick Nelord (Ind) 6-4, 6-2, Harsh Mankad and Rupesh Roy (Ind) bt N Vijay Sundar Prashanth and Ranjeet Virali Murugesan (Ind) 6-1, 6-3, Christoph Lessiak and Mario Tupy (Aut) bt Vijay Kannan and Navdeep Singh (Ind) 5-7, 6-3, 10-6, Vivek Shokeen and Ashutosh Singh (Ind) bt Divij Sharan and Vishnu Vardhan (Ind) 4-6, 7-6 (2), 10-8, John McGahon (Irl) and Claran Moore (RSA) bt Ash Misquith (Can) and NP Singh (Ind) 6-4, 7-6 (5)., Ilya Belyaev and Sergei Krotiouk (Rus) bt Peng Sun and Hul Zhang (Chd) 6-2, 6-4.

Valuable knock by Anmol

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 31
A brilliant knock of 79 by Anmol Singh paved the for APJ Academy of Kharar beat Mohali Cricket Academy y three wickets in a closely fought pool B match of the Chandigarh Under-13 Inter-Academy Cricke Tournament being organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today.
After winning the toss, Mohali Cricket Academy batted first and scored 158 for 8 in allotted 30 overs. Captain Sarthak Grover played a fine knock of 60 which included four boundaries. Sehajdeep Singh contributed 26. Tejas chipped in with 28. Karanveer Singh (3 for 33), Prabhjot Singh (2 for 38) and Baljinder Singh (2 for 20) restricted the MCA total with fine bowling.
APJ Academy achieved the target by scoring 159 for 7 in 28.4 overs. Anmol Singh displayed his batting skills by reaching the fence 12 times as he piled up match-winning knock of 79. Prabhjot Singh and Sahil Sharma scored 15 and 12, respectively.
All-rounder Sarthak Grover (3 for 29) and Gurpreet Singh (2 for 28) were the most successful bowlers for Mohali Cricket Academy.
Brief scores: Mohali Cricket Academy: 158 for 8 in 30 overs (Sarthak Grover 60, 4x4s, Tejas 28, Sehajdeep Singh 26, Karanveer Singh 3 for 33, Prabhjot Singh 2 for 38, Baljinder 2 for 20).
APJ Academy, Kharar: 159 for 7 in 28.4 overs (Anmol Singh 79, 12x4s, Prabhjot Singh 15, Sahil Sharma 12, Gurpreet Singh 2 for 28, Sarthak Grover 3 for 29).
Tomorrow's fixture: CCA-GNPS-36 vs MCA at 2 p.m.-- St Stephen's School ground, Sector 45.

Another setback to Indian Hockey

CHANDIGAH, MARCH 31
After dismal performance in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Indian hockey got a further setback as the Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in its meeting held in Lausanne (Switzerland) from March 27 to 29 noted that satisfactory progress had not been made on the “Promoting Indian Hockey” and the organization of the World Cup Men in 2010.
According to information received here, the FIH reconsidered the conditional awarding of the World Cup 2010 to New Delhi, India. After having carefully studied the progress made with the project ‘Promoting Indian Hockey’ as well as the actions taken in the preparation of the World Cup 2010, the Executive Board noted that satisfactory progress had not been made in either area.
However, the Executive Board decided to give Indian hockey some additional time, as provided for in the Memorandum of Understanding (signed in November 2007 between the FIH and the Indian Hockey Confederation), to urgently address those issues before taking a final decision. In the meantime, FIH is looking for alternative host countries in case the FIH would be forced to take the decision not to host the World Cup in India.

'Pak players getting good exposure at CLTA'

Pakistan junior tennis playes who are being trained at CLTA Stadium in Chandigarh.
Pakistan official and former tennis player Mrs Shela Rehan posing for photograph under the creation of world renowned Nek Chand, Director of Rock Gardens, at the CLTA Stadium.
Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 31Seven junior players from Pakistan are attending a three-week coaching camp under the supervision of Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association coaches and physical trainer at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here from March 28 to April 17.
"We have come here for coaching under better playing conditions and facilities. India have a better tennis facilities as compared to Pakistan. With better and advanced coaching system, good physical trainers, our players are eager to train at the CLTA Complex having a number of synthetic and clay courts. The number of trainees at CLTA is very encouraging," head of the Pakistan nine-member team, said Nazir Ahmed, when asked why they preferred to come to City Beautiful for training.
"I am confident that our young players would gain more confidence when they return to Pakistan after completing training here. More than 25 per cent improvement would be noticed after the 21-day coaching here," said Nazir Ahmed whose late father Chaudhary Chanan Din, was a national tennis coach of Pakistan.
Visiting for the first time 63-year-old Nazir said "we have been receiving good response since we crossed over to India via Wagha Border. The faces are same, culture is same, language is same, customs and traditions are same. Even hearts are same. The Pakistan players and officials are feeling at home."
Nazir said that Khurram Nazir and Syed Zohair Raza have been earlier to India. They attended a coaching camp in Jassowal in Punjab. They will also play in the AITA Super Series starting on April 5 at the CLTA Stadium here. They Pakistan players are also watching top Indian and foreign players in action in the $10,000 ITF Men's Futures Tennis Tournament, the main draw of which began today.
Regarding the PHF's efforts to promote tennis in Pakistan, Nazir Ahmed said " the Pakistan Tennis Federation is making an all out effort to provide better facilities for training to the players. A full-fledged modern tennis complex in Islamabad has been established. It is a big project which is also most completed. With six synthetic cours and four clay courts, with floodlit facilities, it will be new milestone for tennis. PTF president Dilawar Abbas and sectary general Rashid Khan are behind the wonderful project," The huge tennis complex is likely to be inaugurated in a month's time.
The Punjab (Pakistan) Lawn Tennis Association has also created four synthetic courts at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore. These are floodlit courts. "I am sure with such facilities, Pakistan would produce more world class players," concluded Mr Nazir Ahmed.
The Pakistan trainees are:Khurram Nazir, Syed Muhamad Abbas Raza, Syed Zohair Raza, Gohar Riaz, Muhammad Waqas Malak, Mrs Shela Rehan and Salman Ikram.
Officials: Nazir Ahmed and Muhammad Rehan Qureshi.

HDFC beat AirTel by 8 wickets

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
A fine half century by Amritpal Singh enabled HDFC Bank defeat Airtel XI by eight wickets in the Vth Bharat Kesho Memorial Cricket Tournament, organised by the Chandigarh Sports Club, at Sector 16 Stadium, here today.
Batting first, Airtel XI posted a respectable total of 112 runs in their alloted 20 overs. Balwinder top-scored with 38 runs. Rajesh Jadeja chipped in with 25 valuable runs. Manpreet Singh scalped 3 wickets for 21 runs.
In reply, HDFC had no problem in overtaking the target as opener Amritpla Singh guided the team to victory with a reamrkable 64 runs. Imran Khan took the only two wickets that fell in the innings.
Brief scores: Airtel XI : 112 for 8 in 20 overs (Balwinder 38, Rajesh Jadeja 25, Manpreet Singh 3 for 21 Gurinder Saini 2 fopr 10). HDFC XI : 116 for 2 in 12.4 overs (Amritpal Singh 64 n.o, Charanjeet 24, Imran Khan 2 for 16).
In the second match of the day, a half-century by Gurbaj Singh went in vain, as Innovative XI were defeated by Haryana Warehousing Corporation XI (HWC XI), by 4 runs. Batting first, HWC XI managed to score 123 for 8 as captain Vaneet Chawla top scored with 28 runs.
In reply, Innovative XI looked all set for a win as Gurbaj Singh, held on to his wicket and kept scoring at a steady pace, while wickets kept falling at the other end. But after his dismissal, match was evenly poised. Requiring 5 runs to win off the last 4 balls, and 1 wicket in hand, Innovative XI batsman lost his nerve and lost his wicket handing HWC victory.
Brief scores : HWC XI : 123 for 8 in 20 overs ([Vaneet Chawla 29, Vikas 28, Rakesh Singh 2 for 20, Manjit Singh 2 for 21). Innovative XI : 119 all out in 19.5 overs (GurbajSingh 55, Mahesh 4 for 22, Vikas 2 for 24).
In the third match of the day, Fullerton XI defated Dell XI by 8 wixkets.
Brief Scores : Dell XI : 132 for 7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Prashar 38, Dennis 34, Nagender Negi 3 for 23). Fullerton XI : 133 for 2 in 18 overs ( Vikas Kala 53, Kamal Behl 26, Abhishek Prashar 2 for 23).

Mukesh prevails over Gaganjeet in playoff

Mukesh Kumar receiving winner's trophy in the inaugural Centurion Bank of Punjab Open Golf Championship at Chandigarh Golf Course on Sunday.Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
Seasoned campaigner Mukesh Kumar of Mhow pipped spirited Gaganjeet Bhullar of Kapurthala on the first playoff hole to claim the inaugural Centurion Bank of Punjab Open Golf Championship at Chandigarh Golf Course here on Sunday.
It was third title for Mukesh in the 2007-08 PGTI season. Mukesh and Gaganjeet were involved in a playoff for the title as they had finished at the top of the leaderboard with an identical total of 14 under 274 after 72 holes. Manav Jaini was third with an aggregate total of six under 282.
Mukesh converted a 12 feet putt on the first playoff hole to clinch the Centurion Bank of Punjab Open. He had earlier captured the IOC XtraPremium Masters in November 2007 and the Tata Open in January 2008. Mukesh shot rounds of 67, 69, 68 and 70. Mukesh received a paycheque of Rs 392001.25 and Gaganjeet Bhullar Rs 270751.25.
Mukesh started the final day with a five-stroke lead over his nearest rival Gaganjeet Bhullar. However, the 42-year-old veteran looked a nervous starter when he bogeyed the first two holes. He then picked up birdies on the third, fifth and sixth. Mukesh made the turn at level par after dropping a bogey on the eighth. The professional from Mhow then played a solid back nine by making seven pars and two birdies (13th and 18th).
The overnight leader almost let the title slip as Bhullar caught up with him on the 16th and then took a one stroke lead on the 17th. But Mukesh struck back with a birdie on the 18th to be tied with Bhullar. The match then went to a playoff and Mukesh edged out Bhullar on the first playoff hole by making a 12 feet putt for birdie. Bhullar on the other hand landed his approach shot over the green and then could not chip-in for a birdie.
An elated Mukesh said, "I feel great about this win because I felt I had almost lost the title at one stage. I think it was my experience that paid-off at the end. Gaganjeet played some outstanding golf to give me a very tough fight. He has a great future and will only get better with experience." He added, "This is turning out to be a great year for me because there is a lot of improvement in all aspects of my game. The last time I played so well was in 1993-94 when I won 11 titles out of 20 in the season. The Mhow-based professional has now climbed from fourth to third on the current PGTI Order of Merit.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (69, 69, 71, 65) was unfortunate to miss out on his first professional win despite firing 65 to equal the course record. Bhullar began his fourth round with a bogey on the first hole. He then closed the gap between himself and Mukesh by playing some incredible golf by sinking birdies on the fourth, fifth, ninth, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th.
Manav Jaini (71, 70, 70, 71) finished third at six under 282. His fourth round of 71 included six birdies and five bogeys. He received Rs 151926.25. Chandigarh's Harendra Gupta (71, 72, 68, 72) was fourth at five under 283. Gupta pocketed Rs 122826.25. Vijay Kumar (69, 69, 72, 75) was two strokes behind Gupta in fifth place. Arjun Singh (72, 74, 70, 72) ended in tied 10th place at even par 288.
Digvijay Singh (76, 72, 70, 72) continues to be second on the PGTI Order of Merit after finishing tied 17th with a total of two over 290.Harmeet Kahlon (71, 72, 75, 73) finished with a total of three over 291 to be tied 23rd. Ashbeer Saini (67, 73, 78, 77), the 14-year-old from Kapurthala who led after the first round, won the amateur's trophy as he totaled seven over 295 (best amateur total) for the tournament.

Vijayant drawn to face top seed Bopanna

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association trainee Vijayant Malik, who got wild card, got a tough draw as he faces top seeded 28-year-old wild card Rohan Bopanna in the opening singles round of the $ 10,000 India F5 Futures ITF Men's Circuit which commences tomorrow at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association Stadium in Sector 10. Vijayant Malik went down fighting to Russian Danila Arsenov 7-6 (5) 2-6 7-5 in the final qualifying round at the the India F4 Futures ITF Men's Circuit in Gurgaon. Bangalore-based Bopanna is ranked 328nd. Vijayant Malik is ranked 1322nd.
Despite getting a tough draw, Vijayant Malik looked confident. "Winning or losing is part of the game. However, playing against top ranked Indian Davis Cupper will give me a good experience. As Bopanna is a serve-and-volleyball player, I will try to return his serve and play my own game, said Malik. "My match against Bopanna is on Tuesday. I am also preparing for by BA part I examinations which begin on April 2. I am metally ready for tournament as well as examinations," said Vijayant Malik.
Chinese Peng Sun has been seeded second with a ranking of 487th.The Chinese player, who lost to Nathan Thomson of USA in semi-final at Gurgaon, will meet qualifier in his first round. Nathan went on to win the India F4 Futures ITF Men's Circuit in Gurgaon, is pitted to challenge Japanese Katsushi Fukuda (1023rd) in first round encounter. Indian Asuthosh Singh, seeded fourth of India will cross swords with Divij Sharan, of India.
Talented Yuki Bhambri (1679th) of India has been given wild card and faces John McGahon (926th) of Israel while another wild card entrant Harsh Mankad will meet qualifier in their opener.
Six Indians -- Vishnu Vardhan, Virali Murugesan, Rupesh Roy, N Vijay Sundar Prashanth, Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Mithu Murali -- advanced to the final qualifying round today. Five Chinese -- Ji Shi, Hul Zhang, Xiao Qi, Zhuo-Qing and Ye Du -- are also giving impressive display as they moved into final qualifying round.
Idan Rosenberg (Isr), Ilya Belyaev (Russia), Christoph Lessiak (Austria), Ciaran Moore (South Africa) and P Siriluethaiwatana (Thailand) were the other foreign players who took their appointed place in the final qualifying round. The final qualifying matches will be played tomorrow.
Results: Qualifying (2nd Round): Ji Shi (Chn) bt Mario Tupy (Aut) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, Prajnesh Gunneswaran (Ind) bt Kamala Kannan (Ind) 6-1, 6-4, Hui Zhang (Chn) bt Siddharth Gulgule (Ind) 6-1, 6-3, Ranjeet Virali Murugesan (Ind) bt Peter Skoda (Can) 6-1, 6-0, Rupesh Roy (Ind) bt Ura Mukovoz (Rus) 6-2, 6-2, Ciaran Moore (Rsa) bt Kaushik Raju (Ind) 6-1, 6-1, Christoph Lessiak (Aut) bt Vikram Reddy B (Ind) 6-3, 6-3, Xiao Qi (Chn) bt Rubal shandilya (Ind) 6-1, 7-6 (5), Ilya Belyaev (Rus) bt Ying-Zheng Wang (Chn) 6-4, 7-5, Zhuo-Qing Zhou (Chn) bt Joseph Squillacioti (Aus) Vishnu Vardhan (Ind) bt Vikas Chauhan (Ind) Idan Rosenberg (Isr) bt Yannick Nelord (Ind) 6-4, 6-0, Mithun Murali (Ind) bt Bharath Srinivasan Parthasarathy (Ind) 6-2, 6-2, N. Vijay Sundar Prashanth (Ind) bt Alexander Gigitashvili (Rus) 6-1, 6-1, Ye Du (Chn) bt Yashwant Pulumati (Ind) 6-0, 6-0, Perakiat Siriluethaiwattana (Tha) bt Srirambalaji Narayanaswamy (Ind) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Man draw seedings: Singles: 1 Rohan Boppana (328th, India), 2 Peng Sun (487th, China), 3 Hyun-Woo Nam (524th, Korea), 4 Autosh Singh (610th, India), 5 Yu Jr Wang (620th, China), 6 Nathan Thomson (657th, USA), 7 Kento Takeuchi (662nd, Japan) and 8 Hsin-Han Lee (702nd, Tpe).
Men's doubles: 1 Vivek Shokeen and Ashutosh (India), 2 Vijay Kannan and Navdeep Singh (India), 3 Rohan Gajjar and Purav Raja (India), 4 Hsin-Han Lee and Yu Jr Wang (China).

Kuljinder, Nipun engineer win for Sector 16 Stadium

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy upset Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy by 59 runs in the Chandigarh Under-13 Inter-Academy Cricket Tournament being organized by the DPAC Academy at the St Stephen’s School ground in Sector 45 here today.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy piled up 177 for 5 in allotted 30 overs. Their openers Kuljinder (75) and Nipun Bhargav (52) were involved in a fruitful 128 runs association for the first wicket. Kuljinder ‘s knock of 75 contained nine fours. Nipun scored 52 with the help of five boundaries. Dakash Sharma contributed 18 runs. DPAC Academy all-rounder Parnav Vashisht bagged two wickets for 35 runs. Hemant Sharma and Jovanpreet got one wicket each for 31 and 21 runs, respectively.
Required to score 178 for victory, DPAC Academy could muster only 118 for 7 in stipulated 30 overs. DPAC Academy suffered an early blow as their skipper Dakash Aggarwal (8) was run out due to misunderstanding. Dakash departed with side’s total of just nine.
Karan Aggarwal (25), Manjot (26) and Parnav Vashisht (30) tried their best but that was not enough to extricate themselves from the jaws of death. Rajit (3 for 19) and Kuljinder (2 for 18) bowled well to contain the DPAC Academy batsmen. Dakash Sharma and Parvan captured one wicket each for 30 and 18 runs, respectively.
DPAC Academy have completed their Pool A programme with one victory and one defeat. It was Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy’s first outing and their next match against Yadvindra Public School, Mohali on April 2 will decide the leaders. Two teams from Pool A and Pool B will qualify for semi-finals.
Tomorrow’s fixture: Mohali Cricket Academy vs APJ Cricket Academy, Kharar at 2 p.m. – St Stephen’s School, Sector 45.
Brief scores: Sector 16 Stadium Academy: 177 for 5 in 30 overs (Kuljinder 75, 9x4s, Nipun Bhargav 52 5x4s, Dakash Sharma 18, Hemant Sharma 1 for 31, Jovanpreet 1 for 21, Parnav Vashisht 2 for 35).
Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy: 118 for 7 in 30 overs (Dakash Aggarwal 8, Karan Aggarwal 25, Manjot Singh 26, Parnav Vashisht 30, Kuljinder 2 for 18, Rajit 3 for 19, Dakash Sharma 1 for 30, Parnav 1 for 18).

Sanjay Kumar hits 105 for Fortis XI

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
A strokeful century (105) by Sanjay Kumar enabled Fortis XI to defeat Tech Mahindra by 47 runs in the inaugural Man Kanwal Memorial League Cricket Tournament being organised by Chandigarh Sports Club at the GMSSS-32 here today.
Bating first, Fortis XI got off to a good start, as openers realised 29 runs for opening wicket stand.. But they lost some quick wickets. Sanjay Kumar stemmed the rot with a brilliant century. and kept smashing the bowlers all over the ground. he played his shots freely, andtook the team He quickly got to his century in just 50 balls. His innings was studded with 15 boundaries and a six. Opener Kuldeep Singh was the second highest run-getter with 37. Their innings was terminated at 174 runs in 20 overs.
In reply, Tech Mahindra lost their wickets cheaply. Arun and Gagan were the only one who showed some resistance and held on to their wickets, scoring 33 runs each. But this was never going to be enough, as most of the othe batsmen failed to get to double figures. Neeraj Rana bagged 4 for 15 runs. Pankajgot 3 for 8 as they were bowled out for 127.
Brief scores: Fortis XI: 174 for 6 in 20 overs (Sanjay Kumar 105, Kuldeep Singh 37). Tech Mahindra : 127 all out in 18 overs ( Arun 33, Gagan 33, Neeraj Rana 4 for 15, Pankaj 3 for 8).
In another match, Abhishek Prashar of Dell XI ripeed through the batting line up of Godrej & Boyce XI to hand his team victory by 35 runs. Batting first Dell XI could barely manage a total of 130 runs, with Heera Singh emerging as the highest scorer with 36 runs. Anil Sharma bagged 3 wickets.
In reply, Godrej and Boyce XI put up a dismal performance with the bat. Abhishek Prashar ripped through their innings with figures of 5 for 16. Kulwinder Rambo was the op scorer with 25 runs.
Brief scores: Dell XI : 130 for 8 in 20 overs (Heera Singh 36, Ankush 22, Anil Sharma 3 for 38, Kulwinder Romy 2 for 17). Godrej & Boyce XI: 95 all out in 17 overs (Kulwinde Rambo 25, Harminder Bawa 11, Abhishek Prashar 5 for 16, Ankur Bhanot 2 for 9).

Bhim award for handicapped sportsperson also

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
The Haryana Government has decided first time to confer the highest State Award, the 'Bhim Award', upon a physically challenged sportsperson too from this year thus raising the total number of such recipients to six.
While stating this today, Chief MinisterBhupinder Singh Hooda said that the decision to give away the highest State award to a physically challenged sportsperson was taken to boost the morale of the physically challenged persons and encourage them to join the main stream.
He revealed that the first physically challenged sportsperson upon whom the prestigious State award would be conferred is Girraj Singh of village and post office Alipur in district Faridabad.
The other five outstanding sports persons of Haryana, who would get Bhim Award for the year 2007-08 included Vijender Singh (boxing), Manoj Kumar (shooting), Bhupinder Singh (athletics), Joydeep Kaur (hockey) and Meena Kumari (wrestling).
Mr.Hooda said that as per the sports policy of the Government, each
recipient of Bhim Award would get Rs.one lakh in cash, an idol of Bhim, a scroll, a blazer and a tie or scarf.
In all, 42 applications were received by the Haryana Sports and Youth
Welfare Department for the Bhim Award and these were scrutinised by the technical committee of the department so as to select six outstanding sportsperson.
Mr.Hooda said that the State Government was giving special thrust to
the promotion of sports, especially in rural area. Sports stadia were being constructed so as to provide opportunities to the budding sports persons to excel in sports. The diet money of the sports persons had been doubled besides many sports nurseries had been set up to groom the budding players.

Mukesh poised for his third title

Mukesh Kumar in action
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
Mukesh Kumar carded a bogey-free 68 in the third round of the Centurion Bank of Punjab Open Golf Championship to extend his lead to five strokes at the Chandigarh Golf Course here today. Mohow-based Mukesh is in line for his third title of the 2007-08 PGTI season as his total reads 12 under 204.
Gaganjeet Bhullar of Kapurthala, who shot 71 on Saturday, was five strokes behind Mukesh in second position at seven under 209. Vijay Kumar was in third position as he trails Bhullar by one stroke.
Mukesh Kumar (67, 69, 68) was the leader for the third consecutive day after his third round effort of four under 68. On the front nine, the professional from Mhow made eight pars and a birdie on the second. He then picked up the pace on the back nine with birdies on the 13th, 17th and 18th.
"I've led for three consecutive days of a tournament after a very long time and it feels great. My putting was good on the front nine today even though my hitting was quite ordinary. I then got aggressive on the back nine and as a result picked up some birdies," said Mukesh. He added, "It's not going to be easy tomorrow despite the fact that I have a big lead. The players behind me, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Vijay Kumar and Harendra Gupta are quite capable of shooting very low scores on the final day so I cannot afford to relax."
Gaganjeet Bhullar (69, 69, 71) is placed second heading into the final round. His total moved to seven under 209 after he carded one under 71 in the third round. Bhullar sank birdies on the sixth, 13th and 17th and dropped bogeys on the first and ninth on Saturday.

Bhullar said, "I started with a bogey on the first and then struggled on the front nine. I did not hit my irons well today and also did not hole many easy putts. I hope to have a far better round tomorrow."
Vijay Kumar (69, 69, 72) lies third at six under 210. Chandigarh's Harendra Gupta (71, 72, 68) and Delhi's Manav Jaini (71, 70, 70) are tied fourth with an overall score of five under 211.
Another Chandigarh-based professional Sujjan Singh (71, 75, 67) is tied sixth along with C Muniyappa (69, 70, 74). The two have a total of three under 213.
Local lad Gurbaaz Mann's 66 on Saturday was the best round of the tournament so far. He had shot 73 and 75 in the first two rounds. Mann is currently placed tied eighth as his total stands at two under 214. The Chandigarh golfer was one under at the turn having made birdies on the third and sixth and a bogey on the ninth. He then had an incredible back nine as he sank four consecutive birdies from the 11th to the 14th and another one on the 16th.
Arjun Singh (72, 74, 70) is tied 10th at even par 216. Digvijay Singh (76, 72, 70) is in tied 17th position at two over 218. Harmeet Kahlon (71, 72, 75) and first round leader Ashbeer Saini (67, 73, 78) joined Digvijay in tied 17th place.

Bains loses but not disgraced

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
The Chandigarh players had a disappointing day their six players, who featured in the first-round qualifying matches made their inglorious exit from the $ 10,000 India 5 Futures ITF's Men's Circuit at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Stadium in Sector 10 here today.
Local wild card entrants Deepinder Bains, Armaan Choudhary, Mandeep Yadav and Arvind Singh failed to justify their wild card awards. Only Bains put up a lion-hearted performance before losing. He went down fighting to Vikram B Reddy in three well-contested sets. After splitting the first two singles, Bains extended his rival to the tie-breaker. Reddy won 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6).
Navinder Pal Singh and Jitin Bishnoi, both local lads, also bowed out. Ilya Belyaev of Russia defeated Jitin 6-2, 7-6 (5) and Chinese Ying-Zheng Wang ended the challenge of Navinder Pal Singh in straight sets 6-3, 6-0.
Meanwhile, eighth seed Rohan Gide and ninth seed Ajai Selvaraj, both ranked 1404, were shocked in the first-round qualifying matches. Unseeded Mithun Murali upset Rohan in straight sets 7-5, 6-1 while Chinese Zhuo-Qing Zhou pulled off a mild upset by shocking ninth seed Ajai Selvaraj also in straight sets 6-1, 6-4.
Out of eight wild cards, only Siddharth Gulgule and Prashanth N Vijay Sunder moved into second round.
Fifteen Indians and six Chinese advanced to the second round. Third seed Virali Murugesan of India overcame a stiff resistance from American Ryan Young before registering a hard-fought 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4 verdict.
Results: Qualifying (Ist Round): Vishnu Vardhan (Ind) bt Akshay Kohli (Ind) 6-0, 6-3, Idan Rosenberg (Isr) bt Suresh Krishna (Ind) 6-0, 6-1, Yannick Nelord (Ind) bt Armaan Chaudhary (Ind) 7-5, 6-1, Mario Tupy (Aut) bt Jakhongir Khaydarov (Uzb) 6-0, 6-2, Ji Shi (Chn) bt Rahil Makharia (Ind) 6-3, 6-3, Siddharth Gulgule (Ind) bt Ashmeet Singh (Ind) 6-3, 6-4, Hui Zhang (Chn) bt Ash Misquith (Can) 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, Murugesan Virali (Ind) bt Ryan Young (USA) 6-7 (4) 6-4, 6-4, Peter Skoda (Can) bt Arvind Vishnu Bestha (Ind) 6-1, 6-2, Prajnesh Gunneswaran (Ind) bt Vedant Kapoor (Ind) 6-1, 6-2, Kamala Kannan (Ind) bt Preetham Roy Moras (Ind) 6-0, 6-3, Rubal Shandilya (Ind) bt Mandeep S. Gill (Ind) 6-3, 6-4, Xiao QI (Chn) bt Rajnish Sogi (Ind) 6-1, 6-0, I,lya Belyaev (Rus) bt Jitin Bishnoi (Ind) 6-2, 7-6 (4), Ying-Zhen Wang (Chn) bt Navinder Pal Singh (Ind) 6-3, 6-0, Joseph Squillacioti (Aus) bt Arvind Singh (Ind) bt 6-3, 6-1, Zhuo-Quing Zhou (Chn) bt Ajai Selvaraj (Ind) 6-1, 6-4, Christoph Lessiak (Aut) bt Santosh Ghatge (Ind) 6-2, 6-0, Vikram Reddy B (Ind)m bt Deepinder Bains (Ind) 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6), Kaushik Raju (Ind) bt Shrikant Rathi (Ind) 6-1, 6-3, Ciaran Moore (RSA) bt Raahil Dhruva (Ind) 6-2, 6-2, N. Vijay Sunder Prashanth (Ind) bt Ravjeet Singh (Ind) 6-0, 6-1, P. Siriluethaiwattana (Tha) bt Jagadeesan Kumar (Ind) 6-1, 6-2, Vikas Chauhan (Ind) bt Am Suraj (Ind) 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, Yashwant Pulumati (Ind) bt Aroon Khatter (Ind) 6-3, 6-1, S. Narayanaswamy (Ind) bt Mandeep Yadav (Ind) 6-2, 7-6 (2), Ura Mukovoz (Rus) bt Stefan Leonte (Rou) 6-4, 6-2, Mithun Murali (Ind) bt Rohan Gide (Ind) 7-5, 6-1, Ye Du (Chn) bt Yogesh Phogat (Ind) 6-1, 7-5, Alexandre Gigitashvili (Rus) bt Yuvraj Haral (Ind) 6-4, 7-5, Bharat Parthasarathy (Ind) bt Yan Sabanin (Rus) 6-4, 7-5, Rupesh Roy (Ind) bt Igor Shelyakin (Uzb) 6-4, 6-4.

Daksh and Manjot in unbeaten 109-run stand

CHANDIGARH, March 29
An unbeaten 109-run partnership between opener Daksh Aggarwal (70 not out) and Manjot Singh (65 not out) paved the way for Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy to begin their campaign with a stern warning to their rivals as they scored an effortless nine-wicket triumph over Yadvindra Public School, Mohali in the opening Pool A match of the Chandigarh Inter-Academy Cricket Tournament for Under-13 at the St Stephen’s School ground in Sector 45 here today.
Organised by the DP Cricket Academy, YPS Academy batted first and were restricted to 156 all out in 29.5 overs. Subeer Hayer (23), Nikhil (29) and Parnav (27) were their principal scorers. Amit (3 for 26) and Parnav (2 for 35) were the most successful bowlers for DPAC Academy.
Facing a target of 157 for victory in a 30-over-a-side fixture, DPAC Academy Aggarwal Brothers –Karan and Daksh – gave their team a solid start by putting on 51 runs before the former was trapped leg before wicket by Nikhil. Karan made 19 runs which included three boundaries.
Manjot Singh joined his senior partner Daksh and they flayed the YPS Academy bowlers as they realized 109 runs for the unbeaten second wicket partnership. DPAC Academy achieved their target in 23 overs by scoring 158 for 1.
Batting with confidence, Daksh made unbeaten 70 from just 63 deliveries. Manjot’s hurricane knock of 65 came from 56 balls.
Earlier, Madam Diana Carver inaugurated the tournament. Cricket Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad and Principal-Director Harold Carver were also present on the occasion.
Brief scores: YPS Academy, Mohali: 156 in 29.5 overs (Subeer Hayer 23, Nikhil 29, Parnav 27, Harmanjit 16, Amit 3 for 26, Parnav 2 for 35, Hemant Sharma 1 for 19).
DPAC Academy: 158 for 1 in 23 overs (Daksh Aggarwal 70 not out, Manjot Singh 65 not out, Karan Aggarwal 19, Nikhil 1 for 19).
Tomorrow’s match: DPAC Academy vs Sector 16 Cricket Academy at 8 a.m. – St Stephen’s School-45.

Krishna Mohan promises fair selection in school teams

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
Chandigarh Home Secretary Krishna Mohan has promised fair and impartial selection of the Chandigarh School teams for training and participation in the National School Games. UT Home and Education Secretary, Mr. Krishna Mohan said that this will help in getting good results in the National Games.
Hoping to get good results with proper selection, Mr. Mohan revealed that the convener of the selection committee of each game would be a lecturer of Physical Education from schools having a minimum of 10 years or more experience in the cadre. Each convener will be allotted minimum two games as per the specialization and achievements in the game.
The final selection would be based on the reports of the coach/ Physical Education Teacher having specialization in the particular game may be appointed coach of the team subject to that he/she will not have any relative/ ward in the team. The same PET will also be detailed to accompany the team in the National Games held in various states of the country, added Mr. Mohan.
The Education Secretary also revealed that the coaches from the Sports Department may also be detailed as member of the selection committee/coach of the team. The selection list duly signed at least by two out of three selectors will only be valid, added Mr. Mohan.
Mr Mohan said that one technical expert of the state sports association is to be included in case not having the specialized /trained /PET/coach in the Education or Sports Department.
He said that the camps would consist of team members and 33% extra players will be selected for the coaching camp. The Education Department would also hire coaches from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala and Sports School Rai, Haryana for selection and training purposes.
The duration of the coaching camp would be at least 15 days. The players not attending the camp more than a day without any genuine reason or without prior permission would be dropped the camp/team.
The list of probables for coaching camp would be announced publicly on the day of selection. Qualifying standards would be fixed and announced before selection trials, in case of individual events. The final team will be announced at the end of the camps after another trial.

Malik, Boppana, Mankad and Yuki get wild cards

Players depositing fee for qualifying round of the $10,000 ITF Men's Futures Circuit Tennis Tournament at CLTA Stadium in Chandigarh on Friday.
Silver Badge ITF Referee Puneet Gupta preparing the draw of qualifying round of the $10,000 ITF Men's Futures Circuit Tennis Tournament at CLTA Stadium in Chandigarh on Friday. Photos by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28
Vijayanat Malik along with Rohan Boppana, Harsh Mankad and Yuki Bhambri have been awarded wild cards in main draw of the $10,000 ITF Men's Futures Circuit Tennis Tournament which begins on March 31 at the CLTA Hard Courts in Sector 10 here. Tall Vijayant Malik is a trainee of Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association.
The qualifying rounds will be played on March 29 and 30. Eight players would qualify for the main draw from the qualifying draw of 64. Out of 18 players who have obtained direct entry into the main draw of 32 on the basis of their ranking, seven are Indians. Ashutosh Singh is the third highest ranked player in the fray with a ranking of 601.
Chinese Peng Sun (481st) and Hyun-Woo Nam of Korea (509th) are the highest ranked players who have staked their claim for the top honour.
Silver Badge Puneet Gupta has been appointed International Tennis Federation Referee. Puneet will be assisted by Whitle Badge Rajat Kapoor and Somnath Manna, both Indians, and Alexandra Bagadsarov of Uzbekistan. According to Puneet Gupta 75 players signed in for the qualifying draw.
Meanwhile, Indians Arman Choudhary Siddharth Gulgule, Arvind Singh, Deepinder Bains, Raahil Dhruva, Prashanth N Vijay Sundar, Mandeep Yadav and Romanian Stefan Leconte got wild cards in the qualifying round. Vishnu Vardhan of India and Tupy Mario of Australia have been seeded first and second in the qualifying round.
Reviewing the arrangements, CLTA chairman Rajan Kashyap said that the matches would be played on synthetic courts.If needed the matches could be played under floodlights. The semi-finals and finals will be telecast live on Doordarshan. Players from 19 countries are competing to gain valuable point to improve their ranking.
Divij Sharan (657th), Navdeep Singh (712), Vivek Shokeen ( 716), Vijay Kannan (727), Purav Raja ( 874) and Rohan Gajjar (( 893) are the other Indians in the main draw with direct entry.
The 18 players who got direct entry are: Peng Sun (Chn) 481, Hyun-Woo Nam (Kor) 509, Ashutosh Singh (Ind) 601, Yu Jr. Wang (Chn) 616, Nathan Thomspon ( USA) 638, Divij Sharan (Ind) 657, Kento Takeuchi (Jpn) 661, Hsin-Han Lee (Tpe) 703, Navdeep Singh (Ind) 712, Elbert Sie (Ina) 713, Vivek Shokeen (Ind) 716, Vijay Kannan (Ind) 727, Roman Jebavy (Cze) 768, Andrey Kumantsov (Rus) 772, Danila Arsenov (Rus) 785, Vaja Uzakov (Uzb) 820, Purav Raja (Ind) 874, Sergei Krotiouk (Rus) 892, Rohan Gajjar (Ind) 893.

Mukesh in command after round two

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28
Mohow-based experienced professional Mukesh Kumar opened up a two-stroke lead at the end of 36 holes in the enturion Bank of Punjab Open Golf Championship being played at the 72-par Chandigarh Golf Course here on Friday.Mukesh carded three under 69 in round two to take his total to eight under 136.
Gaganjeet Bhullar and Vijay Kumar were tied second with an identical total of 138. C Muniyappa was a further stroke behind in fourth. Round one joint leader Ashbeer Saini slipped to the fifth position as he returned a card of two over 74 and totalled 140. The cut was made at six over. Fifty eight professionals and four amateurs made the cut after it was applied at six over 150.
Mukesh Kumar's total moved to eight under 136 after his second round 69. He had shot 67 in the first round. On Friday Mukesh began with a bogey on the first but soon made up with consecutive birdies on the second and third. He then dropped a shot with a bogey on the sixth. Mukesh sank a birdie on the eighth to make the turn at one under. Mukesh played a solid back nine as he birdied the 14th and 15th besides making seven pars.
Mukesh said, "My hitting was really good today and I could've shot an even lower score had I not missed some close putts on the first and sixth holes. The course did not play tough despite the windy conditions today." He added, "I have won three titles at the Chandigarh Golf Club before so I have a lot of confidence going into the weekend."
Gaganjeet Bhullar (69, 69) is tied second with a total of six under 138. In the second round he was one under at the turn after making birdies on the first, seventh and ninth and bogeys on the second and eighth. Bhullar made birdies on the 12th and 17th to end with 69 in the second round.
"I had a very steady round today despite a few ordinary tee shots," said Bhullar. Looking ahead to the weekend, the Kapurthala-based professional said, "I have played two good rounds and if I continue to play this way I am definitely in with a chance."
Vijay Kumar (69, 69) joined Bhullar in tied second position with a bogey-free 69. Vijay sank birdies on the first, fifth and 17th.
C Muniyappa (69, 70) is fourth at five under 139. Muniyappa's second round 70 saw him make birdies on the first, second and fourth and a lone bogey on the 10th.
Ashbeer Saini (67, 73), the joint leader after round one slipped to fifth place. The 14-year-old amateur's total now stands at four under 140.
Chandigarh pros Harmeet Kahlon (71, 72) and Harendra Gupta (71, 72) are tied eighth at one under 143.
Mohammed Siddikur Rehman's 68 was the best round of the day. The Bangladesh golfer had fired 78 in the first round. He is now tied 21st with a total of two over 146.
Arjun Singh (72, 74) joined Siddikur Rehman in tied 21st place.
Leading scores: Mukesh Kumar 136 (67, 69), Gaganjeet Bhullar 138 (69, 69), Vijay Kumar 138 (69, 69), C Munniyappa 139 (69, 70), Ashbeer Saini 140 (67, 74), Manav Jain 141 (71, 70), Raju Ali Mollah 142 (72, 70), Rafick Ali (71, 72), Mod Islam (70, 73), Harmeet Kahlon (71, 72), Harinder Gupta (70, 73), Vinod Kumar (71, 72) all 143, As Lehal (71, 73), Shanker Das (75, 69), Nabi Mandal (74, 70) and Kunal Bhasin (75, 69) all 144.

Teenager Ashbeer shares lead with Mukesh

Teenager Ashbeer Saini in action.
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 27
Kapurthala's 14-year-old amateur Ashbeer Saini cornered glory in the first round of the Centurion Bank of Punjab Open Golf Championship at the par 72 Golf Course here today. Saini carded a bogey-free 67 to share first round lead along with seasoned campaigner Mukesh Kumar who also shot a bogey-free 67. Vishal Singh was in the third position, a stroke behind the joint leaders.
Ashbeer Saini is competing in a professional tournament for the first time and sank five birdies on his way to five under par 67 on Thursday. Saini made birdies on the second, seventh, 11th, 14th and 15th.
Mukesh Kumar was the joint leader along with Saini as he also shot 67 in round one. Mukesh's 67 saw him make birdies on the second, eighth, 13th, 14th and 16th.
Vishal Singh shot 68 to be placed third at the end of round one. The professional from Jaipur sank birdies on the second, seventh, ninth, 13th and 14th and dropped a bogey on the eighth.
Kapurthala's Gaganjeet Bhullar, veteran Vijay Kumar and C Muniyappa from Bangalore fired rounds of 69 to be tied fourth. Chandigarh golfers Harmeet Kahlon and Harendra Gupta returned scores of 71 to be tied 11th.
Arjun Singh, the winner of the last PGTI event played at the Delhi Golf Club two weeks back, shot even par 72 for tied 21st position.
The winner of two events in the current PGTI season, Rahul Ganapathy, was tied 52nd after having returned a score of 75.

MMTC to organise Gold Festival in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26
Taking cue from the impressive growth rate of the Indian jewellery market, India's leading bullion trader MMTC is organising 'Festival of Gold' in Chandigarh from April 11 to 14 at Mountview Hotel in Sector 10 here. A leading Bollywood celebrity will inaugurate the “Festival of Gold” here in Chandigarh.
The Indian jewelery market is growing at an impressive rate of 15-20 per cent each year and the gems and jewelery exports shot up by 24 per cent in 2006-07 amounting to Rs 54,000 crore approximately.
The four-day jewelery exhibition will showcase over thousands of jewelery pieces. Craftsmen from all over the country, extensively involved in the exhibition, are bringing new designs and styles for the customers under one roof.
The festival will be a step towards meeting MMTC's objective of creating a market for hallmark gold goods at competitive prices. MMTC and BIS have been working together to enhance customer awareness about quality goods.
According to MMTC Chairman Mr. Sanjeev Batra, during the festival shoppers will get the opportunity to avail from a range of exciting offers from the extensive collection of jewelery in the exhibition. To add to the glitter of the exhibition, the shoppers will stand a chance to win gold and silver coins everyday during the festival.
Mr. Batra added that this time Baisakhi celebrations will be special as MMTC brings selected and exquisite pieces of jewelery to Chandigarh through the festival. The shoppers and viewers will have a gala time during the Festival, he ensured.
MMTC is one of the nodal agencies nominated by the government for importing gold, silver and platinum for supply to exporters and domestic customers under outright sale, loan and replenishment schemes.
With an annual business turnover of over $7 to 8 billion, MMTC contributes significantly to India's international trade.
With this collection MMTC targets modern age women, men, tourists and people both Indian and International. MMTC is the country's largest bullion importer.It's a 23,300 crore public sector enterprise. It alone imports around 150 tonne of gold out of the 750 tonne of India’s total imports every year.

NZ Kick Boxing Clinic in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26
More than 35 coaches/referees are likely to attend the first North Zone Kick Boxing seminar/clinic to be organised by Chandigarh Kick Boxing Association under the patronage of Indian Association of Kick Boxing Organisation at Banyan Tree School in Sector 48-A here from April 1 to 4. Chief Indian coach and international referee Parduman will conduct the seminar/clinic.
According to CKBA president Karan Avtar Singh, IAS, men and women coaches/referees from Punjab, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Rajasthan will attend the seminar/clinic. Details can be obtained from Mr B D Gandhi (mobile 9815777775).
Unicity Home, Zirakpur and Jonex Sports, Jalandhar are the co-sponsors of the seminar.
SIX TEAMS FOR U-13 CRICKET: Six teams have staked their claim for the top honours in the Chandigarh Inter-Academy Cricket Tournament for Under-13 being organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here from March 29. It will be a 30-over-a-side match. With a view to giving competition on a hard and bouncy wickets, the matches will be played on matting wicket, according to DPA Academy Director Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad.
The teams will be divided into two pools and top two teams from each pool will qualify for semi-finals. The cut-off date for eligibility is March 1, 1995.
The teams which have entered into the fray are: CCA-Guru Nanak Public School Academy-36, Sector 16 Cricket Stadium Academy, APJ Academy Kharar, Mohali Cricket Academy, Yadvindra Public School Academy Mohali, and Desh Prem Azad Academy-45.
VETERANS ATHLETIC MEET: The Veterans Amateur Athletic Association of Chandigarh will organise the State Veterans Championship in all age groups (men and women plus 35) on April 5 at Sector 7 Sports Complex. During the meet, the state team will be selected for the 29th National Veterans Athletics Championship to held at Thane from May 9 to 11.

Chautala congratulates Indian boxers to qualify for 2008 Olympics

Chandigarh, March 25
The Indian Amateur Boxing Federation(IABF) President Abhey Singh Chautala today congratulated the five Indian boxers, including four from Haryana, for qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He hoped that the Boxers would get medals and bring good name to Haryana and the Country.
HOA President Chautala, who is also president of the Haryana
Olympic Association requested the Union and the states governments to bear the expense for training, fitness, diets, traveling, board and lodging and all other facilities of the qualifyed players. He said that over a period of time the players of Haryana has made a special place for themselves at the National and International level despite the obstructions and anti sports polices of the state government.
Mr. Chautala said that four players, Jitender Kumar, Akhil Kumar, Vijender Singh and Dinesh Kumar belong to Haryana where as the fifth pleyer A.L. Lakra hails from Jharkhand. He said that the players from Bhiwani district have defeated the medal winner players to qualify in the Olympics. Mr. Chautala, who is vice president of Asian Boxing Federation and Zonal in charge of 18 countries, disclosed that Union Government owes Rs 48 lakh to the IABF and the Government of India was also putting obstacles. He said that he would ensure that no harm to the players interests was done.
While critising the Hooda government, Mr. Chautala said that the State Government neither provided any training facilities nor the coaches and umpires for the games. He further stated that in spite of his repeated personal letters and reminders, the Chief Minister neither sanctioned any grant nor provided any technical help for coaching camps. He accused the state government of even issuing directions to his sports minister and other sports official that no sports or technical official should be provided to the HOA for the National and State Games.
IABF president said that despite all the anti sports activities of the present government, HOA had been successful in providing able leadership and guidance to the players of Haryana He said that politics should not be mixed with the sports and governments should desist from interfering in to the sports and their management.

Freedom fighters, sportspersons honoured at Pilni

A freedom fighter being helped to reach the dais at the Shahidi Devas function organised by All-India Shahidi Samman Sangrash Samiti in Pilni, 14 km from Kaithal on Sunday. Photo by Balbir Singh
PILNI (KAITHAL), MARCH 24
The All-India Shahidi Samman Sangrash Samiti (AISSSS) honoured freedom fighters, outstanding sportspersons and talented students of this and surrounding villages at a function organised in memory of freedom fighters here today, 14 km from Kaithal. The freedom fighters and sportspersons were given cash awards while brilliant students were presented mementos.
Haryana Olympic Association president Abhey Singh Chautala was the chief guest while AISSS president and HOA general secretary Dr Mohinder Singh Malik, IPS (Retd) presided over the function. A sizable crowd thronged the venue greeted the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhey Chautala said that "we must give respect to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to give breath us freedom. Earlier, sports melas were held to pay tribute to the freedom fighters. He advised that next year, a sports mela in memory of the freedom fighters should be organised while promising all help in their efforts."
Freedom fighters or their families who were felicitated on the occasion were Vikas Bhardwaj, Suresh Kumar, Pyare Lal Sharma, S Jagir Singh, Niranjan Singh, Satbir Singh and Kanwal Hariyanvi.
Oustanding sportspersons of the area who were felicitated were: Baru Ram (wrestliing), Upama Lakhan Pal (judo), Suresh (kabaddi), Shiv Narain Sharma (volleyball) and Sonia Devi (kabaddi).
Shailender Kumar, Somnath Sharma, Kiran Khadkar, Vikram Singh and Hira Lal were the students who were presented mementos.
AISSS general secretary Raj Kumar Aggarwal, former Haryana Irrigation Minister Narinder Sharma and All India Bar Association chairman Adish C Aggarwal were also present on the occasion.

Judges, doctors and experts express concern at drug abuse and doping

By Balbir Singh
KAITHAL (HARYANA), March 23
Renowed judges, sports medicine experts, doctors and other speakers expressed deep concern at drug addiction and doping at a seminar on prevention of drug abuse and doping jointly organised by the Haryana Olympic Association and United Federation of Indian Journalists (UFIJ)
at the RKSD College here on Sunday.
Mr Justice TPS Mann of Punjab and High Court, Mr Justice JM Malik of Delhi High Court, Kaithal District Session Judge Mr HS Bhangoo, HOA president Khel Rattan Abhey Singh Chautala, HOA secretary general Dr Mohinder Singh Malik, chairman of All India Bar Association Mr Adish C Aggarwal, RKSD College Management Committee chairman Subhash Mittal among the dignitaries present on the dais.
Dr (Mrs) Alka Beotra of Sports Authority of India, New Delhi, Dr PP Dass of PGI Chandigarh, Dr (Mrs) Bimla Bhatia of Chandigarh and Dr (Col) N K Bhatia were the experts who presented their papers at the jam-packed hall.
Presenting their papers, these experts explained in details the ill-affects of the drub abuse and doping. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issues the list of performance-enhancing drugs and the action taken against the offenders, including life ban and stripping of medals. India does not have an accredited WADA lab. It is hoped that the lab will get accreditation before the 2010 Commonwealth Games New Delhi will be hosting
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Justice TPS Mann of Punjab and High Court said" due to socio-economic reason a sportsman is tempted to take performance-enhancing drugs to win medal and honour which can help him to live a comfortable life. Consequently, the Indian athletes tested positive in the Hyderabad Games."
"Living a comfortable life is not a sin. But achieving it, they should not resort to unfair means. It is sinical and calculated manipulation" said Justice Mann. Without naming the lifter, Justice Mann said a lady weightlifter was tested positive and banned. "It was a tips of an iceberg. Fearing they may not be caught, Indian weightlifting probables disappeared from the National Camp at NIS Patiala, on hearing that WADA team is visiting Patiala." This is a serious challenge our society is facing.
Mr Justice JM Malik said "drug abuse is destroying very fabric of our society. Rapid industrialisation, frustration, failure in business, lack of parental care are some of the reasons why people in general take to drugs."
Asking to keep politics out of sports, Mr Justice Malik suggested that each state must have a forensic laboratory. "It has been noticed that the police present the challans but the report from the forensic laboratory is received very late."
HOA President Chautala said "drug abuse and doping is a big evil. The organisation of such seminars is a sincere effort on the part of the HOA to educate the public and the sportspersons to refrain themselves from taking drugs. The HOA wrote letters to schools and colleges to educate the students about the ill affects of drugs.The Kaithal Bar Association approached the HOA and taking responsibility to organise this seminar." Mr Chautala urged the judiciary to issue directions to the Government in this regard.
HOA secretary general and former Director General of Police, Haryana, Dr Malik, IPS (Retd) said "the HOA has launched campaign against drug abuse and doping. The first seminar on drug abuse and doping was conducted at Jat Bhawan in Chandigarh. The next will be held at Sirsa. We are encouraged with the response from the public and various organizations."
Kaithal District Sessions Judge HS Bhangoo said " General awareness is required to eradicate drug abuse and doping. It should begin at home and continue in schools. Police and judiciary have a big role to play."
Chief coordinator Dr MS Shah and organising secretary Mr Ranvir Parashar did a good job in organizing the seminar in a professional way.

Judges, lawyers, doctors and experts to attend seminar on drug abuse and doping

KAITHAL (HARYANA), March 22
The Haryana Olympic Association and United Federation of Indian Journalists (UFIJ) are jointly organizing seminar on prevention of drug abuse and doping, at the RKSD College here tomorrow (Sunday, March 23) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On the eve of the seminar, HOA secretary general Dr Mohinder Singh Malik said that eminent experts in doping and renowned doctors would deliver lectures and present their papers.
Besides doctors and experts in doping, Mr Justice Rajiv Sharma of Himachal Pradesh High Court, Mr Justice TPS Mann of Punjab and High Court, Mr Justice JM Malik of Delhi High Court will also address on the occasion. Kaithal District Session Judge Mr HS Bhangoo will welcome the chief guest, dignitaries and speakers and give opening speech.
Former Director General of Police Haryana, Dr Malik, IPS (Retired), who is also the chairman of the organizing committee, disclosed that Head of Department (Sports Medicine) Dr Ashok Ahuja, Dr (Mrs) Alka Beotra of Sports Authority of India, New Delhi, Dr Bimla Bhatia of Chandigarh and Dr PP Dass of PGI Chandigarh will present their papers.
Dr (Col) NK Bhatia will be summing of the technical session. Khel Rattan and HOA president Abhey Singh Chautala and chairman of All India Bar Association Mr Adish C Aggarwal will also address during the seminar while key note address will be by Dr Malik.
Ms Priyanka Mohan and artists of Hindu Kanya School will present culture programme on the occasion. The seminar will conclude with a vote of thanks by chief coordinator Dr MS Shah. Mr Ranvir Parashar is the organizing secretary.
Meanwhile all arrangements have been finalized for the smooth conduct of the seminar which aims at prevention of drugs and properly channelising the energy of the youth for building a strong nation.
It may be recalled that recently, the HOA in collaboration with Jat Sabha, Chandigarh had organized a free medical camp in Chandigarh. More than 400 persons, from walk of life, took advantage of the camp.

Charan Salwan XI snatch one-wkt win

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 21
Charan Salwan XI defeated Godrej Cricket Club by one wicket on the penultimate ball of the innings, in the second Godrej Defender Cup, being organised by the Chandigarh Sports Club here today.
Charan Salwan won the toss and decided to field first. Godrej CC couldn't get a desired start, as their first wicket fell with the scoreboard reading 14 and the next followed at 18. They kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, and were in danger of getting bowled out below 100 runs. But Monu Khaera steadied the ship, and chipped in with valuable unbeaten 37 runs. Anil Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, as he picked up 3 important wickets, giving away just 11 runs.
In reply, Charan Salwan XI also lost their first wicket early on in the innings. But a fruitful knock of 50 runs by Amandeep Singh, helped the team to get to a commanding position in the match. But after he got out, other batsmen followed him quickly, and the team was reduced from 128 for 4 to 150 for 9. Needing just 2 runs to win in the last 3 balls, the last pair held on to it's nerves and finally got to the total on the second last ball. Anil Sharma helped with valuable 35 runs for his team.
Kulwinder Romy, was the pick of the bowlers, giving away, 12 runs for two wickets.
Brief Scores : Godrej CC: 151 for 7 in 25 overs (Monu Khera 37 n.o, Anand Uppal 22, Anil Sharma 3 for 11, Ishan Ali 2 for 28).
Charan Salwan XI : 152 for 9 in 24.5 overs (Amandeep Singh 50, Charanamrit 37, Anil Sharma 35, Kulwinder Romy 2 for 12, Naresh Dhingra 2 for 18, Inderjeet 2 for 28, Monu Khera 2 for 30).

Malik asks Gill to own responsibility and quit

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 21
Haryana Olympic Association secretary general Dr Mohinder Singh Malik, IPS (Retd) is willing to take responsibility to train the Indian hockey team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Assuring that India would win gold medal in 2012 Olympics if the job is provided to him, Dr Malik said that he had prepared a detailed plan in this direction.
Shocked and pained after eight-time Olympic champions India did not qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Dr Malik, manager of the victorious 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, asked Indian Hockey Federation President KPS Gill to own responsibility and resign. Asked whom he thinks if the suitable replacement for Mr Gill, Dr Malik said "the next president should be elected demoractically.".
Dr Malik, however, explained that "I have nothing personally against Mr Gill. But the IHF president must take full responsibility for the sharp decline in the Indian hockey standard and Mr Gill must quit immediately in the interest of hockey, which is a national game."
"Mr Gill won war against terrorism. He was the most successful General. However, tt was not necessary that a General, who wins a war, will also prove to be a successful administrator in a democratically- run institution. There is a single command in the Army. Winning or losing a battle, the General owns the full responsibility. However, in a democratically-run institution, views of others must be given due considered. Single command would prove fatal. Mr Gill does not entertain contradictory views," said Dr Malik..
"It was after 32 long years that India won gold medal the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998. I was manager of the Indian team and tried my best that things were done smoothly. Even our prayers were answered. The players remained disciplined. They were taken for a grand party only after entering final. After the party was over, the players were brought back to their hotel. It was only after winning the final; the players were allowed to go for shopping."
"Chief coach MK Kaushik and coach Mir Ranjan Negi did their best to unite the team. They played like a well-knit squad," recalled Dr Malik.
If I were given the charge to train the team Dr Malik said " I will launch the IHF Gold Policy. Paid professionals will be inducted. "All selectors, coaches, sports psychologist, sports medicine expert and physio etc would be suitably paid so that accountability is fixed," said Dr Malik who also suggested opening of four regional hockey academies where 64 players in the age group of 16 to 25, with exception of one or two players above 25, should get round-the-year coaching. Selection will be purely on merit and it will be the duty of the selectors to watch each player in camps and tournaments. There should be no interference in the selection procedure.
Mercurial Olympian Dhanraj Pillai will be appointed the manager. "The former Indian forward is the most suitable person for this assignment," asserted Dr Malik.
Dr Malik said "80 per cent of money generated through sponsorship and other sources must be spent on the players and the remaining 20 per cent on the IHF establishment." Dr Malik alleged that only 20 per cent of sponsorship amount was spent on the players and the remaining on the IHF's officials.
Dr Malik suggested appointment of three coaches, including one from a foreign country. "However, the chief coach would be only an Indian only. The players will be provided at least three international exposures in a year and would be sent for training and acclimatization under the same conditions before a tournament, " said Dr Mailk.
Mr Malik alleged that instead of felicitating and encouraging the players the IHF often humiliated them..
"Dropping of five top players from the winning combination of 1998 Bangkok Asiad was a blunder. From that onward the downward trend of Indian hockey started with the result that India is virtually out of all major international tournaments, including Olympics and World Cup," said Dr Malik in a dejected mood.

Chandigarh TT players honoured

Chandigarh table tennis players who were honoured with chief guest Mr DS Kalha, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Government of Punjab at the Sector 23 TT Hall on Friday.
CHANDIGARH, March 21
The Chandigarh Table Tennis Association today honoured its players who have brought laurels to the City by winning medals at the national level.
Mr DS Kalha, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government of Punjab, handed over prizes to the winners at a simple ceremony at the Sector 23 Table Tennis Hall here today.
Those who were honoured were Meghna Kakaria of Sacred Heart School, Sector 26, Naina Suri of DAV Public School, Sector 8, Kalyani of Manav Mangal School, Sector 21, veterans Balbir Singh Virdi and Harish Kumar of AG (Audit) Haryana.
Balbir Singh, who won the Plus 60 title in the National Veteran Table Tennis Championship in Jalandhar from February 21 to 24, has been selected to represent India in the World Veteran Table Tennis Championship to be held in Brazil in May this year.
Harish Kumar, coach of the Chandigarh sub-junior team which won bronze medal in the 69th Sub-Junior Nationals and Inter-State Championship in Chennai from December 24 to 29, lost in quarter-final in the plus 40 category in the National Veterans meet in Jalandhar, has also been selected to represent India in the World Veterans Table Tennis Championship in Brazil.
Meghna Kakaria gave an outstanding performance in the 69th Sub-Junior Nationals and Inter-State meet in Chennai. She claimed bronze medal in the sub-junior singles category.
The Chandigarh sub-junior team, comprising Meghna Kakaria, Naina Suri and Kalyani, won bronze medal in the team championship in Nationals at Chennai.
The winners were presented four T-shirts, one track suit and one kit bag of GKI Company.
Mr Kalha congratulated the Chandigarh players for winning laurels. It is all due to their hard work.
Among those present on the occasion were CTTA president Tilak Raj and secretary Patanjli Kumar.

Nepal team win Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition

GANGTOK, MARCH 13
The victorious Himalayan Ultimate Bike team comprising Padam Sabenhhang and Mangal Krishna Lama in the 448.6 km nine-leg first $25,000 first International Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition were honoured at an impressive function at Hotel Mayur here this evening. The formidable pair from Nepal clocked 13::55::11 to receive the glittering team trophy from Padam Shree Baichan Bhutia. The Nepal mountain bikers shared a prize money of Rs 50,000 each.
Long haired Mangal Krishana Lama also was presented the men's trophy as he covered the 448.6 km nine-leg distance in 13::20:25, pushing hot favourite and international Padam Sabenhhang, also of Nepal, to the second position. Padam clocked the energy-scapping distance in 13::21:30. Mangal, a student of 11th class, was richer by Rs 1.20 lakh while Padam received a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. Naresh Barman of Army C team finished third for a prize money of Rs 50,000.
Army B team comprising of Dileep Kumar Singh and Kalyan Singh emerged runners-up with an average time of 14::42:18. and were richer by Rs 60,000. The Army C team of Naresh Barman and Diben Meetei were third in team championship. They got Rs 40,000.
Chandigarh Kulbir Kaur, represeting Firefox, completed the race in 21::50:29 to claim the women's title which carried a prize money of Rs 70,000. Her colleague Monika, also of Chandigarh, was runner-up in 26::49:59. She received a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
Ang Phurba Sherpa, who had climbed Himalayas twice, claimed top honours in the masters category with a timing of 20::26:25. Sherpa, who represented ZHUB-2, received Rs 75,000. Delhi's Saminder Saluja (22::14:24) and local favourite Jigme D Denjongpam (27::58:37) finished second and third respectively. Saluja got Rs 50,000 and Jigme got Rs 30,000.
With a view to promoting mountain biking in Sikkim, Firefox Managing Director Shivender Singh, presented three cycles to three local riders who competed in the gurelling race. Brinda Mohan Subba (17th position, 17::36:00), Sisir Khartam (21st, 20:51:58) and Padam Subba (26th, 23::57:09) received standing ovation as they received the cycles.
Meanwhile, Padam who was provisionally leading after the ninth and final leg, was relegated to second position on account to time penalty.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Toursim Department, Sikkim Government, Mr GP Upadhyaya congratulated the cyclists for braving the weather, terrain and rain to finish the gruelling race. "It will be an annual affair. The Tourisim Department will also organise trekking and other adventure activities," reterited Mr Upadhyaya. "Gangtok has been dressed up like a bride on the occasion of the International Flower Show which will begin tomorrow," said the Tourism Secretary.

Padam, Kulbir and Ang pedal to glory

Balbir Singh
GANGTOK (SIKKIM), MARCH 12
International Padam Sabenhhang of Himalaya Ultimate Biking-!, Nepal, Kulbir Kaur of Firefox, Ang Phurba Sherpa of HUB-III cornered glory in the 448.6 km nine-leg first $25,000 first International Khanchendzonga Mount Biking Expedition which concluded at Phongla Junction in West Sikkim yesterday.
Nepal champion and the most skilled mountain biker Padam clocked the 16 km competitive ninth leg from Samdruptse Statute to Phogla Junction in 57:24 minutes. The riders were flagged off from Namchi Bazar and reached Rangpo Mining Ground in the evening, covering a distance of 44.1 km, including free ride. They passed reached Samdruptse Statute. Then they passed through forest Parwing Town before the competitive route concludedd at Phongla Junction.
Padam's aggregate time for the nine legs was an impressive 15::37:26. Supporting long hair, Padam's colleague Mangal Krishna Lama of HUB-I clocked 57:35 minutes in the last leg. Mangal, a student of 11th class, covered the entire energy-consuming metalled and off-road route, which including hike biking, 15::37:52. The third position was captured by Naresh Barman of Army C who clocked 16::51:52.
Ramesh Chand Joshi of Army A and Kalyan Singh of Army B finished creditable fourth and fifth in 17::03:15 and 17::04:44, respectively.
Ang Phurba Sherpa, who has scaped Mount Everest two times, emerged winner in the masters category. The mountain biker from Nepal Ang, representing ZHUB-II, clocked 23::49:29. Saminder Saluja from Delhi and representing Melting Point finished runner-up in 25::56:52.
Sikkim Police Law Officer 48-year-old Jigme D Denjongpa (Melting Point), who got good support as the bikers passed villages, was third in 32:29:02.
National Mount Biking champion Kulbir Kaur and youngest competitor Monika, both of Firefox team, secured first and second positions in the women's competitions. Both are students of Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Kulbir Kaur, who finished 24th among 30 competitors clocked 25::23:59 in the nine-leg prize money competition. Monika was standing 29th in the overall position, timed 31::45:56.
Nepal team comprising Padam Sabenhhang and Mangal Krishna Lama also captured the team championship, pushing Army B team comprising Kalyan Singh and Dileep Kumar Singh.
Shiri Leventhal of USA withdrew after the first leg and Suresh Chandra of Army E completed four legs before he sustained fracture in this arm.
Overall rankings: 1 Padam Sabenhhang (HUB-!) 15::37:26; 2 Mangal Krishna Lama (HUB-II) 15::37:52; 3 Naresh Barman (Army C) 16::51:22; 4 Ramesh Chandra Joshi (Army A) 17::03:15; 5 Kalyan Singh (Army B) 17::07:44; 6 Dilip Kumar Singh (Army B) 17::07:46; 7 Sushil Singh (Army G) 17:: 21: 23; 8 Diben Meetei (Army C) 17::29:43; 9 Kankan Patgiri (Army D) 17::44:41; 10 Atul Kumar (Army D) 17::45:38; 11 Parvin Bhintade (Army G) 18::53:43; 12 Bhura Ram (Army F)19:: 15:43; 13 Atar Singh (Army F) 19::15:49; 14 Sishir Man Singh Karki (Army E) 19::17:42; 15 Bhairab Deuri (Army H) 19::38:19; 16 Balbeer Singh (Army H) 20::02:40; 17 Brinda Mohan Subba (HUB III) 20::45:37; 18 Prashant Sharma (Firefox, Chandigarh) 22::58:25; 19 Ang Phurba Sherpa (ZHUB-II) 23::49:29; 20 Sandeep Thakur (Firefox, Chandigarh) 24::15:53; 21 Sisir Khartam (HUB-V) 24::25:21; 22 Bikash Limbu (HUB-IV) 24::46:51; 23 Sombir (Army A) 24::56:52; 24 Kulbir Kaur (Firefox, Chandigarh) 25::23:59; 25 Saminder Saluja (Melting Point) 25::56:34; 26 Padam Subba (HUB-IV) 27::57:40; 27 Palden Thendup Sherpa (HUB-V) 29::12:05; 28 Basant Pardhan (HUB-III) 29::35:22; 29: Monika (Firefox, Chandigarh) 31::45:56; 30 Jigme D Denjongpa (Melting Point) 32:29:02.

Nepal rider going great guns
Pelling (Sikkim), March 8
Pelling Additional District Magistrate BB Subba this morning flagged of riders on the sixth leg of the nine-leg 500 km $25,000 first International Kanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition to Hee Patal Yatri Niwas. Mr GP Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, addressed the participants and announced that it would be a regular feature and the next edition would be organised on much bigger scale. He himself pedalled for a 15 km distance.
Meanwhile, international Padam Sabenhhang of Nepal is going from strength to strength. Displaying his prowess, Nepal Mountain Biking champion Padam is increasing his lead after finishing first. On three occasions, he waited for his teammate Mangal Krishna Lamba and lost several minutes. Still the cyclists from Himalayan Ultimate Biking Club are sitting pretty for the team championship.
In the fifth leg --51.6 km long from Yusum-Darap-Pelling, Padam pedalled the distance in one hour, 26 minutes and 15 seconds to win the leg with an ease. His colleague Mangal Krishna Lamba was close on his heel in 1::27:07.
Army 'A' rider Ramesh Chander Joshi (Army 'A') and Sushil Singh (Army G) secured third and fourth positions in 1::27:28 and 1::32:01 respectively.
Kulbir Kaur of Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh is leading the ladies challenge after withdrawn of American and German cyclists. The American rider, however, withdrew from the competitions from first leg from Gangtok to Rumtek. Kulbir, representing Firefox, clocked 2::23:01 and finished 20th in overall. The youngest participant Monika, of Chandigarh and SGGS College, got 27th position with a timing of 2::41:20.
Jigme D Denjongpa, representing Melting Point, is keeping Sikkim hopes alive. Finishing by shouting "Chak de" at the finishing point, he has become the most popular rider. He is cheered by all. Another rider who has made his impression is white beard Dicky from Delhi.

Nepal rider going great guns
Pelling (Sikkim), March 8
Pelling Additional District Magistrate BB Subba this morning flagged of riders on the sixth leg of the nine-leg 500 km $25,000 first International Kanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition to Hee Patal Yatri Niwas. Mr GP Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, addressed the participants and announced that it would be a regular feature and the next edition would be organised on much bigger scale. He himself pedalled for a 15 km distance.
Meanwhile, international Padam Sabenhhang of Nepal is going from strength to strength. Displaying his prowess, Nepal Mountain Biking champion Padam is increasing his lead after finishing first. On three occasions, he waited for his teammate Mangal Krishna Lamba and lost several minutes. Still the cyclists from Himalayan Ultimate Biking Club are sitting pretty for the team championship.
In the fifth leg --51.6 km long from Yusum-Darap-Pelling, Padam pedalled the distance in one hour, 26 minutes and 15 seconds to win the leg with an ease. His colleague Mangal Krishna Lamba was close on his heel in 1::27:07.
Army 'A' rider Ramesh Chander Joshi (Army 'A') and Sushil Singh (Army G) secured third and fourth positions in 1::27:28 and 1::32:01 respectively.
Kulbir Kaur of Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh is leading the ladies challenge after withdrawn of American and German cyclists. The American rider, however, withdrew from the competitions from first leg from Gangtok to Rumtek. Kulbir, representing Firefox, clocked 2::23:01 and finished 20th in overall. The youngest participant Monika, of Chandigarh and SGGS College, got 27th position with a timing of 2::41:20.
Jigme D Denjongpa, representing Melting Point, is keeping Sikkim hopes alive. Finishing by shouting "Chak de" at the finishing point, he has become the most popular rider. He is cheered by all. Another rider who has made his impression is white beard Dicky from Delhi.

Nepal rider going great guns
Pelling (Sikkim), March 8
Pelling Additional District Magistrate BB Subba this morning flagged of riders on the sixth leg of the nine-leg 500 km $25,000 first International Kanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expedition to Hee Patal Yatri Niwas. Mr GP Upadhyaya, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim, addressed the participants and announced that it would be a regular feature and the next edition would be organised on much bigger scale. He himself pedalled for a 15 km distance.
Meanwhile, international Padam Sabenhhang of Nepal is going from strength to strength. Displaying his prowess, Nepal Mountain Biking champion Padam is increasing his lead after finishing first. On three occasions, he waited for his teammate Mangal Krishna Lamba and lost several minutes. Still the cyclists from Himalayan Ultimate Biking Club are sitting pretty for the team championship.
In the fifth leg --51.6 km long from Yusum-Darap-Pelling, Padam pedalled the distance in one hour, 26 minutes and 15 seconds to win the leg with an ease. His colleague Mangal Krishna Lamba was close on his heel in 1::27:07.
Army 'A' rider Ramesh Chander Joshi (Army 'A') and Sushil Singh (Army G) secured third and fourth positions in 1::27:28 and 1::32:01 respectively.
Kulbir Kaur of Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh is leading the ladies challenge after withdrawn of American and German cyclists. The American rider, however, withdrew from the competitions from first leg from Gangtok to Rumtek. Kulbir, representing Firefox, clocked 2::23:01 and finished 20th in overall. The youngest participant Monika, of Chandigarh and SGGS College, got 27th position with a timing of 2::41:20.
Jigme D Denjongpa, representing Melting Point, is keeping Sikkim hopes alive. Finishing by shouting "Chak de" at the finishing point, he has become the most popular rider. He is cheered by all. Another rider who has made his impression is white beard Dicky from Delhi.

All set for Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expendition

Stefan Hiertemann with his girl friend Tanja Haser of Germany who are among 43 participants who are taking part in the $ 25,000 first International Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expendition in Gangtok.
Participants registering on the eve of the International Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expendition in Gangtok on Sunday.
Monika of Chandigarh getting ready on the eve International Khanchendzonga Mountain Biking Expendition in Gangtok on Sunday.