Punjab, Haryana declared joint winners

Haryana Sports Minister Kiran to Punjab players in the All India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament in Panchkula on Saturday night.
Haryana Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary with the Haryana team.
Haryana Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary with the Punjab team.
Haryana Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary with Chandigarh Olympic Association president Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi. Photos by Balbir Singh.
Balbir Singh
PANCHKULA, JUNE 1
Punjab and Haryana were declared joint winners as rain played a spoilsport in final of the inaugural All India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament organised by Cricket Federation of India at the Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium in Sector 3 here on Saturday night.
Chasing a target of 170 for victory, rain and duststorm interrupted play after Haryana had played just two overs. The match resumed after 23 minutes before it started raining again after 7.5 overs and Haryana were struggling at 56 for 4. As no further play was possible the organising committee declared Haryana and Punjab joint winners.
It was Ishan Ali of Punjab who dealt three quick blows to Haryana. Maintaining a good line and length the Punjab medium pacer dismissed opener Suman Kumar (12), Ruplinder Saini (10) and Ashok (6). Gursaibh got the wicket of Pranav Nanda (19).
Earlier, Punjab piled up a good total of 169 for 7 in 25 overs. Openers Pardeep Gill (41, 6x4s), Charanamrit (39, 8x4s) gave their team a flying start with a 66-run partership. Pardeep Gill and Pardeep Gill Junior (21, 3x4s) put on 40 runs for the second wicket stand before Junior Gill was bowled by Mohit Garg.
Later Harpreet Mander (34, 4x4s) and Harmanpreet Singh (12 not out) were associated in a 34-run partnership for sixth wicket. Vikram Vir Singh remained not out on 10. Haryana bowlers Ashok Kumar (2 for 9) and Mohit Garg (2 for 27) were most successful bowlers.
Pranav Nanda (best batsman), Gursahib Singh (best bowler) and Charanamrit (best all-rounder) were declared players of the tournament.
Haryana Sports and Tourism Minister Kiran Chaudhary was the chief guest. She was received by the orgnising committee and was introduced to players and officials of both teams. Congratulating the joint winners Haryana and Punjab, Kiran Chaudhary advised the players to work hard to excel and bring laurels to the country. Addressing the players, Kiran Chaudhary said "I am confident some of them would represent the country in international tournaments." She also appreciated the efforts of the office bearers of Cricket Federation of India to promoting cricket at the grass root level. Kiran Chaudhary promised to extend full cooperation to the CFI in its efforts to boost sports.
Chandigarh Olympic Association president Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi presided over the function.
Brief scores: Punjab: 169 for 7 in 25 overs (Pardeep Gill 41, 6x4s, Charanamrit 39, 8x4s, Pardeep Gill Jr 31, Harpreet Mander 34, 4x4s, Harmanpreet Singh not out 12, Vikram Vir Singh not out 10, Ashok Kumar 2 for 9, Mohit Garg 2 for 27, Rupinder Saini 1 for 25, Pranav Nanda 1 for 16).
Haryana: 56 for 4 in 7.5 overs (Suman Kumar 12, Pranav Nanda 19, Ruplinder Saini 10,Ishan Ali 3 for 27, Gursahib Singh 1 for 26)

Jeev stays in contention in Wales

INDIAN ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh of Chandigarh carded three under 68 in the third round of The Celtic Manor Wales Open (European Tour) in Newport, Wales to climb from overnight tied third to tied second. Jeev's total moved to nine under 133. The Indian star shared the second position along with Englishmen Robert Dinwiddie, Benn Barham and Spaniard Alvaro Velasco. The lead is currently held by Australian Scott Strange who is four strokes ahead of Jeev, Dinwiddie, Barham and Velasco.
The other three Indians in the fray Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and SSP Chowrasia missed the cut.
PGTI member Jeev Milkha Singh's solid 68 followed his exceptional first round 65. The 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner fired birdies on the second, sixth, 11th, 14th and 18th and made bogeys on the third and 10th.
Shiv Kapur (73, 69) and Jyoti Randhawa (72, 70) crashed out of the tournament as they finished tied 74th with a total of even par 142.SSP Chowrasia (72, 71) was placed tied 88th at one over 143.
PGTI member Arjun Atwal (67, 72) was placed tied 18th after the second round of the Bank of America Open (Nationwide Tour) in Glenview, Illinois. Atwal shot even par 72 to take his total to five under 139. American Skip Kendall leads the field at eleven under 133.

MCA snatch exciting two-run win

CHANDIGARH, MAY 31
Mohali Cricket Academy snatched a thrilling two-run victory over spirited CCA-Guru Nanak Public School Academy, Sector 36 in the Chandigarh Inter-Academy Under-15 Cricket Tournament for Mount Shivalik Trophy being organised by DP Azad Cricket Academy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today.
Requiring six runs in six balls of the final 35th over, CCA-GNPS Academy were dismissed for 250 in 34.4 overs. Gurpartap had Harshit stumped by Lakshay (0) to engineer MCA's exciting triumph.
CCA-GNPSA needed a target of 253 for victory. Subham Mahajan batted very well to pile up 78 runs in 51 deliveries. He dispatched the ball to the rope 13 times. Azil Chopra (37, 5x4s) and opener Jaskaran Singh (30, 6x4s) made useful contributions.
Gurpartap (3 for 36) and Saurab (3 for 52) were the most successful bowlers for Mohali Cricket Academy.
Earlier, MCA batting first scored 252 for 5 in allotted 35 overs. Their openers Kinderpreet Singh and Ankit Pursharthy flayed the CCA-GNPSA bowlers. The MCA opening pair were associated in a 125-run partnership. Ankit scored 69 from 55 deliveries. Striking the ball powerfully, Ankit reached the fence 12 times and cleared the ropes for two sixes. Kinderpreet faced 66 balls to score 54 with the help of nine fours and one six. Saurab Chopra hit seven boundaries on his way to 38 from 36 balls. Ishit Gujral remained not out on 17 (2x4s, 1x6). Anmoljit Singh and Vaibhav Gupta contributed 16 and 12 not out, respectively. Harshit got two wickets for 31 runs for CCA-GNPS Academy.
Brief scores: Mohali Cricket Academy: 252 for 5 in 35 overs (Ankit Pursharthy 69, 12x4s, 2x6s, Kinderpreet Singh 54, 9x4s, 1x6, Saurab Chopra 38, 7x4s, Anmoljit Singh 16, Ishit Gujral not out 17, Vaibhav Gupta not out 12, Harshit 2 for 31, Jayant 1 for 41, Naveen Dhiman 1 for 54).
CCA-Guru Nanak Public School Academy-36: 250 all out in 34.4 overs (Shubham Majahan 78, 13x4s, Azil Chabbar 37, 5x4s, Jaskaran 30, 6x4s, Gaurav Sharma 21, Jayant 15, Kshitz 15, Harshit 10, Gurpartap 3 for 36, Saurab Chopra 3 for 52, Ishit Gujral 1 for 49).
Tomorrow's fixture: Bhavan Vidalaya, Panchkula vs Sector 16 Cricket Stadium.

Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Bihar in semis

The Haryana team which beat Jharkhand in their last league match and qualified for semi-final of the inaugural All India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament being organised by Cricket Federation of India.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 29
Pool C leaders Haryana are pitted against Pool A champions Gujarat and Pool B toppers Punjab will face Pool D champions in the semi-finals matches of the inaugural All India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament being organised by Cricket Federation of India at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Sector 3 of Panchkula. The first semi-final will be played at 7 a.m and the second at 11 a.m. The day-night final will be played from 5.30 p.m.
Punjab and Haryana maintained their all-win records in their respective pool engagements. In their last league programme Punjab outscored Rajasthan by 75 runs. Batting first Punjab scored 182 for 9 in stipulated 25 overs. Charanamrit batted with confidence to score 48 with the help of nine fours. Harpreet (27), Pardeep Gill Jr (27) were their other main contributors. Shakir claimed four wickets for 34 runs. Irfan got three for 48. In reply Rajasthan were bowled out for 107 in 18.2 overs.
Haryana snuffed out the challenge of Jharkhand by eight wickets. Batting first Jharkhand piled up 129 in 24.3 overs. Suresh and Navjot made an identical score of 22 runs each. Ashu Kumar and Saurav got three wickets each for 22 and 26 runs, respectively. Haryana achieved their target by scoring 130 for 2 in 18.2 overs. Roublinder (47 not out) and Pranav Nanda (50) engineered Haryana's facile victory.
Bihar prevailed over Cricket Federation of India by two wickets to top their three-team pool D with two victories. CFI batted first and made 135 all out in 24.5 overs. Karan Bajan topscored with unbeaten 30. Abhisekh Kumar, Gourav Kumar and Jaindera Kumar 2 for 4. Bihar replied with137 for 8 with five balls to spare.Kaviraj topscored with 41 points.
Gujarat topped three-team pool A with two wins. Propped up with a fine knock of 97 by Ravi Chaudhary, Gujarat defeated Himachal Pradesh by 67 runs for their second successive triumph. Gujarat were all out for 183 in 24 overs.Gaurav Wadhwa got four wickets for 9 runs.Himachal were dismissed for 116 in 21.3 overs. Gaurav Wadhwa topscored wiht an unbeaten 33.
In an inconsequential match, Tamil Nadu trounced Chandigarh by nine wickets. Chandigarh batted first and made 126 for 5 in 21 overs. Nimish Gupta who opened with Siraj Allam (19) topscored with 45 runs. Navdeep Thakur contributed 31 runs. Tamil Nadu made 13o for the loss of Karthikeyan's (24) wicket. R Monikandan and Niket remained not out on 43 and 36 runs, respectively.
Brief scores: Punjab: 182 for 9 in 25 overs (Pardeep Gill 18, Charanamrit 48, 9x4s, Pardeep Gill Jr 20, Harpreet 27, Ishan Ali 11, Sumit Hooda 10, Shakir 4 for 34, Irfan 3 for 42, Naushad 2 for 18). Rajasthan: 107 (Sohel 34, Irfan 17, Gurshaib 5 for 24, Ishan Ali 2 for 19, Ravinder 2 for 26). Punjab win by 75 runs. Man of the Match: Gursahib. Jharkhand: 129 in 24.3 overs (Abhishek Gupta 18, Parveen Panda 11, Suresh 22, Ashu Kumar 3 for 22, Saurav 3 for 26, Ashok Kumar 1 for 14 Kran Chaw 1 for 17). Haryana: 130 for 8 in 18.2 overs (Roublinder not out 47, 4x4s, Pranav Nanda 50, 9x4s, Ashok Kumar 15, Ankit 1 for 31, Parveen 1 for 22). Haryana win by 8 wickets. Mom: Parnav Nanda. Gujarat: 183 all out in 24 overs (Ravi Chaudhary 97, 19x4s, 1x6, Mitesh Bhadani 12, Mohsin Pathan 23, Mohinder Singh 2 for 38, Sahil 2 for 39, Gaurav Wadhwa 4 for 9, Gaurav Sharma 1 for 28). Himachal Pradesh: 116 all out in 21.3 overs (Parveen Parjapati 23, Gaurav Wadhwa not out 33, 3x4s, Ravi Chaudhary 3 for 21, Mitesh Bhadani 2 for 24, Maaz 1 for 18, Kunal Chaudhary 2 for 2). Gujarat win by 67 runs. MoM: Ravi Chaudhary.
Cricket Federation of India: 135 all out in 24.5 overs (Pardeep Sharma 13, Rahul Mehra 21, Rahul Saini 12, Karan Bajaj not out 30, 4x4s, Abhishek Kumar 2 for 26, Gourav Kumar 2 for 15, Jainendra Kumar 2 for 4, Kaviraj 1 for 21, Anurag Kumr 1 for 23). Bihar: 137 for 8 in 24.1 overs (Sachin Kumar 18, Gaurav Kumar 10, Kaviraj 41, 5x4s, Satyajit Kumar 14, Karan Bajaj 5 for 31, Dixit Nankana 1 for 30, Rahul Saini 1 for 24). Bihar win by two wickets: MoM: Karan Bajaj.
Andhra Pradesh: 161 all out in 22.2 overs (J Raghav 27, 5x4s, Ajay 13, Y Venkatesh 18, Sukesh 13, Naik 34, 1x4, 5x6s, D Pvnesh 3 for 41, Babu 2 for 21, Chander 2 for 19, Saranraj 1 for 24). Pondicherry: 87 all out in 15 overs (D Puvnesh 18, Babu not out 33, 5x4s, Raghu Verma 3 for 13, Arun 3 for 6, Naik 2 for 28). MoM: Naik.
Tamil Nadu: Chandigarh: 126 for 5 in 21 overs (Siraj Allam 19, Nimish Gupta 45, 5x4s, Navdeep Thakur 31, 4x4s, Bhavik 1 for 21, Karthikeyan 1 for 15, Benaeth 1 for 23). Tamil Nadu: 130 for 1 in 12.1 overs (R Monikandan not out 43, 6x4s, Karthikeyan 24, 4x4s, Niket not out 36, 6x4s, Himanshu 1 for 32). MoM: Monikandan.

Shasya and Mayank star in APJ's win

Shasya (90) and Mayank (88 not out) seeking blessings of Dronacharya DP Azad after their team APJ Academy beat Vivek High School in Chandigarh on Friday. Photo by
Balbir Singh.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 30
An authoritative 136-run association for the third wicket between Shasya Jamwal (90) and Mayank Sood (88 not out) paved the way for APJ Academy of Kharar to score a creditable four-wicket victory over Vivek High School Academy in a high scoring match in the Inter-Academy Cricket Tournament for Mount Shivalik Trophy for U-17 being organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today.
Despite chasing a big total of 277 for victory in allotted 35 overs, Shasya and Mayank played their innings in a planned way. They did not allow the Vivek School Academy bowlers to dominate. After the fall of two wickets, Shasya and Mayank held the fort to guide their team to achieve the target. APJ Academy made 279 for 6 with five balls to spare.
Shasya's brilliant knock of 90 was studded with 10 boundaries and five effortlessly hit sixes. Mayank remained not out on 88 which contained 10 fours. Their century partnership shattered the hopes of Vivek School Academy. Balwinder contributed 34. He hit three fours and two sixes. Shiven Bali bagged two wickets for 29 runs.
Earlier, Vivek School Academy won the toss and elected to bat. They posted 276 for 9 in stipulated 35 overs. Openers Shivam Bhambri (64, 11x4s, 2x6s) and Parnav Khanna (6) gave their team a good start with a 60-run partnership. Manik Khanna (68, 9x4s) and Suryansh Chadha (33, 4x4s, 1x6) made useful contributions. Naval Kishore and Arjun Singla remained not out on 12 and 10, respectively.
Ravi Kumar (3 for 49), Ravi Saini (2 for 21) and all rounder Shasy Jamwal (2 for 32) were the most successful bowlers for APJ,
Brief scores: Vivek High School Academy: 276 in 35 overs (Shivam Bhambri 64, 11x4s, 2x5s, Manik Khanna 68, Suryansh Chadha 33, 4x4s, 1x6, Naval Kishore not out 12, Arjun Singla not out 10, Ravi Kumar 3 for 49, Ravi Saini 2 for 21, Shasya Jamwal 2 for 32).
APJ Academy, Kharar: 279 for 6 in 34.1 overs (Shasya Jamwal 90, 10x4s, 5x6s, Mayank Sood not out 88, 10x4s, Balwinder 34, 3x4s, 2x6s, Shaven Bali 2 for 29, Vishnu 1 for 29, Dhruv Batta 1 for 34, Arjun Singla 1 for 45, Shivam Bhambri 1 for 45).
Tomorrow's fixture: Mohali Cricket Academy vs CCA-GNPS Academy-36 at 8 a.m.

Ghei takes control after firing 65 in round two

CHANDIGARH, May 29
Round two of the PGTI Players Championship at Chandigarh Golf Club saw Gaurav Ghei establish a one stroke lead as he matched Ranjit Singh’s first round effort of seven under 65 that took his total to ten under 134. Ghei’s bogey-free 65 also helped him equal the course record. Mukesh Kumar’s six under 66 ensured he ended day two in second place, one stroke off the lead. Ashok Kumar was a further two strokes behind in third place. Ranjit Singh (73), the overnight leader, slipped to fourth place with an overall score of six under 138.
The cut was made at five over 149 as fifty-four professionals and two amateurs made it to the weekend rounds.
Gaurav Ghei climbed from overnight tied sixth to the top of the leaderboard after a near-flawless first round. On Thursday, Ghei made a brilliant start with back to back birdies on the second and third. Thereafter, he picked up the pace with three consecutive birdies from the sixth to the eighth. Ghei missed out on making a fourth consecutive birdie when he could not convert a three feet putt on the ninth hole. His last birdie came on the 16th. Ghei had carded 69 in the first round.
“I had an excellent round today as I converted most of the opportunities that came my way. However, it could have been better had I not missed some short putts on the ninth, 13th and 18th. There was not much wind today and the conditions were ideal for shooting a low score,” said Ghei, a regular on the Asian Tour.
Mukesh Kumar shot into contention as he followed up his first round 69 with a score of 66 on Thursday. Mukesh is currently second as his total now stands at nine under 135. The professional from Mhow knocked down three consecutive birdies on the eighth, ninth and 10th after having birdied the second and bogeyed the sixth. He then bogeyed the 12th by missing a two feet putt for par. Mukesh gathered momentum once again as he sank birdies on the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th.
Mukesh said, “I am very satisfied with my effort today. I think the turning point for me today were the consecutive birdies on the eighth, ninth and 10th. I grew in confidence from that point. The big disappointment today was missing a couple of two feet putts for par on the sixth and 12th.”
Ashok Kumar (70, 67) climbed from overnight tied 13th to third. His overall score reads seven under 137. Ashok fired six birdies and dropped one bogey in his second round. Ranjit Singh (65, 73), the overnight leader, is one stroke behind Ashok in fourth place.
Vijay Kumar, Harmeet Kahlon and Harendra Gupta are placed tied fifth at five under 139. Harmeet Kahlon followed up his first round 67 with an even par 72.
Gurbaaz Mann and Arjun Singh are tied eighth at four under 140.
Rahul Ganapathy and Gaganjeet Bhullar are currently in tied 12th position with an identical total of two under 142. Digvijay Singh shot a second consecutive 74 for a total of four over 148. He is currently tied 35th.
Angad Cheema (71, 77) and Rahul Bakshi (74, 74) were the two amateurs who made the cut. They are both tied 35th with an overall score of four over 148.

Second wins for Punjab, Haryana and Rajashtan

Cricket Federation of India Technical Secretary Syed Sadiq Passa presenting the Man of the Match award to Kartihkeyan of Tamil Nadu in All-India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament in Chandigarh on Thursday.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 29
Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab strengthened their chances to qualify for semi-finals as they registered their second successive triumphs in their respective groups in the All-India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament being organised by the Cricket Federation of India here.
At the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula, Punjab routed Andhra Pradesh by 145 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, Punjab scored an impressive total of 242 for 6 in allotted 25 overs. Openers Pardeep Gill (21) and Charanamrit (63, 12x4s) put Punjab on the victory path with a solid opening wicket association of 93 runs, before Pardeep Gill was bowled by Raghav (4 four 43). Pardeep Gill Jr (58, 7x4s, 1x6)) and Harpreet Singh (50) were their other main contributors.
In reply, Andhra Pradesh innings folded at 97 in 17.3 overs. Barring opener Goutham (43, 6x4s), no other Andhra batsmen were able to pace Punjab bowlers, specially edium pacer Gursahib (4-0-15-5).
In another league match played in Panchkula, Haryana got the better of Chandigarh by 42 runs. Batting first, Haryana made 186 all out. Opender Pranav nanda made 43 runs. Anurag (23) and Dinesh (27) were the other main batsmen for Haryana. Chandigarh's Navdeep was the most successful bowler for Chandigarh as he claimed four wickets for 27 runs.
Chasing a victory target of 187 runs, Chandigarh's innings folded at 144 in 25 overs. Today, Prikshit (16) and Mohit Singh opened Chandigarh's innings. They lost their first wicket as Mohit was caught by Sunand of Ashu (2 for 25) at the total of nine. Top scorer Siraj Allam (41, 9x4s) and Prikshit carried the total to 64 before Allam was bowled by Ashu. Coming at five number, Chand Kumar played a polished knock of 28 in 22 balls. His three boundaries were the testimony of his talent. He also hit a huge six. Himanshu contributed 10 runs.
At the Government Model Senior Secondary School in Sector 32, Rajasthan routed Pudicherry by 91 runs. Batting first, Rajasthan made 158 for 5 in 25 overs. Shakir made 58 with the help of four fours and three sixes D Babu of Puddichery got three wickets for 25 runs. Noushad (4 for 14) wrecked Pudicherry who were dismissed for 57 runs in 14.5 overs.
At the DAV Senior Secondary School ground in Sector 8, an unbeaten half century by Karthikeyan (51, 6x4s, 1x6) and his 76-run partnership for the second wicket with S Niketlulla (37) helped Tamil Nadu rout Jharkhand by eight wickets.
Jharkhand won the toss and elected to bat. They were dismissed for 148 in 23 overs Neeraj Gaurva topscored with 46 points. He was associated in a 65-run partnership for the third wicket with Parveen Kumar (25). M Manikandan got three wickets for 16 runs. Bhavic and Kartihkeyan got two wickets each for 28 and 26 runs, respectively.
Tamil Nadu achieved their target by scoring 150 for 2 in 20.1 overs. Karthikeyan (51not out) and S Niketlulla (37) raced their team to victory.
Brief scores: Jharkhand: 148 all out in 23 overs (Abhishek Pandey 16, Neeraj Gaurva 46, Parveen Kumar 28,Nishant 18, M Manikandan 3 for 16, Bhavic Tukrel 2 for 28, Karthikeyan 2 for 26, Harikrishan 1 for 17Gowtaam 1 for 14). Tamil Nadu: 150 for 2 in 20.1 overs (R Manikandan 20, Kartinikeyan not out 51, 6x4s, 1x6, S Niket Lulla 37, 7x4s, Hari Krishnan not out 20).Tamil Nadu win by 8 wickets. Man of the Match: Kartihkeyan.
Bihar: 195 in 25 overs (Gourav Kumar 18, Rahul Raj 21, Kaviraj 23, Satyajeet Kumar 38, 3x4s, 2x6s, Anshul 22, Gyandendra Kumar 16, Sunny Thopate 3 for 13, Sumeet Bhonsle 3 for 26, Parkishit Pawar 1 for 30, Vishal Jawalkar 1 for 33, Rohit Vidhate 1 for 40). Pune: 40 in 13.5 overs (Aatish Bangar 11, Abhishek Kumar 4 for 8, Kavi Raj 3 for 2, Rituraj 2 for 26, Anurag Kumar 1 for 2). Bihar win by 155 runs.Man of the Match: Kaviraj.
Haryana: 186 in 25 overs (Pranav Nanda 43, Ashok Kumar 10, Anurag 23, Sunand 15, Suman 15, Ankit 16, Dinesh 27, Navdeep 4 for 27, Rahul 2 for 36, Mohit 1 for 24, Gaurav 1 for 35, Himanshu 1 for 30). Chandigarh: 144 (Prikshit 15, Siraj Allam 41, 9x4s, Chand Kumar 28, Saurav Kumar 2 for 30, Ashu 2 for 25, Mohit Garg 1 for 12, Ashok Kumar 1 for 29, Sunand 1 for 18). Haryana win by 42 runs. Man of the Match: Navdeep.
Punjab: 242 for 6 in 25 overs (Pardeep Gill 21, Charanamrit 63, 12x4s, Pardeep Gill 58, 7x4s, 1x6, Harpreet 50, 6x4s, Ishan Ali 11, Raghav 4 for 43, Gautam 1 for 23). Andhra: 97 all in 17.3 overs (Gursahib 5 for 15, Ravinder 3 for 27, Vikram 2 for 19). Punjab win by 145 runs. Man of the match Gursahib.
Rajasthan: 158 for 5 in 25 overs (Ravindera 12, Shakir 58, 4x4s, 3x6s, Altaf 28, 3x4s, Narinder not out 22, Yogesh 8). Pudicherry: 67 in 14.5 overs (Noushad 4 for 14, Irfan 3 for 19, Altaf 1 for 5, Parvej 1 for 13). Rajasthan:win by 91 runs. Man of the Match: Shakir.
Delhi: 208 for 4 in 25 overs (Navin Agnihotri 127, 17x4s, 6x1, Parveen 19) Himachal Pradesh: 126 all out (Rohit 25, Naresh 24, Naveen 2 for 26, Ravinder 2 for 14, Nikhil 3 for 21). Delhi win by 82 runs.

Haryana athletes reap a rich harvest

CHANDIGARH: State emerged champions with a haul of six gold, three Silver and one bronze medals in the 5th National Youth Athletic Championship held at Pune from May 22 to 24. Sudhir Kumar of Haryana established a new national record in long jump with a leap of 7.39 metres. His improved upon his own record of 7.33 metres.
Haryana secured the second place in overall medal tally in the 8th Federation Cup Junior National Athletic Championship & 5th National Youth Athletic Championship winning by 14 gold, 8 silver and 3 bronze next to Kerala which won 18 gold, 17 silver and 8 bronze. HSAA president Abhey Singh Chautala and secretary H S Bhadu, congratulated the winners and budding athletes of Haryana.
Those who won medals for Haryana in Junior Fed Cup are: Naveen Kumar (gold, shot put and discus, Pradeep (gold,10km race walk), Rakesh (silver, decathlon), Sunny (silver, pole vault), Savita Dhankhar (Gold) 3000m, Rinku Sangwan (Gold) Discus, Poonam (Gold) javelin, Manisha (Silver) discus, Mamta (Silver) 10 km race walk, Rinku Sangwan (Bronze) shot put.
5th National Youth Athletic Championship: Parveen Kumar (Gold) 400m, Sudhir Kumar (Gold) long jump, Devender Singh (Gold) pole vault, Akash Antil (Gold) discus, Virender Singh (Gold) javelin, Medlay Relay (Gold), Dharamveer Singh ( Silver) 200 and 400m, Parveen Kumar (Silver) 400m hurdle, Naresh Antil (Silver) shotput, Paramjeet (Silver) 400m, Promila (Gold)discus, Reena Kumari (Silver) hammer, Anju Rathi (Bronze) javelin.

Pratik slams ton for Gujarat beat Delhi

Punjab Transports Minister Master Mohan Lal hitting a ceremonial hit to inaugurate the first All India Under-17 National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 28
Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Cricket Federation of India and Jharkhand recorded victories in their respective groups of the first All-India Under-17 Federation Cup Cricket Tournament being organised by the Cricket Federation of India here. Punjab Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal inaugurated the tourament in which 14 state teams are vying for top honours.
A 81-ball 104 by opener Pratik Desai enabled Gujarat prevail over plucky Delhi by 16 runs at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today.
Pratik dispatched his strokes all over the ground with confidence as he went on to hit 104 in 81 balls. His innings contained 15 boundaries and three huge sixes. He was associated in a 60-run partnership for the first wicket with Dhiraj (11). Mitesh Bhandani contributed 21 valuable runs. Nikhil Ujjwal and Rahul got three wickets each for 34 and 23 runs, respectively.
In reply, Delhi could muster 159 for 8 in allotted 25 overs. Sunil Gautam (36, 3x4s, 1x6), Rahul Maihla (37, 5x4s) and Bharat Singla (30) were their main scorers. It was all-rounder Partik who contained the innings of Delhi with an economic spell of 3-0-15-4. Partik was declared man of the match.
Though Haryana won with a comfortable 70-run marginagainst Tamil Nadu, their openers Rublinder Saini and Parnav Nanda were unlucky to miss centuries. Rublinder hit 99 in 72 balls before he was bowled by Bhavic (1 for 33). His knock contained 11 fours. Parnav Nanda missed the three-match figure by three runs. His 97 came in 68 balls with 11 fours. These openers realised 208 runs for the opening wicket stand.
Tamil Nadu began their reply on a confident note as openers Mani Kandan (21) and Kartikeyan (50, 8x4s, 1x4) put on 71 runs for the opening wicket stand. Hari Krishnan made 25 and Niket contributed 18 runs before scoring 183 in 20.6 overs.
Despite their openers Siraj Alam (30, 5x4s, 1x6) and Chand Kumar (21, 3x4s) giving a good start with a 53-run partnership for first wicket, Chandigarh lost to Jharkhand by 49 runs. After the departure of Chand Kumar, Chandigarh started losing wickets at regular intervals and were dismissed for 94 runs in 16.1 overs.
Earlier, Jharkhand had made 143 in 23.2 overs.Himashu bowled a fine spell of 5-0-24-4 to restrict Jharkhand's total.Avishek andey (33) and Abhishek Gupta (29) were their main scorers.
Earlier, Punjab Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal inaugurated the tournament. He was received by the organising committee and was also introduced to the players of various states taking part in the tournament. Master Mohan Lal advised the players to work hard to achieve excellence in sports which pave the way for overall development of a man.

Brief scores: Punjab: 164 for 9 (Rohit Kashyap 43, 8x4s, Pardeep Gill 31, 7x4s, Harmanpreet Singh 10, Pradeep Gill 14, Ishan Ali 11, S Manikandan 2 for 38, S Yokesh 2 for 15, N Chandra Mouli 2 for 13). Pudicherry: 80 all out in 11.5 overs (D Puvanash 15, S Mankandan 14, Ashan Ali 4 for 23, Ravinder 3 for 14, Sumit Hooda 2 for 16). Punjab win by 84 runs.

Gujarat: 175 for 8 in 25 overs (Pratik Desai 104, 15x4s, 3x6s, Mitesh Bhandani 21, Nikhil 3 for 34, Naveen 2 for 30, Rahul 3 for 23). Delhi: 159 for 8 in 25 overs (Sunil Gautam 36, 3x4s, 1x6, Rahul Maihla 37, 5x4s, Bharat Singla 30, Partik 4 for 15, Maaz Sheth 1 for 21, Suresh Sol 1 for 24, Ravi Chow 1 for 38), Gujarat win by 16 runs.

Rajasthan: 170 all out in 24.1 overs (Narinder 49, 7x4s, Naushad 26, Irfan 18, Bhawani 12, Arun 3 for 22, Srikanth 2 for 33, Y Ventkash 2 for 24, Goutsam 1 for 31, M Kumar 1 for 9, Suresh 1 for 21). Andhra Pradesh: 96 all out in 16.3 overs (Ajay 21, Y Venkatesh 25, SN Naik 11, Irfan 5 for 14, Parvaj 2 for 5, Altaf 1 doe 24, Naushad 1 for 18). Rajasthan win by 74 runs.

Haryana 253 for 3 in 25 overs (Rublinder Saini 99, 11x4s, Parnav Nanda 97, 11x4s, Ashok Kumar 27, 4x4s, Bhavic 21 for 33). Tamil Nadu: 183 all out (Mani Kandan 21, Kartikeyan 50, 8x4s, Hari Krishnan 25, Sabrainathan 12, Niket 18, Beneth 15, Ashok Kumar 3 for 38, Sunand 2 for 29, Pawan Nanda 1 for 11). Haryana win by 70 runs.

Jharkhand: 143 all out in 23.2 overs ( Abhishek Gupta 29, 4x4s, Avishek Pandey 33, 5x4s, Praveen Pandey 19, Vinay Purti 15, Tarun Singh 13, Himanshu 4 for 24, Sam Sidhy 1 for 22, Rohan 1 for 25, Rahul Sharma 1 for 22). Chandigarh: 94 (Siraj Alam 30, 5x4s, 1x6, Chand Kumar 21, 3x4s, Nimish Gupta 14, Tarun Singh 3 for 15, Ankit 3 for 19, Abhishek 2 for 27, Praveen 1 for 0). Jharkhand win by 49 runs.
Cricket Federation of India: 201 all out in 24.5 overs (Gourav Tandon 48, 7x4s, Dixit Nankana 32, 6x4s, Karanveer Hooda 27, 3x4s, Rahul Mehra 15, Keshav Rajniwal 13, Dharminder Sihag 27, Rohit Vidhate 3 for 29, Vishal Javalkar 2 for 41, Shantanu Pawar 2 for 37, Sunny Thopate 1 for 50). Pune: 71 all out in 11.1 overs (Shantanu Pawar 21, 4x4s, Rohit Vidhate 11, Karan Bajaj 3 for 5, Dharminder Singh 2 for 17, Keshav Rajniwal 1 for 13 Rahul Sani 1 for 1). CFI win by 130 runs.

16 states for U-17 Fed Cup Cricket

Press Conference being addressed by the office-bearers of the Cricket Federation of India at Press Club in Chandigarh on Monday.CHANDIGARH, MAY 26
The stage is all set for the inaugural edition of the All India Under-17 National Federation Cup is being conducted by the Cricket Federation of India (Regd) from May 28 to 31. The matches will be played at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, St John's School, DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 32 in Chandigarh and Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium in Sector 3 of Panchkula.
Addressing a crowded press conference at Chandigarh Press Club here today, CFI General Secretary Amarjit Kumar said that 16 state teams would be competing for the top honours in the 25 overs each side league-cum-knockout basis.
The states which have confirmed their entries are Gujarat, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Hyderabad (Pool A), Pudicherry, Andhdra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab (Pool B), Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jharkhand (Pool C), Karnataka, Pune, Bihar and Cricket Federation of India (Pool D). The pool winners will qualify for knockout semi-final stage.
CFI president Sanjeev Sharma and senior vice-president Ravinder Talwar said that the CFI will provide free of cost board and lodging and transport facilities to all participants and officials accompanying the teams. Accommodation will be provided at the Panchayat Bhawan and Jat Bhawan on the Madhya Marg.
The organising committee of the CFI will distribute special prizes to the best batsman, the best bowler, the best wicketkeeper, the best fielder and the best all-rounder. This is in additon to the glittering trophies to the winners and runners-up.
A six-member organising committee has been formed.CFI president Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Ravinder Talwar, Amarjit Kumar, Syed Sadiq Pasha, Amit Dhingra and Balbir Singh has been formed for the smooth conduct of the tournament.
All matches will be played with white clothing and orange all. The organising committee will provide balls. Qualified umpires, scorer and officials will be deputed in the Naitonal Championship.
Replying to a question, CFI general secretary said that CFI "aims to promote and develop cricket for men and women from the grass root level in the age group of Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
The CFI also plans to organise Senior and Junior National Championships very year for men and women. With a view to raising its own panel of umpires and scorers, the CFI will conduct test for national umpires and scorers. "Our website is under construction. All informations will be posted on the website
Sawan Developers Private Limited and B K Black Private Limited are the sponsors of the first Nationals.

CTTA to conduct two open tourneys

CHANDIGARH, MAY 26
The Chandigarh Table Tennis Association has decided to organise two open tournaments this year. This decision was taken in the general body meeting held on Sunday. Announcing this here today, CTTA secretary Patanjli Kumar disclosed that players from other states would be invited to compete in the open tournaments. "It will provide an opportunity to the local players to play with national level players of other states," said Patanjli Kumar.
The association will also conduct four ranking tournaments in which only registered players with the CTTA will be allowed to take part. The State teams for the National Championships will be selected on the basis of their performance in the ranking tournaments.
The following is the calendar for 2008:
Open Table Tennis Tournament by Chandigarh Table Tennis DAV Public School Club, Sector 8 from June 26 to 29.
First Chandigarh State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament by Bhavan Vidalaya, Sector 27 from July 11 to 13.
Prof RS Mehta Memorial Open Table Tennis Tournament from August 15 to 17.
Second Chandigarh State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament by New Public School, Sector 18 from September 26 to 28.
Chandigarh State Table Tennis Championship for sub-juniors and cadets from October 17 to 19.
Chandigarh State Table Tennis Championship for juniors and seniors from November 14 to 16.

16 states for U-17 Fed Cup Cricket

CHANDIGARH, MAY 26
The stage is all set for the inaugural edition of the All India Under-17 National Federation Cup is being conducted by the Cricket Federation of India (Regd) from May 28 to 31. The matches will be played at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, St John's School, DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 32 in Chandigarh and Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium in Sector 3 of Panchkula.
Addressing a crowded press conference at Chandigarh Press Club here today, CFI General Secretary Amarjit Kumar said that 16 state teams would be competing for the top honours in the 25 overs each side league-cum-knockout basis.
The states which have confirmed their entries are Gujarat, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Hyderabad (Pool A), Pudicherry, Andhdra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab (Pool B), Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jharkhand (Pool C), Karnataka, Pune, Bihar and Cricket Federation of India (Pool D). The pool winners will qualify for knockout semi-final stage.
CFI president Sanjeev Sharma and senior vice-president Ravinder Talwar said that the CFI will provide free of cost board and lodging and transport facilities to all participants and officials accompanying the teams. Accommodation will be provided at the Panchayat Bhawan and Jat Bhawan on the Madhya Marg.
The organising committee of the CFI will distribute special prizes to the best batsman, the best bowler, the best wicketkeeper, the best fielder and the best all-rounder. This is in additon to the glittering trophies to the winners and runners-up.
A six-member organising committee has been formed.CFI president Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Ravinder Talwar, Amarjit Kumar, Syed Sadiq Pasha, Amit Dhingra and Balbir Singh has been formed for the smooth conduct of the tournament.
All matches will be played with white clothing and orange all. The organising committee will provide balls. Qualified umpires, scorer and officials will be deputed in the Naitonal Championship.
Replying to a question, CFI general secretary said that CFI "aims to promote and develop cricket for men and women from the grass root level in the age group of Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19.
The CFI also plans to organise Senior and Junior National Championships very year for men and women. With a view to raising its own panel of umpires and scorers, the CFI will conduct test for national umpires and scorers. "Our website is under construction. All informations will be posted on the website
Sawan Developers Private Limited and B K Black Private Limited are the sponsors of the first Nationals.

Eight teams for Mount Shivalik Trophy

CHANDIGARH, MAY 24
Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy will meet DAV Public Coaching Centre, Sector 15 in the inaugural A match of the Inter-Academy Under-15 Cricket Tournament for Mount Shivalik Trophy being organised by DPAC Academy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here on May 29. St Stephen's School Principal Harold Carver will anaugurate the tournament.
DPAC Academy chairman DP Azad said that eight teams would participate in the league-cum-knockout basis. DPAC Academy, Sector 16 Cricket Academy, DAV Public School Coaching Centre, Sector 15 and Bhavan Vidalaya of Panchkula have been placed in Pool A. Chandigarh Cricket Academy-Guru Nanak Public School Academy, Sector 36, Vivek High School Academy, Sector 38, Mohali Cricket Academy and APJ Academy of Kharar have been clubbed in Pool B.
Releasing the draw, organising secretary Arun Rai said that all matches would begin at 8.30 a.m.
The draw: May 29: DPAC Academy vs DAV Public CC-15. May 30: APJ Kharar vs Vivek High School CC, Sector 38. May 31: Bhavan Vidalaya of Panchkula vs Sector 16 Stadium Academy.
June 1: MCA Mohali vs CCA-GPPS Academy-36. June 2: DPAC Academy vs Bhawan Vidalaya Panchkula. June 3: CCA-GNPS Academy-36 vs Vivek High School CC-38. June 4: DPAC Academy vs Sector 16 Stadium Academy. June 5: APJ Kharar vs MCA Mohali. June 6: DAV Public CC-16 vs Sector 16 Stadium Academy. June 7: APJ Academy Kharar vs CCA-GNPS Academy-36. June 8: Bhavan Vidalaya Panchkula vs DAV Public CC-15. June 9: MCA vs Vivek High School Academy-38.

24 receive AIFF introductory coaching certificates

The participants, who were awarded AIFF introductory coaching certificates in Chandigarh on Saturday. CHANDIGARH, MAY 24
The six-week All India Football Federation introductory coaching course concluded under the supervision of AIFF Director (coaching) Gabriel Joseph at St Stephen's School in Sector 45 here on Saturday. Ten women and 14 men were awarded certiciates.
Encouraged with the response from the aspirants, the Chandigarh Football Association has decided to request the AIFF to conduct more coaching courses, including Licence C coaching course. The CFA will organise another such course for the physical education teachers of the Chandigarh Education Department. The CFA will request the AIFF to conduct the Asian Football Confederation C Licence coaching course next year.
Joseph, the National Master Coach, who has already conducted 30 AFC/AIFF courses and has trained over 800 coaches, said that last year a separate introductory coaching course for women was conducted in Goa. The CFA can propose the names of three women for coaching course next year.
Joseph conducted the course in a modern way by computerized presentations.He has also introducted motiongraphy of the participants.
The participants were happy to attend the course and requested the CFA and the AIFF to conduct more such as well as advanced coaching courses. Former international footballer Kanwar Vinod Kumar, who attended the course, requested the CFA to make it mandatory for every club who is affifliated to the CFA, to build its junior team. This step will lift the standard of football in Chandigarh.
CFA vice-president Jagbir Singh was the chief guest at the certificate distribution function.
Those who successfully completed the course were: Suman Deep Kaur, Anjana Thakur, Meena Kumari, Poonam, Poonam Deol, Pooja, Parvinder Kuar, Kamaljit Kaur, Jaskiran Kaur, Harnoor Kaur Chahal, Surjit Singh, Dinesh Patrick, Raman Jinta, Kartik Bhardwaj, Viney Kanwar, Kanwar Vinod Kumar, Kulwinder Singh, Vishal Rana, Vijay Bhatt, Ramesh Chand Bhatt, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohak, Pankaj and Mukesh.
CFA vice-president Jagbir Singh presenting a memento to AIFF Director (coaching) Gabriel Joseph. Photos by Balbir Singh.

Chandigarh team for Fed Cup Cricket

The Chandigarh team which will take part in the All-India National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament.CHANDIGARH, MAY 24
The Cricket Federation of Chandigarh (CFC) today has selected its team for participation in the coming All-India National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament being conducted by the Cricket Federation of India (CFI) in Chandigarh and Panchkula from May 28 to 3, according to CFC general secretary Ravinder Talwar..
The selection was made during coaching camp the probables are attending at the MCM DAV College ground in Sector 36. The selected players will undergo further training before the Federation Cup. Sachin Kumar has been appointed coach of the team while BS Thakur will be the manager.
Team: Navdeep Thakur, Mohit Singh, Amolveer Singh, Rahul Sharma, Chand Kumar, Prabhji Singh, Prince Rathore, Rohni Handa, Varun Birla, Nimish Gupta, Gaurav Bhanwer, Sajal Malkotia, Vishal Gupta, Rahul Nahar, Virat Rana, Sam Sidhu, Arshveer Sandhu, Ankur Gupta, Jatin Sharma, Aarjav Raj Singh, Vipin Kumar, Prakshit Rana and Siraj Allam.
Coach: Sachin Kumar. Manager: BS Thakur.

Bajwa Memorial Golf in California

CHANDIGARH, MAY 23
The third S.S Bajwa Memorial Golf Tournament will to be held at Industries Country Hills Golf Club, California (USA) on July 12, according to Baldev Kang, president of tournament committee and Director of Kang Brothers of Cargo Solutions Express Inc. in Jalandhar today.
The organising committeed has invited top golfers of the world for the tournament. Last year 175 golfers from all over the world, including two from India, participated in the tournament. Vijay Amritraj and former West Indies cricket captain Richi Richardson also graced the tournament. This year they are trying that more Indian golfers will take part in the tournament. Shortly they are also starting the junior level golf tournament.
Surinder Singh Baja was a cricket player and student of local Sports College. The organizers will provide boarding and lodging to all participants.

CFA boys rub shoulders with Liberia`s national football team

A group photo of the Chandigarh Football Academy and senior Liberia teams which played an exhibition match in Leipzig (Germany)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 23
Watching the Chandigarh Football Academy players practice from his room window at Egidius Braun Sport School in Leipzig (Germany), Senior Liberian national footbal team captain Kelvin Sebkie felt an urge to share a game with the Under-15 CF Academy team. He then asked the director of the sport school to arrange a match, according to information received here today.
The Liberan players are here to get advanced techical training from German coaches at the Egidius Braun Sport School which is a renowned institute worldwide. On May 20, a 20 + 5 + 20 minutes friendly match was organized which in itself was a great achievment in so far as match experience with a national team of a football playing nation was concerned.
What a game it was for the boys! The lone goal scoredt by the Chandigarh Sports Department run CF Academy defender Shahanaz was a stunner. Later the Liberians went on to score two goals to win the game.
Impressed with the display of skill and talent by the boys the captain as well as the German coach of the Liberian team was full of praise and parted with a word of advice: "Be quick to organise defence the moment the ball moves towards your half."

Sachin, Pankaj, Bhavya and Prabhamrit bag AITA TS titles

A group photograph of the winners and the runners-up in the AITA Talent Series Tennis Championship in Chandigarh on Saturday. Photo by Balbir Singh.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 23
Chandigarh players made a clean sweep as they claimed all four singles titles at stake today in the All India Tennis Association Talent Series Tennis Championship at the CLTA Sports Complex here.
Playing at the centre court, Prabhamrit Kaur outclassed top seeded Jaspreet Kaur of Punjab in straight sets 6-3, 6-0 in the girls Under-16 singles final.
A Sacred Heart School, Sector 26 student Bhavya Wadhawan prevailed over a plucky sixth seed Hassan Dhanoa in the girls Under-12 singles final. Both players put their best in the first set which was decided in the tie-breaker as eighth seed Bhavya won in tie-breaker at 7-6 (4). Having tasted success, Bhavya, who now trains at St Peter's Tennis Academy in Sector 37, started asserting her authority and clinched the second set at 6-2.
Unseeded Sachin Kumar denied fifth seeded Vikas Benwal of Yamunanagar (Haryana) a golden double as the former raced to an authoritative 6-2, 6-1 verdict in the boys under-12 singles final. Vikas Benwal had earlier won the boys Under-12 doubles final.Vikas Berwal and Rohil Hakim defeated Sumit Pal and Dhruv Pal 7-6 (2), 1-6, 10-7 in the doubles final.
Girls Under-12 winner Bhavya Wadhawan.
Pankaj Kumar of Chandigarh) got the better of second seed Harry Jindal of Punjab 7-5, 6-2 in the boys Under-16 singles final.
Former Punjab Director General of Police Sarabjit Singh was the chief guest and distributed the prizes. Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association chairman Rajan Kashyap was also present on the occasion.
Results (all finals): Boys Under-12 singles: Sachin Kumar (Chandigarh) bt Vikas Benwal (Haryana) 6-2, 6-1. Boys Under-16 singles: Pankaj Kumar (Chandigarh) bt Harry Jindal (Punjab) 7-5, 6-2. Girls Under-12 singles: Bhavya Wadhawan (Chandigarh) bt Hassan Dhanoa (Punjab) 7-4 (4), 6-2. Girls Under-14 singles: Prabhamrit Kaur (Chandigarh) bt Jaspreet Kaur (Punjab) 6-3, 6-0.

Harry-Prateek bag boys U-16 doubles title

Chandigarh, May 22
The Punjab pair of Harry Jindal and Prateek won the boys under-16 doubles title after overcoming a stiff resistance from the Chandigarh duo of Manoj and Mandeep Kumar 7-6 (6), 2-6, 10-3 in the AITA Talent Series Tennis Championship being played at the CLTA Stadium here today.
Second seed Harry Jindal is in line for a doubles title as he advanced to the boys Under-16 final by disposing of the challenge of team mate Jaspinder 7-5, 6-2 in the semi-final. His contest for the title will be against sixth Pankaj Kumar of Chandigarh who defeated qualifier Samim Bhargava, also of Chandigarh, 6-3, 6-1 in the second semi-final.
Fifth seed Vikas Berwal of Delhi will lock horns with Sachin Kumar of Chandigarh for the boys Under-12 singles final tomorrow. Vikas ended the brilliant winning spree of giant-killer Utkarash Khosla of Chandigarh 6-2, 6-1 in the semi-final. Sachin moved ahead at the cost of second seed Dheer Anush Bhatti of Chandigarh by 6-3, 6-1 in the second semi-final.
Local pair of Harkirat Kaur Bains and Charvi Saxena emerged winners in the girls Under-16 doubles final as they outpointed Ayenaaz Sidhu and Rajendra Madhu, also of Chandigarh 6-4, 6-1.
Local Prabhamrit Kaur will face Jaspreet Kaur of Punjab in the girls Under-16 singles final.
In semi-final contests Prabhamrit Kaur beat Sandeep Saran (Pb) 6-2, 6-0 while Jaspreet Kaur (edged out Ravnoor Kaur of Chandigarh 7-6 (5), 6-2.
Results: Boys-U-12 singles (semi-finals): Vikas Berwal (Delhi) bt Utkarsh Khosla (Chd) 6-2, 6-1, Sachin Kumar (Chd) bt Dheer Anush Bhatti (Chd) 6-3, 6-1.
Girls-U-12 singles (semi-finals): Hassan Abdal Dhanoa (Pb) bt Charvi Saxena (Chd) 6-4, 7-5, Bhavya Wadhawan (Chd) bt Vaishnavi (Delhi) 6-4, 7-5.
Boys-U-16 singles (semi-finals): Pankaj Kumar (Chd) bt Samin Bhargava (Chd) 6-3, 6-1, Harry Jindal (Pb) bt Jaspinder (Pb) 7-5, 6-2.
Girls-U-16 singles (semi-finals): Prabhamrit Kaur (Chd) bt Sandeep Saran (Pb) 6-2, 6-0, Jaspreet Kaur (Pb) bt Ravnoor Kaur (Chd) 7-6 (5), 6-2.
Girls-U-16 doubles (final): Harkirat Kaur Bains (Chd) and Charvi Saxena (Chd) bt Ayenaaz Sidhu and Rajendra Madhu (Chd) 6-4, 6-1.
Boys-U-16 doubles (final): Harry Jindal (Pb) and Prateek (Pb) bt Manoj (Chd) and Mandeep Kumar (Chd) 7-6 (6), 2-6, 10-3.

Charlesworth okays 16 players for CHA

Richgard Charlesworth with the players selected for the Chandigarh Hockey Academy, being run by the Chandigarh Sports Department, at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium in Chandigarh.
CHANDIGARH, 22
The Chandigarh Hockey Academy, run by the Chandigarh Sports Department, has inducted 16 boys in the age group of 9-10 years for round-the-year residential training free of cost. Out of 24 shortlisted after premilinary trials conducted in various parts of the country, eight players were declared 'medically overaged." Out of selected 16 players, 15 are from Punjab and one from Haryana.
The selected players were called for 'final' approval from technical adviser to the Indian hockey, Dr Richards Charlesworth of Australia. Charlesworth watched the players in action and reviewing the records of all players, he said "they are good ones. They are showing keenness."
Joint Director Sports Dr JP Sidhu was also present on the occasion. He disclosed that eight more players in the sub-junior category (8-9 years) would be selected during the second phase. The strength of the junior players will also be increased to 24 from present strength of 20.
Charlesworth imparts training to the Chandigarh Hockey Academy whenever he is in Chandigarh under an agreement signed by the former IHF officials and the Chandigarh Sports Department.
Selected playes are: Malkeet Singh (Amritsar), Parampreet Singh (Nawanshahr), Gurjot Singh (Jalandhar), Oamkar Daman Singh Deol (Gurdaspur), Jaspreet Singh (Amritsar), Amritpal Singh (Gurdaspur), Ravinder Singh (Gurdaspur), Arvinder Singh (Sangrur), Maninderjit Singh (Sangrur), Kamaljit Singh (Amritsar), Gurjeet Singh (Ferozepur), Sumeet Pal Singh (Gurdaspur), Hartaj Singh (Kapurthala), Jasdeep Singh (Mohali) , Pushpinder Singh (Ferozepur) and Vishal Ankit (Sonepat).

Chandigarh junior boxing on June 6

CHANDIGARH, MAY 22
The 31st Junior Men and 5th Junior Women Chandigarh State Boxing Championships will be held at Boxing Hall in Sector 42 Sports Complex here on June 6 and 7. During the state championships Chandigarh State Junior Men team will be selected for participation in the 41st National Juniior Boxing Championship to be held at Nagpur from June 17 to 22 and also for Junior Women Nationals. The Chandigarh boxers born in 1990, 91 and 92 are eligible to participate in the 11 weight categories of junior division,
The weighing-in will start on June 6 at the venue between 8 to 10 a.m. Entry fees Rs 50 - per head per weight category alongwith origional age certificate and authority letter of the Head of the Institution shall be accepted at the spot, according to Chandigarh Boxing Association secretary Dr C K Jerath.

335 apepar for CF Punjab trials

Probables from Punjab attending two-day selection trials conducted by Cricket Federation of Punjab in Chandigarh on Wednesday.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oQyz1sQbo-o/SDQ75o--aKI/AAAAAAAAB1g/x6b9sYa8nHM/s1600-h/DSC00839.JPG">
CHANDIGARH, MAY 21
A record number of 335 players turned up for two-day trials conducted by the Cricket Federation of Punjab at the Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 32 here today. The selection committee consisting of Jai Kapila, Amarjit Kumar, Harpinder Virk and Kamal Thakur, shortlisted 42 probables for coaching camp which begins on May 23 under the supervision of Jai Kapila.
Giving this information after the trials, CFP president Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, the probables should report to Kapila on May 23 at 3.30 p.m at GMSSS-32.
A team will be selected to represent Punjab in the first All-India Under-17 National Federation Cup to be conducted by Cricket Federation of India (Regd) from May 28 to 31. Matches will be played in Panchkula and Chandigarh.
Probables selected for camp: Harmanpreet Singh, Parshant Singla, Pardeep Gill, Rohit Kashyap, Harpreet Mander, Manpreet Godana, Jasandeep, Komal Rawat, Charanjeet Singh, Ravinder Singh, Neeraj, Ravi Pandey, Gursahib Singh, Dhruv Talwar, Vikramveer Sharma, Ankit Wadhawan, Sumit Hooda, Balwinder Singh, Ashish Roy, Charanamrit, Sahil Aggarwal, Himashu, Pritpal Singh, Harshdeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Anirudh Thakur, Harshveer Singh, Ishwar Chauhan, Parminder Nain, Malak Singh, Kunal Visht, Hitest Katoch, Parshant Singla, Vasu Rajoria, Ishan Ali, Pawan Batra, Amanpreet Singh, Abhishek Saini, Ram Chandigarh Yadav, Manpreet Khokhar, Suraj, Sohail Malik, Gaurav Vashisht.

Mukesh to lead Chandigarh in Santosh Trophy

CFA general secretary Rakesh Bakshi who has been appointed Match Commissioner for the Santosh Trophy.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 21
The Chandigarh Football Association appoint4ed Mukesh of Chandigarh Police as captain of the Chandigarh team in the 62nd National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy to be held in Jammu and Srinagar from May 25 to June 15. Chandigarh have been grouped with Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Sikkim in Cluster I
Chandigarh are pitted against Bihar on May 26 and their next two matches will be on May 28 against Tamil Nadu and on May 30 against Sikkim. The Cluster I and II matches up to quarter-final stage will be played in Jammu. The other clusters matches will be conducted in Srinagar.
The Chandigarh team will be leaving for Jammu on May 23. The CFA general secretary Rakesh Bakshi has been appointed Match Commissioner for the Santosh Trophy.
The Chandigarh team was finalised during the coaching camp in which 34 probables were trained by NIS qualified coach Mukesh of Chandigarh Police.
Team: Mukesh Kumar (captain), Hanish, Sukhdeep, Jaspreet, Pawandeep, Jashanpreet, Gopal Thapa, Pawandeep (NPS), Karnail, Akhil Sharma, Ankit Malik, Manpreet, Ajay Bhatt, Sunil Kumar, Rakesh Vohra, Harminder Singh and Puneet Parmar.
Amrik Singh (manager). Coach: Anil Saini.
The following are the groupings: Cluster I: Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Chandigarh and Sikkim. Cluster II: Services, Manipur, Orissa, Nagaland. Cluster III: Delhi, Tripura, Gujarat. Cluster IV: Jammu and Kashmir, Pudicherry, Daman and Diu and Himachal Pradesh. Cluster V: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Cluster VI: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam. Cluster VII: Chattisgarh, Railways and Miozram. Cluster VIII: Meghalaya, Goa and Uttrakhand.

8 teams for Mount Shivalik Trophy

CHANDIGARH, MAY 21
The Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy will be organising an Inter-Academy Under-15 Cricket Tournament for Mount Shivalik Trophy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here from May 26 to June 8. Players born on or after January 1, 1993 will be eligible to take part in the tournament.
Giving this information today, Azad Academy Director Dronacharya DP Azad said that eight teams would be selected to compete in the league-cum-knock tournament. The teams will be divided into two pools and two top teams from each pool will qualify for semi-finals.
Dronacharya Azad said that up to league matches, it will be a 35-over each side affair and the semi-finals and final would be of 40 overs each side. The organisers have directed participating teams to furnish a list of 14 players each and change can be made only with the permission of the organising committee.
The teams have been also asked to depute one umpire each. Azad said that the umpires and the scorers would be paid honorarium. A protest with a fee of Rs 3,000 would be entertained. However, Azad clarified that no protest would be considered against the umpire's decisions.
Besides, the glittering trophies, the organisers will also distribute individual prizes to the best batsman, the best bowler, the best all-rounder and the best wicket-keeper.
An organising committee with Chandigarh Cricket Association, affiliated to Punjab Cricket Association, secretary Mohinder Singh as chairman has been formed. Other members are Bhupinder Singh Senior, Sushil Kapoor, Sanjeev Aggarwal and Arun Rai (convener).
More details are available with Azad Academy chief coach Arun Rai at St Stephen's School, Sector 45.

Khosla, Mintri and Vineeta hog limelights

CHANDIGARH, MAY 20
Seventh class student of local St Anne's School qualifier Utkarsh Khosla continued his winning streak as he shocked top seed Nikunj Poddar of West Bengal in straight sets in the boys Under-12 pre-quarter-final match of the AITA Talent Series Tennis Championship at the CLTA Sports Complex in Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.
With just two AITA points in his kitty and ranked 193rd, Utkarsh Khosla was not overawed as he was facing the top seed and 54th ranked with 14 AITA points from West Bengal player. The local lad played a cautious game in the beginning but as the match progresssed, Utkarash Khosla started executing his strokes with more confidence and power to record a stunning straight sets 4-2, 4-0 victory.
Khosla is now pitted against local lad Param Pun who rallied to down Dalwinder Singh of Punjab 1-4, 4-2, 5-4 (2).
Ayush Mintri (boys Under-16), who trains at the CLTA High Performance Programme, and
unseeded Vineeta Singh (girls Under-12) of Delhi, also hogged the spotlight in the pre-quarter-final matches.
In an all-CLTA pre-quarter-final affair Ayush Mintri proved the seeding committee wrong as he toppled the top seed Aviraj Kamboj 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Ayush will now cross swords with qualifier Samin Bhargava of Chandigarh who stunned eighth seed Amit Bzad of Punjab 7-6 (2), 6-3.
Down by one set, fleet-footed Vineeta Singh of Delhi staged a brilliant rally to end the challenge of second seed Harleen Wadhwa, also of Delhi, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the girls Under-12 pre-quarter-final match.
Results: Boys-U-12 (pre-quarter-finals): Utkash Khoshla (Chd) bt Nikunj Poddar (WB) 4-2, 4-0, Param Pun (Chd) bt Dalwinder Singh (PB) 1-4, 4-2, 5-4 (2), Raghav Talwar (Chd) bt Ankush Arora (Pb) 5-4 (5), 4-1, Vikash Berwal bt Abhinav Bisla (Delhi) 4-0, 4-0, Sachin Kumar (CHD) bt Sumit Singh (CHD) 4-0, 3-5, 4-2, Dhruv Pal bt Kunal Punj (CHD) 5-3, 4-0, Alex Solanki (DLI) bt Abhijeet Singh (CHD) 2-4, 4-1, 4-2, Dheer Anush Bhatti (CHD) bt Rohin Vinayak (CHD) 4-2, 5-4 (3).
Boys-U-16 (PQF): Pankaj Kumar (Chd) bt Zian Rasheed (Chd) 6-1, 7-6 (5), Ayush Mintri (Pb) bt Aviraj Kamboj (Chd) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, Samin Bhargava (Chd) bt Amit Bzad (Har) 7-6 (2), 6-3, Gulshan Kumar (Pb) bt Manoj Kumar (Chd) 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-4, Udai S. Mann (Chd) bt Hridaya Kirplani (Delhi) 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-1, Jaspinder Singh (Pb) bt Srijan Uppal (Chd) 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, Paramveer S. Toor (Chd) bt Mandeep Kumar (Chd) 6-4, 6-3, Harry Jindal (Pb) bt Ajay Thakur (Pb) 6-2, 7-6 (6).
Girls-U-12 (PQF): Vibhuti Khullar (Chd) bt Niyati Kohli (Delhi) 6-0, 6-0, Bhavya Wadhawan (Chd) bt Himani Mor 6-0, 6-4, Hassan Dhanoa (Pb) bt Nandini Sharma (Chd) 6-2, 6-1, Charvi Saxena (Chd) bt Victoria Chahal (Har) 7-6 (7), 6-4, Jahnvi Gupta (Delhi) bt Nikita (Chd) 6-3, 6-1, Vineeta Singh (Delhi) bt Harleen Wadhwa (Delhi) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, Vaishnavi (Delhi) bt Harsimran Kaur (Har) 6-3, 6-2, Riya Bhatia (Delhi) bt Vanshika Sawhney (Chd) 6-1, 6-0.
Girls U-16 (PQF): Jaspreet Kaur (Pb) bt Vaishnavi (DelhiI) 6-2, 6-0, Ravnoor Kaur (Chd) bt Raidha (Chd) 6-0, 6-0, Gundeep Kaur (Pb) bt Ayenaaz Sidhu (Chd) 6-0, 6-1, Sandeep Saran (Pb) bt Ramneet Kaur (Pb) 6-2, 6-0, Bhavya Wadhawan (Chd) bt Charvi Saxena (Chd) 6-1, 6-3, Parbhamrit Kaur (Chd) bt Vibhuti Khullar (Chd) 6-0, 6-1.

Chandigarh swimming trials on May 25

CHANDIGARH, May 20
The selection trials of Chandigarh team for participating in the 25th Sub Junior National Aquatic Championships being at Kolkata, from June 26 to 29, would be held here on May, 25 at 10:00 a.m. onwards at Nursery Swimming Pool of Sector 23-D, according to ad hoc Selection Committee (swimming) chairmanship S.M. Sharma.
Interested swimmers should get their names registered with Paramjit Singh at Nursery Swimming Pool, Sector 23-D, latest by May 24 at 6:00 p.m. Sharma said that those boys and girls who have been participating from other States during the previous years will have to secure no objection certificate from those State Associations before their selection in Chandigarh team.

PGAI summer camp for junior golfers

CHANDIGARH, MAY 20
The Professional Golfer Association of India (PGAI) will organise a coaching camp for junior golfers in the age groups of 7 to 17 years at the Chandigarh Golf Association Golf Range from June 7 to 17, according to CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy director JS Grewal.
Fifty juniors will be selected for the summer camp. Besides, 10 junior caddies will also be part of this camp. The caddies will be imparted training free of cost. The camp will be conducted by J.S. Grewal Class “A” Teaching professional and Mahesh Kumar Class B Teaching Professional certified by the Indian National Golf Academy which is the only recognized body in India.
There will be chipping, putting and long driving competition as well as a 9 hole Pitch and Putt Tournament at the end of camp. The Lalit Suri Golf Foundation is sponsoring the coaching camp.

Mohali, Chandigarh win on first-innings lead

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19
Mohali defeated Zone A by virture of their first-innins lead of 106 runs in the Punjab Inter-District Under-16 Cricket Tournament for Markan Trophy at the Yadvindra Public School ground in Mohali today.
Resuming at their overnight score of 43 for 3, Zone A scored 202 for 7 in allotted 95 overs. Mohali had scored 308 all out yesterday.
Mahavir Singh ( 76), Harjit Singh (49) and Harpreet Singh (26 not out) were the main scorers for Zone A. Sumit Agnihotri got four wickets for 67 runs.
Mohali started their second innings and scored 46 for 3 in 22 overs. Harjit Singh and Harpreet remained not out 13 and 4, respectively. Sumit Agnihotri captured two wickets for 16 runs.
Brief scores: Mohali (1st Innings) 308 all out in 77.5 overs (Birkanwar Singh 111, Subeer Hayer 53, Sourav Chopra 68, Princepal Singh 3 for 11, Amandeep 3 for 71, Shahbaz 2 for 64. Zone A (1st Innings): 202 for 7 in allotted 95 overs (Mahavir Singh 76, Harjit Singh 49, Harpreet Singh 26 not out and Shahbaz 5 not out, Sumit Agnihotri 4 for -67, Manish 1 for 51, Birkanwar 1 for 15).
Mohali (2nd Innings): 46 for 3 in 22 overs (Harjit Singh 13 not out, Harpreet 4 not out, Sherbar 8 and Satwinder 9, Sumit Agnihotri 2 for 16).
At the Sector 16 Cricket Stasdium here, Chandigarh defeated Amritsar by virtue of their first innings lead of 17 runs.
Chandigarh resumed their innings at the overnight score for 13 for 1 in 10 overs. Chandigarh scored 309 for 5 in allotted 95 overs and gained a lead of 17 runs. Vaibhav Garg (109 12x4s), Shubham Mahajan (67, 8x4s) , Hitesh Bhutani (61 not out, 6x4s) and Jaskaran Singh (30) were the main scorers for Chandigarh. Vinay
Chaudhary bagged three for 130-3.
Brief scores: Amritsar (1st Innings): 292 for 7 in 95 overs (Jagdeep Singh 112 not out, Kamal Passi 67, Mohit Handa 27, Beer Karan Goel 3 for 97, Naveen Dhiman 3 for 77). Chandigarh (1st Innings): 309 for 5 in 95 overs (Vaibhav Garg 109, Shubham Mahajan 67, Hitesh Bhutani 61 not out, Jaskaran Singh 30, Vinay Chaudhary 3 for 130).

Jyoti and Sarabjeet bag gold

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19
Jyoti Kaushik and Sarabjeet Singh, both of Chandigarh, won the open girls and open boys singles titles, respectively, in the National Table Soccer Championship which concluded at Police DAV Public School in Ambala City on Sunday.
International Jyoti Kaushik outplayed Tarandeep Kaur of Punjab by 4-1 in the open girls singles final. In an all-Chandigarh match for third and fourth positions, Sheetal defeated Jyoti by 4-2 to claim the bronze medal.
Sarabjeet Singh overcame a stiff resistance from his team mate Ankur by 5-3 in the final.
Aneetpal of Punjab claimed bronze medal after he defeated Arshad by 5-2.
Anu of Chandigarh returned home with girls Under-17 gold medal after beating Twinkle of Haryana by 4-3,
According to Table Soccer Federation of India president Balwinder Singh Johal, the overall championship was claimed by Haryana.
Results:Open girls singles: Final: Jyoti Kaushik (Chandigarh) bt Tarandeep Kaur (Punjab) by 4-1. For third and fourth positions: Sheetal (Vhd) btJyoti (Chd) 4-2.
Open boys singles: Final: Sarabjeet Singh (Chd) bt Ankur (Chd) by 5-3. Third and fourth positions: Aneetpal (Pb) bt Arshad (Chd) 5-2.
Under-17 girls singles: Final: Anu (Chd) bt Twinkle (Haryana) 4-3. Third and fourth positions: Jyoti Pannu (Chd) bt Sheefali (Pb) 4-1.
Boys U-17 doubles (final): Arshad/Varinder Pal (Chd) bt Ankit Bansal/Kuljinder Singh (Chd) 4-2. 3 Harwinder Singh/Maninder Singh (Chd).

Khosla, Vineeta move into second round

CHANDIGARH, MAY 19
A seventh class student of local St Anne's School, qualifier Utkarsh Khosla continued his winning spree and ousted another qualifier Chinmay of Delhi by 4-1, 4-0 in the boys under-12 singles first-round encounter of the All India Tennis Association Talent Series Tennis Championship being held at the CLTA Sports Complex in Sector 10 here today.
Utkarsh Khosla will now cross swords with top seeded Nikung Poddar of West Bengal in the next round. Poddar got a first-round bye. Second seed Dheeranush Bhatti, who got first-round, will meet lucky loser Rohin Vinayak of Chandigarh in the second round. Vinayak defeated Jotpal Singh of Punjab 5-3, 4-1.
Chandigarh lad wild card Srijjan Uppal defeated qualifier Deepak Shah of United Kingdom 6-4, 6-3 in the boys Under-16 singles first round fixture. Another local player Udai S. Mann overcame a stiff resistance from Prateek Agawana (Punjab) in three well-contested sets 6-3, 6-7 (5) 6-3. Second seed Harry Jindal of Punjab ousted lucky loser Debvir Singh (Chd) 6-1, 6-3.
Vineeta Singh of Delhi registered a fluent 4-1, 4-1 triumph over Naemat Aulakh in the girls Under-12 first-round match. Haryana's Harsimran Kaur disposed of the challenge of Navraj Walia of Chandigarh 5-4 (3), 4-1.
Results: Boys-U-12 (Ist round): Dalwinder Singh (Pb) btSubham Midha (Delhi) 4-1, 4-1, Raghav Talwar (Chd) bt Shramay Dhawan (Delhi) 4-1, 4-1, Utkarsh Khosla (Chd) bt Chinmay (Delhi) 4-1, 4-0; Param Pun (Chd) bt Rohil Hakim (Delhi) 4-2, 4-1, Abhinav Bisla (Haryana) bt Mrinal Kanwar (Delhi) 4-0, 4-1, Sachin Kumar (Chd) bt Shrey Gupta (Haryana) 4-0, 4-1, Sunil Pal Singh (Chd) bt Rohin Dhamsania (Delhi) 4-2, 4-1, Ankush Arora (Pb) bt Mohit Jain (Delhi) 5-4 (3), 3-5, 4-2, Abhijeet Singh (Chd) bt Sultan Singh 5-4 (5), 5-4 (2), Alex Solanki (Delhi) bt Vaibhav Singh 5-4 (2), 4-0, Rohin Vinayak (Chd) bt Jotpal Singh (Pb) 5-3, 4-1, Kunal Punj (Delhi) bt Santbir Singh (Chd) 4-1, 4-1.
Boys-U-16 (Ist round): Paramveer S. Toor (Chd) bt Rakshit Rishi (Delhi) 6-2, 6-1, Ayush Mintri (Pb) bt Ranjeet Singh (Chd) 6-1, 6-4, Manoj (Chd) bt Anupam Chhetri (Chd) 6-3, 6-2, Aviraj Kamboj (Chd) bt Dhruv Goel 6-2, 6-3, Samin Bhargava (Chd) bt Ankush Arora (Pb) 6-0, 6-0, Amit Bzad (Pb) bt Sohrab Kunwar (Pb) 6-2, 6-2, Gulshan Kumar (Pb) bt Gautam Ahuja (Delhi) 6-4, 7-5, Zian Rasheed (Chd) bt Ravinder Singh (Punjab) 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, Pankaj Kumar (Chd) bt Rajbir Singh 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, Mandeep Kumar (Chd) bt Naveen Dhmeja (Pb) 6-2, 6-1, Srijan Uppal (Chd) bt Deepak Shah 6-4, 6-3, Hridaya Kriplani bt Sandeep Singh 6-4, 6-3, Udai S. Mann (Chd) bt Prateek Agawana (Punjab) 6-3, 6-7 (5) 6-3, Jaspinder Singh (Pb) bt Anmol S. Bains (Chd) 6-4, 6-1, Harry Jindal (Pb) bt Debvir Singh (Chd) 6-1, 6-3, Ajay Thakur (Pb) bt Bhavtaranpreet Singh (Chd) 6-4, 6-0.
Girls-U-12 (Ist round): Harsimran Kaur (Haryana) bt Navraj Walia (Chd) 5-4 (3), 4-1, Vineeta Singh (Delhi) bt Naemat Aulakh 4-1, 4-1.
Girls U-16 (Ist round): Mariyam Raidha (Chd) bt Jasmine Singh 6-1, 6-0, Sandeep Saran (Pb) bt Ankita (Delhi) 6-1, 6-1.

11 girls among 28 attending AIFF coaching course

AIFF Director of Coaching Gabriel Joseph explaining pre-requisites for the introductory coaching course at St Stephen's School-45 in Chandigarh on Monday. CHANDIGARH, MAY 19
A six-week All India Football Federation introductory coaching course for outstanding players/officials commenced at the St Stephen's School in Sector 45 here today. AIFF's director of coaching Gabriel Joseph is conducting the course. Eleven women are among the 28 aspirants for AIFF coaching licence.
Explaining pre-requisites for the introductory coaching course, Joseph made it clear that only those who attend the classes and practical training on all day during the camp would be awarded participation certificate. It will be very helpful for those who aspire to attend AIFF level 'C' coaching licence. Joseph recently conducted Licence C course in JCT Phagwara.
The Chandigarh Football Association, which is conducting the first introductory coaching course in Chandigarh, is planning to hold licence C coaching course. CFA general secretary Rakesh Bakshi said that before the association opts for licence C coaching course, it has planned to host another introductory coaching course for coaches/PTIs working in the Chandigarh Education Department.
"The CFA will be approaching the DPI (Schools) in this connection," said Bakshi.
Meanwhile, Joseph explained introduction to coaching profession in the second session. It was followed by video training session. And the day's programme concluded with warming up/ball feeling and cooling down exercise. The classes are conducted at St Stephen's School, while the aspirant go to adjacent Dev Samaj College, Sector 45, for practical lessons.
Principal Harold Carver was also present on the inaugural ceremony.
Those attending the course are: Suman Deep Kaur, Anjana Thakur, Meena Kumari, Poonam, Poonam Deol, Pooja, Parvinder Kuar, Kamaljit Kaur, Jaskiran Kaur, Sharanjot Kaur, Harnoor Kaur Chahal, Surjit Singh, Dinesh Patrick, Raman Jinta, Kartik Bhardwaj, Viney Kanwar, Kanwar Vinod Kumar, Manjit Singh, Vishal Rana, Vijay Bhatt, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohak, Pankaj, Mukesh, Ashok Kumar, G V Singh and Ramesh Chand Bhatt.

Jeev finishes tied 40th

GREENVILLE (SOUTH CAROLINA) MAY 19
PGTI member Arjun Atwal fired one under 70 in the final round of the Nationwide Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am on Sunday to secure tied eighth position. The Indian golfer rounded off his week with scores of 69, 67, 69 and 70 to total eleven under 275. The tournament was won by American David Mathis who had an overall score of twenty under 266.
On Sunday, Atwal knocked down birdies on the second, fifth, ninth and 13th and dropped bogeys on the third, 17th and 18th. Atwal, thus posted his fifth top 10 finish of the year.
Meanwhile, Jeev Milkha Singh finished tied 40th at the European Tour’s Adare Manor Irish Open after returning two over 74 in the final round on Sunday. He had carded 66, 76 and 75 in the first three rounds. The 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner ended the event with a total of three over 291. Englishman Richard Finch emerged winner at ten under 278.
Jeev’s fourth round included birdies on the eighth and 18th and bogeys on the third, fifth, seventh and 13th.

Birkanwar, Jagdeep hit tons in Markan Trophy

CHANDIGARH,MAY 18
A 155-ball century by Birkanwar Singh (111) helped Mohali pile up 308 all out in 77.5overs against Zone A on the opening day of the Punjab Inter-District Under-16 Cricket Tournament for Markan Trophy being played at the Yadvindra Public School in Mohali today.
In reply Zone A were struggling aet 43 for 3 at the close of play. Sumit and Munish got two and one wickets, respectively.
Mohali won the toss and elected to bat. Bolstered by good knocks of Birkanwar Singh (111, 18x4s), Subeer Hayer (53, 9x4s), Sourav Chopra (68, 7x4s) were the main scorers for Mohali. Princepal Singh (3 for 111), Amandeep (3 for 71) and Shahbaz (2 for 64) were the main wicket takers for Zone A.
At the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here, Amritsar scored 292 for 7 in allotted 95 overs against Chandigarh. Jagdeep Singh flayed the Chandigarh bowlers as he slammed an unbeaten 112 with the help of 10 fours. Jagdeep faced 207 deliveries.
Kamal Passi (67, 7x4s) and and Mohit Handa (27, 3x4s) were their other main scorers for Amritsar. Beer Karan Goel (3 for 97) and Naveen Dhiman (3 for 77) were the main wicket takers for Chandigarh.
In reply Chandigarh were at 13 for 1 in 10 overs at the close of the day's play.
SELECTION TRIALS FOR VIJ ACADEMY: Selection trials for the Bharti Vij's Saint Soldier Cricket Academy for various age groups i.e. 8 to 12 years, 12 to 16 years and 16 to 19 years will be held on May 21at Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28 at 3.30 pm.
Chief coach of the academy Bharti Vij, is a former Ranji/Duleep Trophy player from Punjab and the highest wicket taker for Punjab so far in the Ranji Trophy. He has taken 320 wickets in 72 first class matches, including 260 wickets in Ranji Trophy. He played Challenger Ttrophy for India-B and took four wickets against touring Sri Lankan team in 1993.
Vij is a qualified BCCI level-2 coach and he was coach of BCCI zonal cricket academy (North zone) for 2 years. He also worked with Punjab Cricket Association as senior cricket coach for 4 years.
Interested players should report on May 21 at 3 p.m.

29 selected for CF Chandigarh camp

Probables waiting for their turn during the selection trials conducted by Cricket Federation of Chandigarh at MCM DAV College ground in Sector 36 on Sunday.CHANDIGARH, MAY 18
The Cricket Federation of Chandigarh today picked up 29 probables from over 100 cricketers who appeared for selection trials conducted at the MCM DAV College Ground in Sector 36 here. The selected players will now attend a coaching camp from May 20 in preparation of Chandigarh's participation in the first inaugural Under-17 All-India National Federation Cup Cricket Tournament to be organised by the Cricket Federation of India (Regd) in City Beautiful from May 28 to 31.
According to CFC general secretary Ravinder Talwar, the selected players should report to coach Chetan on May 20 at 7 a.m. Those who fail to attend coaching camp without any valid reason, will not be allowed to play in the Federation Cup. The final team will be selected on the basis of their performance during the coaching camp.
Those retained for coaching camp: Gaurav Bhamer, Abhishek, Harmanpreet Singh, Sam Sidhu, Pardeep Singh, Sajjal, Davinder Singh, Virat Rana, Ankur Gupta, Chand Kumar, Aarjav Raj Singh, Harshveer Singh, Prabhji Singh, Avmolveer Singh, Vipan Kumar, Navdeep Thakur, Nimish Gupta, Mohit Garg, Vishal Gupta, Sajjal, Rohan, Siraj Alam, Varun Birla, Rahul Sharma, Arirudh Gupta, Rahul Nahar, Pardeep Singh, Prince Rathore and Gaurav.

Tanvir, Sumit guide Pace Club to victory

CHANDIGARH, MAY 17
A fine batting performance by opener Tanvir, backed by some lethal bowling by Sumit Hooda (4 for 15) and Anil Sharma (3 for 3), enabled Pace Club, Sector 32 to defeat Inscol XI by 48 runs in the IInd Gold Cup League Cricket Tournament, organised by the Chandigarh Sports CLub, here at GMSSS-32 today.
Pace Club-32 decided to bat first after winning the toss. The openers backed the decision of their captain to the hilt, and put up a fruitful partnership of 90 runs in the first 10 overs.
Opener Tanvir was able to get to his half-century, hitting 7 fours in the process, before being run out. He was ably supported by Rohit Singh at the other end. The other batsmen did not score at the same pace and managed to get their team through to 130 runs in 20 overs.
In reply, Inscol XI succumbed to a deadly bowling of Sumit Hooda, backed by Anil Sharma from the other end. Ashish also chipped in with two wickets, getting rid of the openers in his consecutive overs. Ramesh was the only batsman to get past 20 runs. The team was bowled out for 82 runs in 16 overs, with the last 6 wickets falling for 3 runs.
Brief scores: Pace Club-32: 130 for 5 in 20 overs (Tanvir 50, Rohit Singh 32, Sunil 1for 12, Gandhar 1 for 15, Ravi 1 for 27). Inscol XI: 82 all out in 16 overs (Ramesh 22, Sumit Hooda 4 for 15), Anil Sharma 3 for 3, Ashish 2 for 25, Ajit 1 for 17).
In another match which went on till the last ball and swinged both ways , Fortis XI managed to beat Trimax Computer by 9 runs.
Batting first, Fortis XI put up 163 runs with Kuldeep topscoring with 31 runs. In reply, Trimax Computers fell short by 9 runs.
Brief scores: Fortis XI: 163 for 7 in 20 overs (Kuldeep 31, Neeraj Rana 27, Rajwant Jassar 3 for 26, Neeraj 3 for 35). Trimax Computers : 154 for 7 in 20 overs (Deepak Dhiman 44, Sandep 34, Pankaj 2 for 14).

AIFF introductory coaching course from May 19

CHANDIGARH, MAY 17
The Chandigarh Football Association is conducting an introductory coaching course for outstanding players/officials from May 19 to 24 at St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here. The one-week course is being conducted under the supervision of Gabriel Joseph, Director (Coaching) of All India Football Federation.
According to CFA general secretary Rakesh Bakshi, the AIFF has appreciated efforts of the CFA to promote football. The CFA has recently opened football academies for women at Dev Samaj College in Sector 45 and for men at SD Senior Secondary School in Sector 42. Coaching is being provided at these association-run football academies free of cost.
The CFA will also associate a dietitian from PGI during the course.
Keeping this in view, the AIFF proposed that introductory coaching course for coaches/players/players who are manning these academies or working in some other schools/coaching centres, should be held in Chandigarh from May 19 under supervision of Gabriel Joseph from May 19.
The AIFF introductory coaching course will be inaugurated on May 19 at 9.45 a.m. After inauguration pre-requisites for the course and expectations/course details will be considered. Joseph will devote his second session to introduction to coaching profession. Video on training will be shown during third session. The fourth session of the day will deal with warming up/ball feeling and cooling down etc.
The following is the complete course programme:
May 19: Session I: Inauguration. Pre-requisites for course and expectations/course details. Session II: Introduction to coaching profession. Session III: Video training. Session IV: Warming up/ball feeling and cool down.
May 20: Session I: Passing and support play. Session II: Laws of the game. Session III: Session planning, organising individual training and coaching sessions. Session IV: Dribbling etc.
May 21: Session I: Attacking play 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2. Session II: Football technique and skills/video training. Session III: Method of coaching and principals of teaching and coaching. Session IV: Defending play 1 vs 1 and 2 vs 2.
May 22: Session I: Shooting. Session II: Age group training/requirements for successful scorer. Session III: Sports safety, nutritional and hydration. Session IV: Basic goalkeeping.
May 23: Session I: Small sided games. Session II: Age group training/requirements for successful scorer. Session III: Effective communication/participants session. Session IV: Participant's session.
May 24: Session I: Participant's session. Session II: Course evaluation. Session III: Closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, four players of St Stephen's Football Academy have been included in the India Under-14 were included in the coaching camp for AFC Cup Football Tournament to be held in Iran in this month. Six Chandigarh players from various coaching centres/acadmies are attending India Under-16 coaching camp in Goa.

Saupin’s educates underprivileged children on hygiene

Dr. Raman Raheja examining an underprivileged child studying in Saupin's School in Sector 32 in Chandigarh on Saturday.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 17
The afternoon shift children of Saupin’s School , Sector-32A have a reason to smile each day as coming to school has brought sunshine to their lives. These underprivileged children belonging to the age group of 3 to 6 years, come from Colony No. 5 .
Mrs. Santa Saha and Mrs. Jatinder K. Bedi (Honey Singh) who are a part of the regular teaching staff, along with Mr. Vincent are putting in tireless efforts and implementing not only the pre-primary level programme but are also educating them on personal hygiene and cleanliness .
The kids seem to love the regular baths which they take in the school and also relish the mid day snack sponsored by the Saupin’s Community Service Organisation and other teachers.
The education provided by Saupin’s School is not limited only to these children , but extends to their families as well. Today, these families along with their children attended a special seminar on personal hygiene and cleanliness, organized by SCSO . Dr. Raman Raheja and Dr. Ramita Raheja gave a talk using slide show and charts on the dangers of poor hygiene and sanitation .
They spoke at length about diseases like cholera , dysentery etc. and also touched upon methods of family planning.
Lunch sponsored by SCSO was provided to them along with “hygiene kits” consisting of soap , toothpaste and oil which were donated by the students of class IX and X .

CF Haryana selects 38 for camp

Haryana players taking part in the selection trials conducted by the Cricket Federation of Haryana in Panchkula on Friday. CHANDIGARH, MAY 16
The Cricket Federation of Haryana has selected 38 probables for coaching camp in preparation for its participation in the forthcoming inaugural All-India National Under-17 Federation Cup Cricket Championship to be held from May 28 to 31. The probables will attend coaching camp at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Sector 3 in Panchkula from May 20 to 26. The selected cricketers have been directed to report to cricket coach Karan Sharma at 7 a.m. on May 20 with original date of birth certificates.
Announcing the list of campers after the selection trials conducted today CFH general secretary RP Chopra said that more than 150 probables from Panchkula, Chandigarh, Ambala, Panipat, Rewari, Jhajjar, Gurgaon, Fatehabad, Yamunanagar and other districts of Haryana participated in the trials. The selection panel comprised Karan Sharma, Sukhwinder and Anil Arya.
Those invited to camp are: Anurag Thakur, Ankush Chawla, Yashdeep, Mohit Kamboj, Parikshit Rana, Harpit Mander, Rohit Kashyap, Ruplinder, Karanvir Singh, Pranav Nanda, Kamalpreet (wk), Sapan Preet, Suman Kumar, Rohan Handa, Dinesh Nanda, Jagroop Singh, Lakhwinder Singh, Manoj Shukla, Karan Chawla, Vishal Kamboj, Amrinder Singh, Varinder Singh, Aditya Singh, Mohinder Singh, Pradeep Singh, Mohit Garg, Harinder Chaudhary, Parveen Prajapati, Saurabh Kumar, Munish, Ankush Chawla, Sushil, Harminder, Ankit Gupta, Sunand, Munish Gehlawat, Ashu and Shiv Kumar.
CF Punjab trials on May 20
CHANDIGARH, MAY 16
The Cricket Federation of Punjab will conduct selection trials for Under-17 on May 20at 3 p.m. at Government Senior Secondary School in Sector 32 here. The CFP will shortlist probables for coaching camp to prepare its team for inaugural All-India National Under-17 Federation Cup Cricket Championship to be held from May 28 to 31, according to CFP president Sanjeev Kumar Sharma.
Interested cricketers should report to cricket coach Jai Kapila at 3 p.m. on May 20 along with their original date of birth certificates. Players born on or after January 1, 1991 are eligible to take part in the trials. More details are available with Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (mobile 9914445800).
===== Balbir Singh, 09417153533==

Manpreet hits ton as Zone B score 272-6

CHANDIGARH, MAY 15
Manpreet slammed a strokeful century(115) as Minor District Zone B made 272 for 6 in stipulated 95 overs against Chandigarh on the first day of the Punjab State Inter-District Under-16 Cricket Tournament for Markan Trophy at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today. In reply Chandigarh made 39 for 1 in 22 overs.
Zone B won the toss and elected to bat first. Zone B piled up 272 for 6. Btting with confidence Manpreet's century was studded with 11 boundaries. Arjun 48 (8x4s), Sarpinder 54 not out (4x4s) and Jaipreet 23 were their other main scorers for Zone B. Naveen Dhiman and Vaibhav Garg (2 for 35) captured two wickets each for 92 and 35 runs, respectively.
At close Chandigarh replied with 39 for 1. Jaskaran Singh and Naveen Dhiman were batting on 14 and 6, respectively. Manan Vohra made 12 before returning to the pavilion. He was dismissed by Manpreet (1 for 8).
Brief scores: Zone B: 272 for 6 in 95 overs (Manpreet 115, Arjun 48, Sarpinder 54 not out, Jaipreet 23, Naveen Dhiman 2 for 92, Vaibhav Garg 2 for 35). Chandigarh: 39 for 1 in 22 overs (Jaskaran Singh batting 14, Manan Vohra 12, Naveen Dhiman batting 6, Manpreet 1 for 8).

PGTI Players Championships in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH, May 15
Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) today announced the “PGTI Players Championships”, a series of four events, wherein each zone of the country (north, west, east and south) will host one event, every season. The first PGTI Players Championship, a Rs. 30 lakh event, will be played at the Chandigarh Golf Club from May 28 to 31. These championships are supported by TaylorMade, Pepsico, Gatorade, Aquafina, Tropicana and CNBC-TV18.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gautam Thapar, Group Chairman, Avantha Group and President, PGTI, said “A revolutionary concept, the PGTI Players Championships herald a new era for Indian professional golf. The introduction of the Players Championships is in line with our vision to take Indian professional golf to a global level. These tournaments will provide ample opportunities for young professionals to play their best and prepare themselves for international tournaments.”
PGTI’s latest initiative will provide the required momentum to the Indian professional golf circuit. These championships will not only provide PGTI members with more opportunities, but will also make the Indian tour more lucrative. An annual feature in the PGTI calendar, the championships will help generate greater awareness about the sport.
“The introduction of the Players Championships emphasizes that PGTI is, in a true sense a ‘body by the players for the players’. The players will now get more opportunities to compete and enhance their skills that will in turn help them win laurels for the country at the international level,” said Mr. Ajai Gupta, Tour Commissioner, PGTI.
“This is a step in the right direction and will make the Indian tour reach the level of other international tours. With an attractive purse, these four events will surely attract more professionals and also encourage amateurs into the professional fold,” said PGTI Board Member and top Indian professional Jyoti Randhawa.
European Tour regular Shiv Kapur added, “The PGTI Players Championships will draw professionals from all over Asia, making the Indian tour more exciting and challenging. It will also encourage youngsters to take up golf professionally.”

Vinay, Himanshi, Arjun, Mohit Rana and Chutikan conferred titles at DPS Pinjore

A group photograph during the investiture ceremony of Delhi Public School in Pinjore.
Students who were conferred titles investiture ceremony of Delhi Public School in Pinjore.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 14
Delhi Public School of Pinjore held its fourth investiture ceremony at a solemn and graceful function organised in the school premises. DPS Pinjore chairperson Dr.Sharda Nayak, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Dr.(Mrs.) Bimla Arora, Member, managing committee, DPS, Pinjore, and Principal Samson Masih also graced the occasion.
The function started with a welcome song "Aagman Shubh Aagman", followed by a welcome speech by the Principal.
In the investiture ceremony that followed, Vinay Tehlan was invested with the title of school captain (boy) and Himanshi Handa with the title of school captain (girl). The title of sports captain (boy) was conferred on Arjun Shaukanda. Mohit Rana and Chutikan were invested with the title of school vice captain boy and girl, respectively. House captains of Ganga, Yamuna, Jhelum and Sutlej houses were also invested with their titles.
Speaking on the occacsion, Dr.Sharda Nayak advised them to be leaders imbied with the spirit of giving strength and freedom to their followers. She elaborated it with the example of birds flying in a V formation by their leader.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. (Mrs.) Prabhakar. The ceremony culminated with a group photograph of all the appointments with the chief guest.

CFA boys impress despite losing friendly matches in Germany

The Chandigarh Football Academy players who are training in Egedius Brawn Sports School in Leipzig (Germany).CHANDIGARH, MAY 14
The Chandigarh Administration-run Chandigarh Football Academy boys in the last four days played two friendly matches against FC Sachen Under-19 and Lower Sachen Under-17 teams which are National champions in their respective age groups in Germany.
According to a communication received here today from Chandigarh Sports Director-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioner from Leipzig, the matches are part of the advanced training programme the 15 CFA boys are undergoing at the Egedius Brawn Sports School under German coaches Arvid and Tom Stucky since May 8.
Players of both German teams were not only older in age by 3 to 4 years but also taller by 5 to 6 inches .However, the CFA players impressed their opponents by skillful play and their spirited fight .Though they lost both the matches by a few goals yet they enriched themselves through international match experience .
The new techniques adopted by the Germans to breach the CFA defence was an eye opener.The coaches are now working on improving the game of the CFA players through strategic formations, interchange of positions by swift movement and developing new game-plan.
In the next two matches which are scheduled to be played in the next 3 to 4 days, the coaches expect a far enhanced performance .The training is now getting more strenuous and is in turn shaping the boys to meet the challenge of tougher opponents .

Ace dancing couple to coach in Chandigarh

Shannon Benjamin and Preiti Gupta performing at the Second Indoor Asian Games in Macau in 2007. CHANDIGARH, MAY 14
The Chandigarh Dancesport Association, floated recently with Mrs Rakhee Gupta Bhandari as its president and G.S. Sethi as secretary-general, has roped in the country's top dancing couple, Shannon Benjamin and Dr Preeti Gupta, for a five-day workshop from June 2 to 6 at Indira Holiday Home in Sector 24, here.
The workshop will be followed by the first Chandigarh State Dancesport Championship for which the All-India Dancesport Federation has given its sanction.
Giving this information Rakhee Bhandari said the dancing duo had been representing India in Latin American and Standard Ballroom dance competitions in international dancesport championships.
In the Asian Indoor Games organised by the Olympic Council of Asia at Macau in November last year, Priti and Shannon made the quarter-final grade in Grade A Latin which saw keen competition among dancers from 18 Asian countries. The dancing couple were sponsored for the championship by Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.
The craze for the dancesport is such that the experts could be available for only five days as they are tied for the next workshop at Mumbai from June 7.The workshop will be restrictricted to 50 couples on a first come first serve basis.The last date for entries with Rajiv Garg, Dance World, SCO 12, second floor, Sector 17-E, Chandigarh, (mobile 9876042751) is May 25.
The 2005 World Games saw 85 countries participating in the dancesport championship with officials of the International Olympic Committee watching the event, giving the hope that this event will very soon become an Olympic event.
Benjamin and Preeti will hold the workshop for four and a half hours everyday, with three batches of 90 minutes each. Seeing the craze for dancesport the association has decided to hold such workshops on a regular basis.
Rock-n-roll was added to the dancesport at the last World Games. The other dance forms include tango, waltz, fox trot, Viennese waltz and quickstep, jive, paso doble, rumba and samba and cha cha cha.
Preeti Gupta got her name in the Limca Book of Records for being the main dancer in the 'World's Longest Dance Party' dancing non-stop for 55 hours and 55 minutes.

Rinku to lead Haryana athletes

CHANDIGARH, MAY 13
Rinku Sangwan of Bhiwani will lead a 40- member Haryana squad in the 8th Federation Cup National Junior Athletic Championship and 5th National Youth Athletic Championship to be held at Pune from May 22 to 24, according to a press release issued by the Haryana State Athletic Association here today.
Team for 8th Junior Federation Cup: Men: Kuldeep Singh (400m), Sunny (pole vault), Naveen Kumar (shot put & discus), Sandeep (jevelin throw), Bhupender (hammer) all from Bhiwani District, Rambir (hammer throw, Rohtak), Rakesh (decathlon Hisar), Pradeep and Sandeep (10km walk Jhajjar).
Women: Savita Dhankhar (1500 & 5000m), Kavita Dalal (10km walk Rohtak), Manisha (discus throw, Panipat), Rinku Rani (discus and shot put, Bhiwani), Poonam (javelin throw, Jhajjar), Mamta (10km walk, Panchkula).
5th National Youth Boys Team: Manish (100m Panipat), Dharamveer (400m, Rohtak), Parveen Kumar (400m), Sudhir Kumar (long jump), Vipin Singh (high jump), Naresh Antil (shot put), Aakash Antil (discus) all Sonipat, Baljit Singh (800m), Praveen Kumar (400m hurdles), Pradeep Kumar (high jump), Virender Singh, Arvind Kumar (javelin), Surender (hammer throw) all Bhiwani, Neeraj (10km walk, Jhajjar), Amit Kumar, Aman Handa (4X400 relay, Kurukshetra). Girls: Monika Dhankhar (100 & 200m), Manisha (400m, Rohtak), Kaushalya (100m & long jump), Pooja Jangra (triple jump), Promila (discus throw STC Hisar), Ritu (400 & 800m, Sonipat), Anju Bala (javelin), Reena Kumari (hammer Jhajjar), Anju Rathi (javelin, Shah Satnam School Sirsa).
Manager: Rammehar Singh.Lady Manager: Suman Bala. Coach: Krishan Kumar.

AIFF appoints Bakshi as Match Commissioner

CHANDIGARH, MAY 13
The All India Football Federation has appointed Chandigarh Football Association general secretary Rakesh Bakshi as Match Commissioner of the 62nd National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy to be held in Jammu and Kashmir from May 25 to June 15.
According to a communication received by the CFA from AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco, Bakshi has been posted at Srinagar and has been directed to report on May 22, according to CFA senior vice-president Jagbir Singh.
An official of Accountant General (Audit) Haryana, Rakesh Bakshi had also worked as Match Commissioner of National Football League matches on a number of occasions. He had also accompanied the Indian senior team to South Asian Federation Games in Islamabad and to Teharan with the Indian sub-junior teram.
Rakesh Bakshi is also a member of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee.

Sports Dept plans Chandigarh Open Games in Oct

CHANDIGARH, MAY 12
The Chandigarh Sports Department will conduct the Chandigarh State Open Games in the last week of October this year. Announcing the sports calender for 2008-9, Joint Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration, Dr JPS Sidhu said that 13 sports disciplines have been included in the State Open Games for men and women. The Sports Department will be spending Rs 40 lakh on conducting 16 tournaments, including coaching camps.
Competitions will be conducted in athletics, boxing, basketball, gymnastics, handball, judo, kho-kho, kabaddi, rowing, table tennis, volleyball, wrestling and weightlifting. The estimated budget for the Open State Games is Rs 5 lakh.
The All India Tennis Association Super Series Tennis Tournament will be hosted at the Lake Sports Complex in last week of December. The Administrator's Tennis Cup for sub-juniors, juniors, and senior (boys and girls) will be organised in the first week of August at Lake Sports Complex. For these two tennis tournament, a budget of Rs 5 lakh has been earmarked.
The Chandigarh Sports Department will also conduct three cricket tournaments. The last week of June will witness the Hot Weather Cricket Tournament for various institutions/clubs affiliated to Chandigarh Cricket Association, at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium. The Inter-School Cricket Tournament for Adviser's Cup will be organised in the first week of November at the Sector 16 Stadium.
The Inter-College Cricket Tournament for Administrator's Cup has been fixed for the second week of second week of December.
The All-India Football Tournament for boys Under-17 for Administrator's Cup has been scheduled for first week of September. The matches will be played at the Sector 42 Sports Complex and the Sector 17 Football Stadium.
The annual summer coaching camps for sub-junior, juniors, seniors (boys and girls) in various sports disciplines commenced at different coaching centres today. Approximately 600 trainees will get benefit of the coaching camps. The second phase of the annual coaching camp will be held in June.
Calendar for 2008-9: Annual Summer coaching camps: May 12 to 28. High altitude summer coaching camp for Chandigarh Football Hockey Academy at Chamba in last week of May.
Administrator's Cup for swimming in second week of June at Nursery Swimming Pool-23. The Hot Weather Cricket Tournament for organisations affiliated to CCA in last week of June at Sector 16 Stadium. Chandigarh Water Sports Competitions in second week of July at Lake Sports Complex.
The Administrator's Tennis Cup in first week of August at Lake Sports Complex.The Administrator's Football Cup for boys Under-17 in first week of September at Sector 42 and Sector 17 Football Stadium. The Administrator's Cup for Inter-School Athletics (boys and girls) in first week of October at Sector 7 Sports Complex.
The Chandigarh State Open Games (athletics, boxing, basketball, gymnastics, handball, judo, kho-kho, kabaddi, rowing, table tennis, volleyball, wrestling and weightlifting) in last week of October. The Inter-School Cricket Tournament for Adviser's Cup in first week of November. The Administrator's Cup for volleyball (men and women) in last week of November. The Inter-College Cricket Tournament for Administrator's Cup in the second week of December.The AITA Super Series Tennis Tournament in the last week of December. The Administrator's Cup for badminton (men and women) in the first week of January, 2009. The Administrator's Hockey Cup for boys in the last week of January next year. The Administrator's Cup for squash for seniors in the second week of February next year.

Kapur finishes tied 17th in Milan

MILAN (ITALY) May 12
PGTI member Shiv Kapur posted a creditable tied 17th finish at the European Tour’s Methorios Capital Italian Open in Milan. Kapur’s tournament total of fourteen under 274 was eleven shots adrift of the winner, South African Hennie Otto’s overall score of twenty five under 263.
Shiv Kapur’s (70, 65, 70, 69) final round effort of 69 included six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey. He started with a birdie on the first hole but subsequently lost momentum after dropping a bogey on the fourth and a double bogey on the seventh. Kapur then had a flurry of birdies on the ninth, 12th, 15th, 17th and 18th.
The tied 17th finish in Italy is Shiv Kapur’s second best result in 2008 so far. His best finish this year has been tied fifth at the Johnnie Walker Classic in India.
Meanwhile in the US PGA Tour’s The Players Championship, Daniel Chopra shot a 78 in the fourth round to finish tied 42nd with a tournament total of seven over 295.
Spaniard Sergio Garcia won the title by defeating American Paul Goydos in a playoff. The two had completed the regulation 72 holes with an identical total of five under 283.

CFI invites 36 for coaching camp

Cricketers attending selection trials conducted by Cricket Federation of India in Panchkula on Sunday.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 11
The Cricket Federation of India (Regd) has shortlisted 36 probables for coaching camp in preparation for its participation in the forthcoming inaugural All-India National Under-17 Jagan Nath Saini Memorial Federation Cup Cricket Championship to be held from May 28 to 31. The probables will attend coaching camp at St Xavier's School in Sector 20 at Panchkula from May 18 to 25. The selected cricketers have been directed to report to cricket coach Ajay Bhardwaj at 10.30 a.m. on May 18.
Announcing the list of probables CFI general secretary Amarjit Kumar said that as many as 146 probables from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Mohali, Delhi and Punjab attended selection trials held at St Xavier's School in Panchkula. The selection panel comprised Ravinder Talwar, RP Chopra, Amarjit Kumar and Ajay Bhardwaj.
Those invited to camp are:
Kshitij Mohan, Dixit Nankana, Karan Bajaj, Prince Saini, Rahul Saini, Gaurav Tandon, Rajesh Kashyap, Siddharth Yadav, Ravi Shankar, Ajay Malik, Akhil Panchal, Abhey Singh, Ronit Handa, Mohd Shajir, Gaurav Sharma, Sahej Mahajan, Mohit Verma, Pranshu Singh, Ritesh Bisht, Gautam Joshi, Rajat Bansal, Chand, Devinder Singh, Pardeep Gill, Pardeep Sharma, Rahul Mehtra, Ashish Sharma, Tushar, Aniket, Karan, Vivek Agarwal, Sumit Phogat, Mandeep Mattoo, Neeraj Kharab, Sagar Joshi and Shishank Gandhi.
CHANDIGARH TRIALS: Meanwhile, the Cricket Federation of Chandigarh will conduct selection trials for Under-17 on May 18 (Sunday) at 11 a.m. at MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36. The CFC will choose probables for coaching camp to prepare its team to compete in the forthcoming inaugural All-India National Under-17 Jagan Nath Saini Memorial Federation Cup Cricket Championship to be held from May 28 to 31, according to CFC general secretary Ravinder Talwar.
Interested players should report to cricket coach Ashish Tully at 10.30 a.m.on May 18 along with their original date of birth certificates. Players born on or after January 1, 1991 are eligible to take part in the trials.

DPS hog limelight in Invitational Taekwondo

Group photo of the winners at Invitational Taekwondo Championship organised by Panchkula Taekwondo Association on Sunday.
A bout in progress in the Invitational Taekwondo Championship organised by Panchkula Taekwondo Association on Sunday.CHANDIGARH, MAY 11
Delhi Public School, Pinjore hogged the spotlight by emerging undisputed winners with a haul of 10 gold and seven silver medals in the inaugural Invitational Taekwondo Championship organised by Panchkula Taekwondo Association at the DPS School in Pinjore, near here on Sunday.
Displaying their skills, DPS won first positions through Naman Mittal (-32 kg), Ankit Solanki (-35 kg), Mohit Tushir (-38 kg), Mohit Chaudhary (-45 kg), Ishpreet Singh (-48 kg), Anjini (-51 kg), Sanchit (-58 kg), Shadman (-62 kg), Harsh Bhandari (-78 kg) and Sagar Mathur ((+78 kg).
Taekwondo Club, with four gold and two silver, took home the runners-up trophy. Their gold medalists were: Anshbir Singh (-18 kg), 2 Gagandeep Singh (-21 kg) Onkar Singh (-41 kg) and Amit Kumar (-54 kg)..
Manav Mangal claimed three gold and two silver medals to occupy third place.They bagged gold medals through Rohit (-27 kg), Piyush (-29 kg) and Ritesh (-67 kg), accoriding to PTA secretary Harish Kumar.
Earlier, DPS Principal Samson inaugurated the two-day championship. Table Soccer Federation of India president Balwinder Singh Johal and Panchkula Taekwondo Association president Mahesh Cahwla jointly distributed the prizes.
Results: Under 18 kg: 1 Anshbir Singh (Taekwondo Club), 2 Karan Sharma (Balastic Vidyalaya). Under 21 kg: 1 Gagandeep Singh (Taekwondo Club), 2 Atinder Pal (Mohali). Under 25 kg: 1 Kartik Kher (Stepping Stone), 2 Subhuam (Taekwondo Club). Under 27 kg: 1 Rohit (Manav Mangal), 2 Gurdev Singh (Stepping Stone). Under 29 kg: 1 Piyush (Manav Mangal), 2 Jacinth (Stepping Stone). Under 32 kg: 1 Naman Mittal (DPS Pinjore), 2 Amit (Satluj Public School). Under 35 kg: 1 Ankit Solanki (DPS Pinjore), 2 Dishant (Manav Mangal). Under 38 kg: 1 Mohit Tushar (DPS Pinjore), 2 Allah Bakash (DPS Pinjore).
Under 41 kg: 1 Onkar Singh (Taekwondo Club), 2 Tejinder Singh (Taekwondo Club). Under 44 kg: 1 Vipan Rawat (Mohali), 2 Sandeep Battan (DPS, Pinjore). Below 45 kg: 1 Mohit Choudhary (DPS Pinjore), 2 Gagan (DPS Pinjore). Below 48 kg: 1 Ishpreet Singh (DPS Pinjore), 2 Lakshay Bhadoo (Little Flower Convent School). Below 51 kg: 1 Anjini (DPS Pinjore), 2 Varinder Saini (Satluj Public School). Below 54 kg: 1 Amit Kumawr (Taekwondo Club), 2 Saumya Little Flower). Below 58 kg: 1 Sanchi (DPS Pinjore), 2 Khushawr (DPS Pinjore). Below 62 kg: 1 Shadman (DPS Pinjore), 2 Gaurav (DPS Pinjore). Below 67 kg: 1 Ritesh (Manav Mangal), 2 Anannya (DPS Pinjore). Below 72 kg: 1Vibhor (Little Flower), 2 Mohammad Javed (DPS Pinjore). Below 78 kg: 1 Harsh Bhandari (DPS Pinjore), 2 Sidanth Areop (DPS Pinjore). Plus 78 kg: 1 Sagar Mathur (DPS Pinjore) and 2 Harjit (Manav Mangal).

Jagmeet, Manjeet to lead UT wrestlers

The Chandigarh boys team (freestyle and Greco-Roman) which will compete in the Junior National Wrestling Championship at Jagannath Puri (Orissa) from May 22 to 25.
The Chandigarh girls team which will take part in the the Junior National Wrestling Championship at Jagannath Puri (Orissa) from May 22 to 25. CHANDIGARH, MAY 10
The Chandigarh Wrestling Association today announced a 46-member team, including 32 wrestlers, which will take part in the 27th Freestyle and Greco-Roman style and 10th Female Junior National Wrestling Championships to be held at Jagannath Puri (Orissa) from May 22 to 25.
CWA general secretary Darshan Lal said that 6'.10" tall Jagmeet Singh, BA Part I student of DAV College, Sector 10 and Manjeet of Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26 will lead Changarh boys' and girl's teams, respectively. The team was selected after the final selection trials held at the Wrestling Coaching Centre in Sector 30 here today. Forty proabables were attending coaching camp which concluded today.
The CWA is entitled to field A and B teams in Greco-Roman and one team in Freestyle (boys) and one freestyle team (girls).
It may be recalled that Jagmeet Singh has recently challenged World Wrestling Entertainment star ' The Great Khali' (Dalip Singh Rana) to fight him any where in the world. In case The Khali emerges triumph Jagmeet has promised to give The Khali Rs 5 lakh.
Team: Women (freestyle): Anu Boora (44 kg), Kanta (48 kg), Renu (51 kg), Sarla (55 kg), Promila (59 kg), Manjeet (73 kg), Babli (67 kg), Babli (67 kg), Pooja (72 kg).Coaches: Nitu, Sweety. Manager: Kulwinder Kaur.
Men: Freestyle: Sandeep (50 kg), Deepak (55 kg), Manjot (60 kg), Parveen (66 kg), Parvesh (74 kg), Parveen (84 kg), Ravinder (96 kg), Jagmeet (+96 kg). Coaches: Virender, Jasminder. Manager: Raj Singh.
Greco-Roman 'A' team: Vikram (50 kg, Deepak (55 kg), Amit (60 kg), Yashpal (66 kg), Satish (74 kg), Sunil (84 kg), Prem (96 kg),Yogesh (+96 kg). Coaches: Satish and Ajaib Singh. Manager: Ramesh Kumar. Referee: Ashwani.
Greco-Roman 'B" Team: Ashok (50 kg), Sunil (55 kg), Surjit (60 kg), Satinder (66 kg), Kashmiri (74 kg), Sanjay (84 kg), Anil (96 kg), Sunil (+96 kg). Coaches: Surinder Singh, Surinder Kumar,. Manager: KR Sharma. Referee: Ajay.
=== Balbir Singh, 09417153533===========

15 CFA boys train in Germany

The Chandigarh Football Academy trainees being given instruction by German coaches at the Egedius Brawn Sports School at Leipzig.CHANDIGARH, MAY 8
The third badge of the Chandigarh Football Academy, run by the Chandigarh Sports Department, has started their advanced training at Egedius Brawn Sports School at Leipzig Germany on Thursday.
According to information received here today, 15 boys along with the coach Tejinder Kumar arrived in Germany on May 7.
The first coaching session was taken by the German coaches.Chief coach Arrvid along with his collegue Tom Stucky, who was in Chandigarh in February to impart training the CFA boys, instructed the training for about two hours from 2.45 p.m to 4.45 p.m.The emphasis of today's trg.was on compact play with neat, accurate short passes. Further precision shooting at a given target was also practised.
From today onwards the training will be conducted in two sessions comprring 120 minutes each.It is gradualy going to be upscaled to become more strenous.
The CFA boys will return home on May 27.
The CFA boys being trained in Germany are: Ramanjot Singh, Baljinder Singh, Sehnag Singh, Sajandeep Singh, KC Lalchhuanmawia, Abraham Lalrinngheta, Lalnuntluanga, Pankaj Negi, Amandeep Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Lalruatfela, Harpreet Singh, Sumeet Passi, Samuel and Akashdeep. Coach: Tajinder Kumar.

Jagmeet challenges The Khali

CHANDIGARH, MAY 7
Eighteen-year-old Jagmeet Singh, a student of BA I in DAV College, Sector 10, has thrown an open challenge to 'The Great Khali' , a star peformer in WWF in USA, to fight him if he is a real wrestler. Practising under Chandigarh Sports Department wrestling coach Darshan Lal for the last five years, Jagmeet who hails from village Ishanpur, near Derabassi, was willing to fight Dalip Singh Rana (Khali), who hails from village Dhirana of Himachal Pradesh, any where in the world and in any style --- Greco-Roman or Freestyle.
"If Khali defeats me, I will reward him with Rs 5 lakh," said junior National Champion Jagmeet with a roar. Six-feet and 10 feet tall, 125 kg frame, Jagmeet said "if Khali is a great wrestler, he should qualify for 2008 Beijing Olympics and bring an Olympic medal for India." Jagmeet is son of reputed farmer Charanjit Singh Toana.
Young Chandigarh wrestler is the second Indian wrestler to challenge Dalip Singh Rana, who is an employee of Punjab Police. Earlier, Olympian Palwinder Singh Cheema had challeged The Khali to fight him in any style of wrestler. In case the Khali wins, Cheema had announced that he would surrender his Rushtem-e-Hind title.

Actress Soha Ali's arms licence cancelled

CHANDIGARH, May 8
Gurgaon District Magistrate Rakesh Gupta today cancelled the arms licence of Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan. She was held guilty for suppression of facts at the time of renewal of her licence and also for misuse of her rifle by her father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in the alleged blackbuck poaching case.
The decision which was kept reserved since April 30, was announced today by the D M. Later, while addressing a press conference at Gurgaon the DM said that the arms licence of Soha Ali Khan was cancelled under section 17 of the Arms Act. She can file appeal against this order in the Divisional Commissioner's court within 30
days.
He said that the Jhajjar Police would also be informed about the decision with the request not to release Soha's rifle to her. The rifle was in the custody of Jhajjar Police which was alleged to be misused by her father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi in the blackbuck poaching case. Mr Pataudi was appointed retainer of Soha's rifle on January 7 in 2000.
He said that though Soha Ali Khan was issued arms licence in November 1996 when she was under age for it, the responsibility could not be fixed because the original file went missing. So, now it was difficult to ascertain as to who was at fault. What documents were submitted by the actress in support of her age, whether she suppressed facts or it was a lapse on the part of the DM's office. All these
questions remain unanswered. This issue of missing file was given for enquiry to the ADC Abhe Singh Yadav who has also reported that despite all efforts the original file of Soha's arms licence could not be traced.
Replying to a question, the DM said that had the Jhajjar Police intimated the Gurgaon Administration about the seizure of Soha's rifle in blackbuck poaching case. The administration would not have renewed her licence. He said that the Home Department would be informed about this lapse on the part of Jhajjar Police. But, the DM said, it was the duty of the actress to inform the district administration that her rifle was in custody of Jhajjar Police at the time of the renewal.
The actress knowingly suppressed this fact, hence she was guilty. He said that had the crime taken place in the boundary of Gurgaon district, the district police could not have recommended for renewal of Soha's Arms licence.
It may be recalled that after filing of an application under Right To Information Act, issuing of arm licence to actress Soha Ali Khan when she was not eligible for it way back in November 1996, came to light. The DM Rakesh Gupta issued a show cause notice to the actress in which she was asked to explain for misuse of her weapon entered in her arms licence and suppression of material facts at the
time of renewal. In her reply, the actress had demanded an opportunity of personal hearing which was granted by the DM and she was asked to appear personally on 30th April last. Soha Ali Khan instead of appearing personally, sent her counsel V. Bhusan Arya to plead her case.
The DM, in interest of justice, however, heard the counsel and kept the decision reserved till today that is May 8. The decision was delivered today which ushered the actress of her arms licence.

Indian athletes for IAAF World Walking Cup

CHANDIGARH, MAY 7
The Athletic Federation of India has announced a seven-member team, including two coaches, which will take part in the IAAF World Race Walking Cup scheduled to be held in Cheboksary (Russia) on May 10 and 11. According to AFI general secretary Dr Lalit Bhanot, the Indians athletes will be participating in the 50 km walk event.
The team: Chandan Singh, Babubhai Kesharabhai Panucha, Harminder Singh, Parayil Surendran Jalan,Basanta Bahadur Rana.Coaches: Dr. Nikolai Snesarev, Harmana Ram
The IAAF World Race Walking Cup is one of the Walking Events recognized by IAAF for Qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games. The qualifying marks for the Beijing Olympics Games in 50 km walking events is 4:00.00 (A Standard) and 4:07.00 (B Standard). National record holder Babubhai Panucha has come closer to Olympic qualification during Indian Grand Prix in 50000m walk, looking forward to dip below 4:07 in Chebokasary.
MARKAN TROPHY FROM MAY 15: The Punjab Cricket Association has started its preparations for the new cricket Season 2008-2009 by launching its Inter-District Tournaments for different age groups for Markan Trophy. The first tournament will be held in the newly introduced age group of under-16 years. The tournament will be played from May 15 to 27.
Eight teams will be participating in the tournament to be starting from 15th May at different district headquarters. The probables for Punjab State will be selected after the completion of the tournament on the performance of the players in the tournament.
Pool A will comprise Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Zone B. Patiala, Mohali, Jalandhar and Zone A are in Pool A.
MCA TRIALS ON MAY 9: Trials to select under-16 Mohali Cricket Association team would be held on May 9,at 4.00 p.m. in the MCA Ground. The team would take part in the Inter-District Tournament organised by the Punjab Cricket Association for Under-16 years age group.
All players either studying or living in Mohali are eligible for the trials. The players must be less than 16 years as on 1.9.1992 (i.e. a player must be born on or after 1.9.1992. The players must bring a photocopy of the birth certificate or a certificate from the respective institute confirming the date of birth.

Table soccer team back from Paris

The Table Soccer Federation of India team with participated in the World Championship Series in France (Paris).
CHANDIGARH, May 6
A four-member Table Soccer Federation of India (TSFI) team returned home after participating in the World Championship Series in France (Paris) from May to to 4. More than 600 players from 20 countries including USA, England, Canada, France, Belgium, Austria and Algeria participated in World Championship Series.
According to TSFI chairman Ravinder Talwar, who accompanied the team, said that the Indian players had gained rich experience as they competed with top players of the world. In the junior singles, Anitpal Singh finished joint ninth. Gurwinder Singh and Hardial Singh secured joint 17th spot in junior singles competition.
The Indian pairs of Anitpal Singh and Pawandeep Singh and Gurwinder Singh annd Hardial Singh, secured joint fifth positions.
Talwar said that four more World Championship Series would be conducted this year. These are: Tecball WCS (Aschaffenburg, Germany) - July 17-20; Garlando WCS (Tulln, Austria) - July 23-27;
Roberto Sport WCS (Giubiasco, Switzerland) - September 12-14 and Tornado WCS (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) - September 24-28.

Haryana to conduct basic course in water sports

CHANDIGARH, MAY 6
The Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Haryana will conduct Water Sports Adventure Basic Course for the youth of Haryana at Pong Dam (Himachal Pradesh) in May and June.
A spokesman of the Sports Department said that Water Sports and Adventure Basic Course for the youth of Rohtak-Hisar zone would be organised from May 18 to 31.
Rohtak-Hisar zone comprised 10 districts and five youths from each district would
attend the course. The participants were advised to report to the camp incharge at counter no. 39, general bus stand, Sector 17, Chandigarh at 11 a.m. on May 17, 2008, he added.
The spokesman said that another such course for the girls of Ambala-Gurgaon zone comprising 10 districts would be organised from June 1 to 14. As many as 50 girls (five from each district) would attend the course. The participants of this course were advised to report to the Camp Incharge at counter no. 39, general bus stand,
Sector 17, Chandigarh at 11 a.m. on May 30, he added.
The spokesman said that .Ram Niwas Sharma, YCO, Hisar and Mrs.Rekha Uba, YCO, Hisar had been made Incharge of the course for Rohtak-Hisar zone and Ambala-Gurgaon zone, respectively.

Chandigarh face Bihar on May 26 in Santosh Trophy

CHANDIGARH, MAY 6
Chandigarh have been clubbed with Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Sikkim in Cluster I in the National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy to be played at Jammu and Srinagar from May 25 to June 15.
Chandigarh Football Association secretary general Rakesh Bakshi said that Cluster I and II matches, including pre-quarter-finals, would be played at the GGM Science College ground in Jammu from May 26. The matches of clusters III to VIII will be played at the Poloi Ground of Bakshi Stadium.
Chandigarh will begin their campaign on May 26 with a match against Bihar. Their next two Cluster I matches will be on May 28 vs Tamil Nadu and on May 30 vs Sikkim.
Seven-time champion Punjab and 29-time champions West Bengal along with last year's semi-finalists Kerala and Maharashtra have been directly seeded into quarter-final league.
The following are the groupings: Cluster I: Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Chandigarh and Sikkim. Cluster II: Services, Manipur, Orissa, Nagaland. Cluster III: Delhi, Tripura, Gujarat. Cluster IV: Jammu and Kashmir, Pudicherry, Daman and Diu and Himachal Pradesh. Cluster V: Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Cluster VI: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam. Cluster VII: Chattisgarh, Railways and Miozram. Cluster VIII: Meghalaya, Goa and Uttrahand.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Football Association has selected 34 probables for coaching camp in preparation for Chandigarh's participation in the Santosh Trophy. The probables, selected during the Chandigarh Senior National Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy, will attend coaching camp from May 7 evening. Training will be imparted in morning and evenng sessions at the Sector 17 Football Stadium. The association has appointed National Institute of Sports (NIS) qualified coach Mukesh Kumar of Chandigarh Police.
Those invited to the coaching camp are: Suraj, Hanish, Deepak Hooda, Akhil, Jashanpreet Singh, Sukhdeeep Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Jaskaran, Gianeshwar, Deepankar, Kemai, Jagmohan Singh Negi, Ankit Malik, Sandeep, Moznath, Rajesh Bora, Sonu, Jasmeet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Raju, Kamal, Rakesh, Manpreet Singh, Gopal Thapa, Sunny, Pawandeep Singh, Mohit Raj, Gurwinder Singh, R Bhatt, Rajiv Rattan, Jatinder Singh, Anil Saini, Deepak Sethi and Puneet.
Coach: Mukesh Kumar (Chandigarh Police).

CFI trials on May 11 in Panchkula

CHANDIGARH, MAY 5
The Cricket Federation of India (Regd) is conducting selection trials to select probables for coaching camp on May 11 at 10.30 a.m. at St Xavier's School Cricket Coaching Centre in Sector 20 in Panchkula.
Giving this information here today, CFI secretary general Amarjit Kumar, said that the CFI team would be selected to participate in the inaugural All India Under-17 Federation Cup for Jagan Nath Saini Trophy to be conducted in Chandigarh and Panchkula from May 28 to 31. As many as 12 to 14 state teams are expected to take part for the JN Saini Trophy.
The eligibility date for participation in the trials/tournament is January 1, 1991. Those interested to appear in CFI trials should report to cricket coach Suman Saini at 10.30 a.m. at St Xavier's School in Sector 20, Panchkula along with their original date of birth certificates without which no probable will be entertained.
More details are available with Amarjit Kumar (mobile 9417431290).
WRESTLING TRIALS ON MAY 10: The Chandigarh Wrestling Association is conducting junior selection trials on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Wrestling Coaching Centre in Sector 30, according to CWA general secretary Darshan Lal. The selected wrestlers will represent Chandigarh in Junior National Wrestling Championship to be held in Jagan Nath Puri from May 22 to 25.
The CWA will field four teams, comprising 30 wrestlers and eight officials. Chandigarh has qualified to field two teams in Greco-Roman style (boys) and one team each in free style for boys and girls. The annual general body meeting of Wrestling Federation of India will be held on May 24.
INVITATIONAL TAEKWONDO AT PINJORE: Panchkula Taekwondo Association is conducting the Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior (boys and girls) Level I Invitational Taekwondo Championships at Delhi Public School, Pinjore on May 10 and 11, according to DPS Principal Samson Masih.
As many as 15 schools will compete in the two-day competitions. Bouts will be conducted in 15 weight categories each in boys and girls, according to PTA secretary Harish Kumar.

Chandigarh FC bag Sher-e-Punjab Trophy

Chandigarh Football Club team which won the Sher-e-Punjab Trophy in the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship in Chandigarh on Sunday.

CHANDIGARH, MAY 3
Chandigarh Football Club scored a well-merited 1-0 triumph over Golden Club in the final of the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for the Sher-e-Punjab Trophy at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here today. CFC could have won the match by a bigger margin had their forwards capitalised on the chances which came their way.
After a barren first half, Chandigarh Football Club snatched the all-important goal in the 78th minute through Bhupinder Singh who booted home from close range in a goalmouth melee.
Bhupinder Singh emerged the star player. Chandigarh Football Club took time to settle down. After initial probings, they had an opportunity to open their account in the 32nd minute. Bhupinder sent a centre from the left to speedy Rajiv Rattan whose first-timer shot on the run from close went out.
Chandigarh Football Club were unlucky as woodwork denied them a goal in the 44th minute. A combined move between Rajiv Rattan and Bawa saw the latter sending a centre from the right to Deepak Hooda whose powerful shot struck the crosspiece before the ball bounced back into the game.
On resumption, Bhupinder had two good tries at the Golden Club goal within five minutes. His first try sailed over the bar and later his grounder went wide with a narrow margin.
Against the run of play, Golden Football Club had a golden chance to forge ahead. Jagmohan Singh Negi passed the ball to Karan whose try culminated into a corner kick which was wasted.
With light fading, Chandigarh Football Club scored the match-winner in the 78th minute through Bhupinder who guided the ball on rebound.
Two minutes before the close, Anish of Chandigarh Football Club and Mojnath of Golden Football Club were shown red and yellow cards.
Akhil (Chandigarh Football Club), Mojnath (Golden Club), Aditya (CFC) and Ankit (Golden FC) were declared the best forward, the best halfback, the best goalkeeper and the best stopper, respectively.
Senior footballer Megh Raj distributed the prizes.

Golden Club overcome rough Chandigarh Police FC

A goalmouth melee in front of the Golden Club goal in their semi-final match against Chandigarh Police Football Club in the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy on Saturday. Photo by Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MAY 3
Unpretentious Golden Club will meet Chandigarh Football Club in the final tomorrow in the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy being conducted by the Chandigarh Football Association at the Sector 17 Football Stadium at 5 p.m.
In semi-final matches played today, Golden Club prevailed over Chandigarh Police Football Club by 2-1 and Chandigarh Football Club defeated Youngsters Club by 5-2.
Akhil displayed his scoring skills as he pumped in three goals. However, a three-in-a-row feat eluded him as in between Tejinder Singh scored a goal in the 67th minute. After Deepak Hooda had given Chandigarh Football Club the lead with a goal in the 13th minute, Akhil opened his account by foxing the Youngsters defence in the 37th minute. Then he struck two goals in as many minutes. Akhil's second goal came in the 90th minute and third in the 92nd minutes.
For Youngsters, Rajnish Thakur and Gaurav Kaul reduced the margin by contributing a goal each in the 53rd and 76th minutes.
Chandigarh Police FC played a rough game. Their player Ajay Kumar abusived the referee in the second session. He, however, excaped with a yellow card. Two more Chandigarh Police Football players -- Ajay Pal Singh and Majid Hussain -- indulged in deliberate foul play. They were also booked and shown yellow cards.
In a closely fought semi-final encounter, Chandigarh Police Football Club drew the first blood with Munish booting home a fine goal in the 15th minute. Down by an early goal, Golden Club mostly consisting of Panjab University players, were not disheartened.
They played a cool game with sprightly Jagmohan Singh Negi spearheading the attack. Golden Club started mounting pressure and their moves bore fruits in the 22nd minute as Jagdish caught Chandigarh Police Football Club goalkeeper Mukesh napping. Moving with understanding and quick passes, Golden Club snatched the match-winner through Karan in the 30th minute.
The winners could have scored another goal in the second half. Midway through Shyamlal gave a minus to Karan and Jagmohan Singh Negi also following. Karan uncorked a powerful shot. However, Chandigarh Police Football Club goalkeeper Mukesh anticipated the shot and punched it over.

Move to promote night golf in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 2
The Chandigarh Tourism in association with Chandigarh Golf Club and the Chandigarh Golf Association would promote night golf in Chandigarh. The inaugural night golf tournament would be held on May 9 at Chandigarh Golf Club. Meetings in this regard have been held with D.S. Bains, President, Golf Club and C.S.R. Reddy, President, Chandigarh Golf Association.
Since, Chandigarh is already becoming a favoured destination for Golf Tourism, Night Golf is the ideal option available for tourists to enjoy a game of golf after sight seeing during the day time.
D.S. Bains stated that Chandigarh Golf Club would welcome maximum number of tourists from all parts of the world to Chandigarh for planning golf. He said that normal course fee would be charged from tourists for this purpose. A long term tie up with hotels in Chandigarh and with Chandigarh Tourism has been planned for this purpose.
Chandigarh Tourism is already promoting Chandigarh as a Sports Tourism destination and significant interest has been generated among the tourism community after the organization of a number of Golf Tourism events in the past two years in the City Beautiful.
Weekend packages are also being worked out for this purpose.

Golden Club, Chandigarh Police FC enter semis

St Stephen's and Golden Club players going for air duel following a corner kick in their quarter-final match of the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy in Chandigarh on Friday. Photo by Balbir Singh.

A St Stephen's player taking an evasive action in thier quarter-final match against Golden Club in the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy in Chandigarh on Friday.
Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MAY 2
Golden Club (Group D), Chandigarh Police Football Club (Group B) and Youngsters Club (Group A) qualified for the semi-finals of the Chandigarh Senior Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy being organised by the Chandigarh Football Association at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here today.
Chandigarh Police FC owed their 2-0 triumph over unlucky New Public School Football Club of Sector 18, to former Chandigarh Administration-run Chandigarh Football Academy product Rakesh who scored two brilliant goals and goalkeeper Mukesh who proved a stonewall and thwarted all NPSFC moves in the quarter-final encounter.
The NPS Football Club dominated the midfield. Their forwards initiated good moves but found Mukesh a hard nut to crack. Jasanpreet Singh, another product of Chandigarh Administration Football Academy, made a couple of good tries. However, lady luck did not smile on NPS Football Club players' faces. Gianshwar of NPS Football Club also had a couple of sizzling tries at the Chandigarh Police Football Club goal. An alert Mukesh under the cage rose to the occasion to deny their rivals any opportunity to score.
Displaying his class, Rakesh was given possession of the ball by Ajay Pal Singh in the middle. Rakesh moved up and with a 30-yarder foxed the NPS Football Club defence to give his team the lead in the 26th minute. Rakesh also showed opportunism in the 42nd minute. Following a corner kick, the ball rebounded to Rakesh who executed his shot without wasting any time and paved the way for Chandigarh Police Football Club's entry into the semi-final.
St Stephen's Football Club players today looked a bit off colour against Golden Club comprising players from Panjab University. Golden Club registered a 1-0 well-merited victory. The all-important goal was scored by Mojnath in the 26th minute. Sprightly Jagmohan Singh Negi logged a measured pass on the right. Mojnath sprinted and cut in before unleashing a powerful diagonal grounder. Stephen's goalkeeper Sudhir Saini had no chance to challenge Mojnath.
Golden Club had an opportunity to double the score in the 28th minute. This time his angular shot from the left missed the goal as the ball went out with a narrow margin.
Hardworking Jagmohan Singh Negi of Haryana State Industrial Developement Corporation which has also raised a world-class volleyball team, spearheaded the Golden Club Football Club's attack. Whenever, the ball was in his possession, he gave a harrowing time to the St Stephen's Football Club defence.

Rower Manjeet gets warm welcome

Chandigarh Rowing Association president TC Gupta talking to Manjeet Singh at the Chandigarh Railway Stadium on Thursday.
CHANDIGARH, MAY 1
Chandigarh rower Manjeet Singh, who qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was given a warm welcome by the Executive Members of Chandigarh Rowing Association here today. Association president TC Gupta and secretary Parmod Kumar Singla, Lake Sports Complex coach Arvind Sehgal and many other senior members of the association gave a reception of garlands and flower bouquets to Manjeet Singh on his arrival at the Chandigarh Railway Station after participating in Shanghai.
Manjeet Singh has brought laurels to the City Beautiful by qualifying for 2008 Beijing Olympics at the Pre-Olympic Regatta held at Shanghai (China) from April 25 to 27 in the lightweight Coxless Double Sculls (LM2x) with his partner Devender Kumar Khnadwal from Army.
By this outstanding achievement, Manjeet has got the distinction of becoming the first civilian in India who ever qualified for the Olympics. He is the first rower from Chandigarh having qualified for the Olympics.
Bajrang Lal of Services also achieved the 2008 Olympic qualifying standards in single scull.
Some of his outstanding achievements of Manjeet are: Won two silver in Coxless Pairs (JM2-) and Coxless Fours (JM4-) in 12th Junior Asian Rowing Championship held at Singapore from July 12-15, 2006.
Won gold in Coxless Fours (JM4-) in 10th South Asian Games held at Colombo, Sri Lanka from 18-28 August 2006.
And won silver and bronze in Coxed Eights (M8+) and Coxless Pairs (M2-), respectively, in the 12th Senior Asian Rowing Championships, held at Chung Ju, South Korea from 14 – 19 Oct 2007.

Chandigarh Police FC and Golden Club in QF

A match between Chandigarh Police Football Club and Youth Club in progress in the Chandigarh Senior State Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy. Photos by Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, MAY 1
Chandigarh Police Football Club, Golden Club and Accountant General Haryana qualified for quarter-finals from Group B, Group D and Group C, respectively, in the Chandigarh Senior State Football Championship for Sher-e-Punjab Trophy being conducted by the Chandigarh Football Association at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here today. They joined New Public School Football Club and St Stephen's Football Club in the last eight stage.
Youngsters Football Club eked out a narrow 1-0 victory over Sher-e-Punjab in a Group A encounter. The all-important goal was scored by Gaurav with a solo effort in the third minute.
Accounant General Haryana defeated Uttranchal by 4-1 after leading 2-1 at half time.
Amit (5th minute), Deepak (20th), Raman (45th) and Rajesh (36th) contributed one goal each for AG Haryana. Ajay Bhatt netted the solitary goal for Uttranchal.
Golden Club handed out a 5-1 drubbing to Maruti Fooball Club 'A' Team while Chandigarh Police Football Club overcame a stiff resistance from Youth Club of Sector 30 by 2-1 margin.
Spirited Youth Club held Chandigarh Police Football Club to a goalless draw in the first half. Both teams had opportunities to score but their forwards either shot wide or the opponent defenders thwarted the moves. Youth Club goalkeeper Rajat also excelled under the cage to make some confident collections.
However, on crossing over, Chandigarh Police Football Club mounted relentless pressure. One minute after resumption, Rinku Mashi unleashed a powerful shot which Youth Club custodian Rajat made a brilliant save.
The Youth Club conceded their first goal in the 32nd minute when Chandigarh Police FC striker Munish found goalkeeper Rajat on the wrong foot from a close range. Four minutes later, Chandigarh Football Club increased their margin through Rakesh. The Chandigarh Police striker got possession of the ball in the middle. He dribbled past a couple of defenders before moving to the right flank. His powerful shot was blocked by goalkeeper Rajat. However, he pounced on the rebound before scoring Chandigarh Police FC's second goal.
Youth Club's best move came in the 48th minute.Shailender Rawat sprinted on the right before sending a hot shot which hit the crosspiece before the ball going out. In another counter attack in the 55th minute, Youth Club scored their lone goal through Navi who guided the ball into the Chandigarh Police FC goal from a close range.
Golden Club proved too good for Maruti Football Club A Team. They were two goals up within five minutes. Fed by Shammi, Jagmohan gove his team the lead with a goal in the second minute. Three minutes later, Jagdish converted a pass from Jaswinder. Shammi and Jagmohan combined again and the latter pumped in Golden Club's third goal in the 15th minute.
Against the run of play, Maruti Football Club A got their consolation goal through Vishal. Golden Club added further increased their lead through Karan in the 28th minute. In the second half they added one more more goal through Shammi to their kitty for an impressive 5-1 triumph.
Tomorrow's fixtures (QFs): Chandigarh Police FC vs New Public School Club-18 (6 a.m.); St Stephen's FC vs Golden Football Club (7.30 a.m.); AG Haryana vs Chandigarh Football Club (5.30 p.m.)