AP and Punjab men joint winners

Chandigarh men's team which was declared joint winners in the 30th Senior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh on Monday. Photos by Balbir Singh
Punjab women who were declared joint winners in the 30th Senior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh on Monday.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 30
With rain playing spoil sports and preventing finals to be played, the organisers had no option but to declared joint winners, both in the men's as well as women's sections in the 30th Senior National Hosts Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh shared the men's trophy. Madhya Pradesh and Kerala men were announced joint runners-up.
Similarly , defending champions Punjab and Kerala women jointly got the custody of the winners' trophy time had to had to remain satisfied with joint winners position as they share the men's trophy with Kerala. Madhya Pradesh and Chandigarh were declared joint runners-up.

Kerala women had yesterday qualified for final as they defeated Madhya Pradesh by 3-1. This morning in the second semi-final, Punjab, who were leading 3-0 after Chandigarh had finished their third innings before rain stopped the play on Sunday, completed the formalities as they emerged 3-1 winners for a final spot. Chandigarh's lone home run was scored by Gurpreet Kaur. Veerapal Kaur, Reena and Arshi completed one home run each for Punjab.
In men's semi-finals, Andhra Pradesh snatched 1-0 win over Madhya Pradesh with Karunakaran scoring the lone home run for them and Chandigarh elbowed out Kerala by a solitary home run scored by Sunder in the first innings. The second and third innings produced no results. As rain prevented further play, AP and Chandigarh were declared joint winners. Madhya Pradesh and Kerala were joint runners-up.
Union Minister of State Pawan Kumar Bansal was the chief guest. The prize distribution ceremony was shifted to the PU Gymnasium. Chandigarh Softball Association president SS Dhillon, IAS, was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh men stun holders Punjab

The semi-final match between Kerala and Madhya Pradesh in progress in the 30th Senior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh on Sunday.
Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, June 29
Defending champions Punjab men suffered humiliation at the hands of hosts Chandigarh who surprised them by 13-3 in the crucial super league match on a rain-ruined penultimate day of the 30th Senior National Softball Championship at the Panjab University Campus here today. With this win, Chandigarh led to Punjab's ouster from the race for the trophy in the men's section.
Ravinder and Aditya displayed agility and determination to score. They completed three home runs each. Karan made two runs. Dapinder, Arjun, Pankaj and Vishal contributed one home run each for the winners.
With Chandigarh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh having scored two victories each, there was a three-day time among them. Chief umpire Laxman Singh Gehlot said that the issue was resolved on the basis of better run rate. Chandigarh had the best run rate of 1.133 (17 home runs in15 innings). Madhya Pradesh's run rate was .857 (12-14) and the defending champions had .800 (12-15).
The men's semi-final line-up is: Madhya Pradesh vs Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh vs Kerala.
As the afternoon heavy rain rendered water-logged, barring the women's semi-final encounter between Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, all other semi-final matches were washed out.
Kerala got the better of Madhya Pradesh by 3-1 in women's semi-final. The Kerala women owed their triumph to Danya, Ramiya and Somiya who completed one home run each. Apeksha reduced the margin for Madhya Pradesh by scoring the solitary run for her team. In the first innings Danya and Ramiya completed one home run each to give Kerala 2-0 lead. Madhya Pradesh's Apeksha then reduced the margin by scoring a home run in the second innings. Somiya completed the winners' tally with a run in the third innings.
The second semi-final between holders Punjab and Chandigarh was interrupted by rain as Punjab were going for their third innings. At that stage, Punjab had gained a 3-0 lead. If Punjab had also completed their third innings they would have won the semi-final match.
Results: Women (semi-finals): Kerala (Danya, Ramiya, Somiya 1 home run each) bt Madhya Pradesh (Apeksha 1) 3-1.
Punjab 3 vs Chandigarh 0. Rain prevented further play after Chandigarh had played three innings and Punjab two.
Super League: Punjab (Manjeet, Sukhwinder, Veerpal 1 each) drew with Maharashtra (Madhu, Savarna, Sarika 1 each) 3-3.
Maharashtra (Supriya 2, Madhu, Sarvana, Sarika, Deepali, Neelam 1 each) bt Chattisgarh (Chittranjana 1) by 7-1.
Chandigarh (Sonia, Sangeeta, Gurpreet, Sunita 2 each, Amanpreet, Manju, Jyoti, Pooja 1 each) bt Madhya Pradesh (Seema, Neelu 2 each, Roma, Bhumika, Aarti, Priyanka 1 each) by 12-8.
Kerala (Daisy 3, Remya, Dhanya, Soumya 2 each, Sherija, Gayatri, Amrutha, Soumya 1 each) bt Chattisgarh (Priyanka, Rashmi, Sadana 1 each) by 13-3.
Chandigarh (Gurpreet 4, Sonia 3, Amanpreet 2, Sunita, Nitika , Vandana 1 each) bt Himachal Pradesh (Sonika 1) by 12-1.
Men: Super League: Kerala (Nishant 2, Sameer, Lubin, Kevin, Nitin, Sanu 1 each( bt Himachal Pradesh (Kishore, Pawan, Vijay, Amit 1 each) by 8-4.
Andhra Pradesh (Srinath 2, Ashish, Karunakar, B Vindo, Santosh, Krishna, Narender 1 each) bt Manipur by 8-0.
Madhya Pradesh bt Jammu and Kashmir by 7-0 conceded.
Chandigarh (Ravinder, Aditya 3 each, Karan 2, Dapinder, Arjun, Pankaj, Vishal 1 each) by 12-3.

Nafe Singh, Bhadu elected HSAA president, secretary

Senior vice president Gokal Chand garlanding newly elected HSAA president in the AGM held in Chandigarh on Sunday. Also seen in picture is Hanuman Singh Bhadu.
Chandigarh June 29
Former MLA from Bahadurgarh Nafe Singh Rathi has been unanimously elected president of Haryana State Athletic Association in the annual general body meeting of the association held at Jat Bhawan here on Sunday. Khel Ratna Abhey Singh Chautala, President HSAA, was unanimously elevated to the post of life president.
HS Bhadu was unanimously reelected Secretary of the HSAA for the sixth time in succession. The other office bearers who were also unanimously elected for the next term of four years were: Gokal Chand(Sr. vice president), I D Kamboj, Jagmal Singh,Dharamvir Dagar, Dilbagh Singh, Rajinder Malik, Devender Kadyan (Vice Presidents),Raj Kumar Mittan (Sr. Joint Secretary), Vinesh Mahlan & Chander Pal Chauhan (Joint Secretaries), S S Bura (Treasurer) and Duli Chand, Ajmer Singh, Satpal Singh, Shish Pal Guladi, Ved Prakash, G S Bawa, Sanjay Singh, Azad Singh Rathi,Sumer Singh, Rajiv Khatri, Parveen Kumar (Members Executive Committee).
In the meeting three affiliated units of HSAA Haryana Police, HAU Hisar, MNSS Rai have been disaffiliated due to not paying the annual subscription for the last three years, not responding to the HSAA communications and not taking part in the State meets and trials conducted by the HSAA.
Out of 25 units , secretaries and presidents/authorized representatives of 20 affiliated units attended the AGM. Ravinder Chaudhary Secretary, Chandigarh Athletic Association was deputed as observer by the Athletic Federation of India. Dr. Narender Singh Mor , Secretary, Haryana State Karate Association was the observer of Haryana Olympic Association.
The house also approved the calendar for 2008-09. The next State Senior Championship will be conducted at Sonipat from 2-4 Oct 2008 along with the State Games. The Junior State Athletic Championship will be held at Gurgaon in the second week of September 2008. The State Cross Country Championship will be held at Bahadurgarh on 19th January 2009.
The house also adopted and approved the budget of Rs.12.5 lacs for 2008-09. With the view to containing the menace of fielding over age players the association has decided to deal with an iron hand. A disciplinary committee, with S S Bura, has been constituted to deal with this and other disciplinary problems.

Surinder Malik All-India writing competition

Chandigarh June 28
The Jat Sabha, Chandigarh is organizing "Bhai Surindenr Singh Malik Memorial on the spot All India Essay Writing Competition" for college/universities/school students of classes X,XI and XII onJuly 4, 2008 at Jat Bhawan, in Sector 27 from 10 to 11 a.m. According to Dr. M.S. Malik, IPS (Rtd.), President Jat Sabha, Chandigarh the competition vividly offers an opportunity to the students to play a significant role in promoting the creative interests for educational and cultural activities through their rich thoughts.
The competition will also be conducted at Ch. Bharat Singh Memorial Sports School, Nidani, Distt. Jind (Haryana), M.D. N. Public School, Gohana Road, Rohtak, Vishwas Senior Secondary School, Urban Estate, Hisar (Haryana), Kanya Gurukul Khan Pur Kalan, Distt. Sonepat (Haryana), Saraswati Senior Sec. School, Bilas pur Distt. Yamuna Nagar (Haryana), S. D. High School, Lakhan Majra (Rohtak ), Saraswati Senior Secondary School, Murthal Distt. Sonepat (Haryana) and Partap Singh Memorial Secondary School Kharkhouda, Distt. Sonepat.
The topic of the essay will be announced before the start of the contest which may be on the burning problems/current events of the society. The competition will be for College/University and School Students from class X and above in two categories i.e. rural and urban area. The best essay will be awarded a gold medal and cash or Rs. 1100, the second and third runner ups will get silverand bronze medals and cash prizes of Rs. 900 and Rs. 700, respectively and four consolation prizes of Rs. 400. Rs. 300 and two prizes of Rs. 200 each will be given in each category.
The results will be conveyed by post after checking of the papers by scholars of Panjab University Chandigarh. The winners will be honoured on the occasion of Basant Panchmi Function which the Sabha will organize to celebrate the 127th Birth Anniversary of Deen Bandhu Sir Chhotu Ram, on 31st January 31 next year at Jat Bhawan Chandigarh.
This contest is held every year and sponsored by Bhai Surinder Singh Malik Memorial Institute of Medical Science & Educational Research, Nidani, Distt. Jind (Haryana).

Jat Sabha condoles Mahekshaw's death

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 28
Haryana Olympic Association secretary general Dr. Mahinder Singh Malik, IPS (Rtd.),who is also President Federation of Jat Institutions and Jat Sabha Chandigarh expressed deep sorrow and heart felt condolences on the demise of Field Marshall Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. The Jat Sabha Chandigarh felt more concerned on account of the fact that Dr. M.S. Malik, was Major in Indian Army and actively participated in 1971 Indo-Pak War under the sagacious command of Manekshaw, who was the then Chief of Army Staff.
Manekshaw will be remembered as a soldier and a gentleman. The Field Marshall known as architect of India’s “finest hour” which saw Pakistani troops laying down arms before the Indian Army. Manekshaw was affectionately known as Sam Bahadur due to the fact he belonged to Gorkha Rifles.
Former Director General of Police, Haryana, Dr Malik, along with all members of the Federation of Jat Institutions and Jat Sabha Chandigarh prayed to the Almighty that may He bless the departed soul with peace in Heaven. May God also bless the members of the bereaved family to bear the unfathomable loss.

Chandigarh Punjab men and women win in Super League

CHANDIGARH, June 28
Defending champions Punjab and hosts Chandigarh men as well as women were maintaining their dominance as they scored easy triumphs over their respective rivals in the super league matches of the 30th Senior National Softball Championship, being conducted by Chandigarh Softball Association at the Panjab University Campus here today.
Kerala men and women also won their respective super league matches.
Strong contenders Punjab recorded a well-deserved 4-1 verdict over Madhya Pradesh in the men’s super league encounter. Deepak, Vishal, Jagjit and Gurpreet carved out Punjab’s well-merited victory by contributing one home run each. Amit was the lone scorer for Madhya Pradesh.
Punjab women virtually toyed with Chattisgarh whom they trounced by 10-0. Manjit, Sukhwinder, Veerpal, Navjot, Archi, Loveneet and Sukhjit were agile and resourceful as they completed one home run each for Punjab.
Chandigarh men excelled against plucky Jammu and Kashmir as the hosts scored a well-earned 5-3 triumph. Chandigarh went on offensive from the start and raced to a 3-0 lead at the end of first innings. However, Jammu and Kashmir put up an improved show and did not allow Chandigarh to complete any home run in the second innings.
The third innings belonged to Jammu and Kashmir. Fighting back with a vengeance, Jammu and Kashmir were on top as they scored three home runs, with star performer Aman getting a brace.
Hitting back in the fourth innings, Chandigarh enhanced their margin by scoring two more home runs. The fifth innings ended in a 0-0 draw and Chandigarh won by 5-3.
Sunder, Ravinder, Rahul, Vishal and Harish completed a home run each for Chandigarh. race.
Chandigarh were too good for Jammu and Kashmir as they raced to an 11-0 verdict in the women’s super league match. Sangeeta, Gurmeet and Sunita completed two home runs each for the winners.
The Kerala women prevailed over Maharashtra by 8-5. Their men defeated Menipur by 8-2. Rashiq scored a brace for Kerala.
Results: Women: Super League: Chandigarh (Sangeeta, Gurpreet, Sunita 2 each, Sonia, Jyoti, Vandana 1 each) bt Jammu and Kashmir by 11-0.
Madhya Pradesh (Seema, Apeksha, Vidhi 2 each, Priyanka, Rooma, Padika 1 each) bt Himachal Pradesh by 10-0.
Punjab (Manjit, Sukhwinder, Navjot, Veerpal, Arshi, Loveneet and Sukhjit 1 each) bt Chattisgarh by 10-0.
Kerala (Somiya, Dhaniya 2 each, Ramaiha, Gyarti, Anuradha, Daisa, 1 each) bt Maharashtra (Deepali, Swarna, Neelam, Soukia, Preeti 1 each) by 8-5.
Pre-quarter-finals: Himachal Pradesh (Preeti, Sumitra 2 home runs each, Nitesh, Kiran, Ranjana, Pooja, Sonika, Karuna 1 each) bt Andhra Pradesh 12-0.
Men: Super League: Chandigarh (Sunder, Ravinder, Rahul, Vishal, Harish 1 each) bt Jammu and Kashmir (Aman 2) by 5-3.
Punjab (Deepak, Vishal, Jagjit, Gurpreet 1 each) bt Madhya Pradesh (Amit 1) by 4-1.
Kerala (Rashiq 2, Nitin, Rashiq Jr, Kevin, Sumir 1 each) bt Manipur by 8-2.
Pre-quarter-finals: Andhra Pradesh (Srikant 3, Karunkar, Vinod, Narinder, Sunteng, Deepak and Vinay) bt Himachal Pradesh 9-1.

Punjab, Chandigarh and J&K men and women in quarters

CHANDIGARH, June 27
Defending champions Punjab men along with Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala advanced to the quarter-finals of the 30th Senior National Softball Championship being played at the Panjab University Campus here today.
In the women's section, holders Punjab, Chattisgarh, Chandigarh, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh moved into quarter-finals.
Pool A winners Punjab outplayed pool B runners-up Pudicherry by 19-0 in four innings. Gaurav, Deepak and Vikas bolstered Punjab with three home runs each as the winners took a comfortable 7-0 lead in first innings. Love, Jagjit, Gurpreet, Harnek and Sidharth contributed two home runs each.
Pool D winner Jammu and Kashmir played a spirited game to down Goa by 10-4. Rohit and Aman scored one home run each to give 2-0 lead to Jammu and Kashmir in the first innings. Madan and Pawan made one home run each as Jammu and Kashmir enhanced their lead to 4-0 at the end of second innings. Chandresh and Sandesh opened Goa's account in the third innings. The fourth innings score was 4-1 in favour of J&K. Padam, Varinder, Madan and Tasduq got one each for J&K while Lakshmi Kant scored one for Goa. Padam, Madan and Pawn scored one each in the fourth innings for Jammu and Kashmir while Santosh reduced the margin for Goa.
Playing before the home ground, Pool C winners Chandigarh men outplayed pool D runners-up Orissa by 10-1. The match lasted three innings. Ravinder, Amit (2 each), Harish, Diwan, Rahul, Jitender and Sunny (1 each) were the winners scorers.
In the women's section, Pool A winners Punjab forced Pool B runners-up Goa to bite the dust of PU ground as they raced to a 24-1 vedict. Veerpal, Arshi, Lovneet (4 each), Rajbeer, Navjot (3 each), Manjeet, Sukhbinder and Gurjeet (2 each) were the winners' run getters.
Pool E leaders Chandigarh routed Pool F runners-up Haryana by 10-0. Pooja and Sangeeta completed two home runs each. Jyoti, Sonia, Ainber, Vandana, Amanpreet, Nitika and Gurpreet contributed one home run each.
Resutls: Pre-quarter-finals:
Men: Himachal Pradesh bt Haryana 10-0, Chandigarh bt Orissa 9-1, Jammu and Kashmir bt Goa 10-4, Manipur bt Indian Oil Corporation 13-3, Punjab bt Pudicherry 19-0, Andhra Pradesh bt Maharashtra 4-1, Kerala bt Uttar Pradesh 10-0.
Women: Chattisgarh bt Pudicherry 10-0, Chandigarh bt Haryana10-0, Punjab bt Goa 24-1, Kerala bt Uttar Pradesh 10-0, Jammu and Kashmir bt West Bengal 8-4.

Women relay team silences critics

KORAT, JUNE 26
The Indian women 4x400 metres relay team silenced the critics with a brilliant performance of 3:28.20s in the second leg of Asian Grand Prix here to ensure a place among world's top 16 teams which will run in Beijing Olympics this August.
The Indian team had finished seventh in Athens Olympics in 2004 and since then team was on the winning spree on the continental level with title at Asian Games 2006, Asian Championships 2007 and silver in Commonwealth Games 2006.
Slowdown in timing in 2007 raised doubt over team's performance but it was largely due to transition of runners from junior to senior level. Emergence of Mandeep Kaur and Sini Jose and consistent performance from Chitra Soman brought back the team in winning gear in 2008.
National record holder Manjit Kaur who attained B qualification in Yalta got injured during Madurai Nationals but the fact that today's race was without Manjit and still team managed to register best timings since Athens 2004.
As per Olympic qualification rule, average of two best performances of 2007 and 2008 will be considered and with today's performance India's average is 3:30.37s (3:32.55s in Bangkok and 3:28.20s in Korat) which is better than 14th place holder Italy team. As there is no further sanctioned meet in IAAF qualification competitions list for relay event after 3rd leg of Asian Grand Prix, Indian team will remain in Top 16.
World top 16 women teams 4x400m (as on 22nd June 2008) : 1 USA 3:20.35, 2 Russia 3:21.87, 3 Great Britain 3:22.74, 4 Blr 3:22.77, 5 Jamaica 3:22.93, 6 Poland 3:26.41, 7 Cuba 3:27.04, 8 Mexico 3:27.44, 9 France 3:27.62, 10 Ukrain 3:27.91, 11 Germany 3:28.41, 12 Nigeria 3:28.85, 13 Japan 3:30.35, 14 Italy 3:30.98, 15 Brazil 3:31.11, 16 Canada 3:31.35.

Chandigarh men and women going strong

A Chandigarh striker hitting against Jharkhand in pool A men's match in the 30th Senior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh on Thursday.
A Chattisgarh batter hitting a shot against Maharashtra in men's pool G match. Photos by Balbir Singh.
CHANDIGARH, June 26
Formidable Chandigarh men and women are displaying their good form as they recorded comfortable victories in 30th Senior National Softball Championship being hosted by Chandigarh Softball Association at the Panjab University Campus here today.
The Chandigarh women proved too strong for West Bengal who were not allowed even to complete one home run against 13 scored by them. Sonia Sharma, Gurpreet, Sonia and Amanpreet were their star performers as they scored a brace each. Maintaining their pressure, Pooja, Joyti, Nikita, Sangita and Manu contributed one home run each as Chadigarh raced to an easy verdict.
In a pool A men's outing, Chandigarh's batters and pitchers proved their class against Tamil Nadu whom they handed out a 10-0 drubbing. Ravinder and Sandeep, who made two runs each, emerged the star players for hosts.
Later in the evening, Chandigarh thrashed Chattisgarh by 25-3. It was their third successive triumph in pool A. In their opening encounter, Chandigarh had drubbed Goa by 22-0.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra scored an exciting 7-6 win against a never-say-die Chattisgarh in a hotly-contested encounter.
Rohit and Jagat made two home runs each while Chetan, Mayur and Visvash scored one each as Maharashtra huffed and puffed to prevail over their plucky rivals. Chattisgarh scored through Pradeep (2), Jagmohan,, Bhupendeer, JN Reddy and Deenu (1 each).
In a high-scoring Pool B match, Pudicherry got the better of Uttrakhand by 16-14. G Shridhar, T Mathivan (3 each), A Ganesh Venkat, M Chandru, A Mahendra (2 each) served Pudicherry well. Uttrakhand’s star performers were Sunil Kumar, Anubhav, Ankit, Madhav, Darshan (2 each). Later Puddicherry were routed by Madhya Pradesh by 0-10.
Results:Women: Pool E: Chandigarh bt West Bengal 13-0. Chandigarh scorers: Sonia Sharma, Gurpreet, Sonia, Amanpreet (2 home runs each), Pooja, Jyoti, Nikita, Sangita and Manu (1 each). Pool B: Goa bt Chattisgarh 7-3. Main scorers for Goa: Sharda, Jeesica, Shantui (2 each).
Men: Pool A: Chandigarh bt Tamil Nadu 10-0. Ravinder and Sandeep completed two home runs each for Chandigarh. Chandigarh bt Chattisgarh by 25-3. Pool B: Pudicherry bt Uttrakhand 16-14. AP’s main scorers: G Shridhar, T Mathivan (3 each), A Ganesh Venkat, M Chandru, A Mahendra (2 each). Uttrakhand’s main scorers: Sunil Kumar, Anubhav, Ankit, Madhav, Darshan (2 each). Madhya Pradesh bt Pudicherry 10-0. Main scorers for MPAmit, Sachin, Ravinder (2 each).Pool C: Goa bt Manipur 21-0. Main scorers for Goa: Laxmikant, Navnath,Siddesh, Chandresh (3 each), Chetan, Garvesh, Ivagrash (2 each). Goa bt Jharkhand 13-2.Main scorers for Goa: Chean, Narnath, Chandresh, Gauresh (2 each. Pool D: Jammu and Kashmir outclassed Orissa by 13-3 in Pool D fixture.Tadasur topscored with four home runs while Aman scored a brace for winners.
Pool E: Kerala bt Indian Oil Corporation 9-3. Nitin, Sonu scored two each for Kerala. Laxman scored two for IOC. Pool F: Manipur bt Uttar Pradesh 10-0. Manipur scorers: Nongthang, Tingular (2 each), Dev Dutta, Raju,.Deepak, Shankar, Anikuteal and Suresh (one each). Pool G: Maharashtra bt Chattisgarh 7-6. Maharashtra’s scorers: Rohit, Jagat (2 each), Chetan, Mayur and Visvash (1 each) .Chattisgarh’s scorers: Pradeep (2), Jagmohan, Bhupender, JN Reddy, Deenu (1 each). Pool H: Andhra Pradesh bt West Bengal 11-0. Main scorers for AP: Shrinath and Ashish (2 each).

Chandigarh men outplay Goa in softball

A match in progress in the 30th Senior National Softball Championship in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

CHANDIGARH, June 25
Hosts Chandigarh started their campaign with a bang by routing goal with a 22-0 margin in the men's opening match of the 30th Senior National Softball Championship which commenced at the Panjab University Campus here today.
Dewan (4 home runs), Ravinder Singh, Nimit, Rohit and Vijay (3 home runs each), Vishal, Harshit and Vijay ( 2 each) engineered Goa's rout.
In another one-sided encounter, Andhra Pradesh carried too many guns against Haryana whom they handed out a 18-0 drubbing. Srinath and Ashih were their main scorers with three home run each. Karunakar, Narinder, Vinod, Deepash and Vinod Jr contributed two home runs each.
Jharkhand also proved too good for Tamil Nadu whom they routed by 15-5. Praveen Kanahaya, Ravi, Mahesh, Sashi Kant and Roshan (2 each) paved the way for Jharkhand's triumph.
Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh women also made winning start in their respective groups. Punjab got the better of Puddicherry by 4-0 and Madhya Pradesh downed Himachal Pradesh by 12-2. Chattisgarh defeated Manipur by 16-4.
Earlier, Panjab University Director Sports Naval Kishore inaugurated the Senior Nationals in which players from 20 states and union territories have staked their claims for the top honours. This is the first Senior Nationals after Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi was unanimously elected president of Softball Federation of India in which secretaries of 24 states attended the annual general body meeting held yesterday.
Chairman of the organizing committee SS Dhillon said participation of such a large number of states was a testimony that softball was becoming popular in India.
A cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Results: Men: Chandigarh bt Goa 22-1; Madhya Pradesh bt Uttranchal 10-0; Chattisgarh bt Himachal Pradesh 8-6;Andhra Pradesh bt Haryana 18-0; Jharkhand bt Tamil Nadu 15-5. Women: Maharashtra bt Uttar Pradesh 10-4; Punjab bt Puddicherry 4-0; Jammu and Kashmir bt Haryana 10-0, Madhya Pradesh bt Himachal Pradesh 12-2; Chattisgarh bt Manipur 16-4.

DP Azad Academy celebrates 1983 WC triumph

Those who were honoured by DP Azad Cricket Academy at a function to celebrate India's World Cup victory in 1983.
Former Haryana Ranji player Rakesh Jolly and Indian selector Bhupinder Singh Senior with the mementoes presented to them by DP Azad Cricket Academy at a function to celebrate India's World Cup victory in 1983. photos by Balbir Singh.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 25
The Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy today organised an exhibition 20-overs match played between Kapil Dev XI and Gavaskar XI at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45. It was conducted to celebrate India's historic triumph in World Cup in 1983. On this occasion, Azad Academy also felicitated outstanding cricketers, sports administrators and sports journalists.
Among those honoured were Chandigarh Hockey Association secretary Yash Pal Vohra, Indian cricket selector Bhupinder Singh Senior, Chandigarh Cricket Association, affiliated to Punjab Cricket Association Mohinder Singh, former Punjab wicketkeeper Arun Sharma, former Haryana Ranji player Rakesh Jolly, SAI cricket coach Manjit Singh, Sushil Kapoor and sports scribes Donald Bannerjee (The Tribune) and Balbir Singh (United News of India) for their valuable contributions to promote sports.
Sports journalists jointly presented a memento of DP Cricket Academy to Dronacharya Desh Prem Azad. Principal Harold Carver was the chief guest and presented the mementos. As a gesture, Azad Academy also presented bats to budding needy cricketers Jai Kumar (hawker) and Arjun Singh, son of mali of St Stephen's School. According to the Dronacharya, the academy was providing them free training, clothes etc.
Kapil Dev rang up from England to his coach Desh Prem Azad wishing him good luck for organising the function to celebrate India's triumph in World Cup. Azad said that Kapil was happy that they were still recognised even after Indian victory 25 years ago.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Harold Carver jokingly described DP Azad as a "googly masterby making me the chief guest in my own school." Aware of fielding overage players, Carver advised not to be tampted to resort to such unfair means.
Meanwhile, Kapil XI scored an easy eight-wicket victory and the highlight of the match was an outstanding century by Sachit Nayyar who scored 104, with the help of 12fours and three sixes.
Required to score 154 for victory, Kapil XI who made 155 for 2 in 15 overs. Batting first Gavaksar XI had scored 153 for 7. Saurabh topscored with 31.
Brief scores: Gavaskar XI: Manan Vohra 26, Ankit 18, Karan 17, Navin 14, Saurabh 31, Rishi Chopra 21, Harshank 1 for 21, Harry 2 for 21, Abhilash1 for 16).
Kapil XI: 155 for 2 in 15 overs (Sachit Nayyar 104, 12x4s, 3x6s, Shivdeep 30, Jayant 1 for 20, Rajat 1 for 29).

Mother of Olympian Surjit Singh dies

President, Surjit Hockey Society president Ajeet Singh Pannu, IAS, Deputy Commissiioner, Jalandhar and Secretary Iqbal Singh Sandhu, PCS, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Gurdaspur and other members of the Surjit Hockey Society have condoled the sad demise of Mrs. Joginder Kaur Randhawa, mother of former Indian captain Olympian Surjit Singh. She died in Jalandhar last night.
The Surjit Hockey Society, Jalandhar prayed for the departed soul to the Almighty God and for the family to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude.
Punjab Sports Director Padamshree Pargat Singh expressed deep shock on the death of Mrs Joginder Randhawa.

Softball Federation of India splits

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 24
The Softball Federation of India has split into two with one group headed by Prem Singh Bajore holding its meeting in New Delhi and the second group, with acting secretary Rooplal Sharma conducting its executive and annual general body meeting in Chandigarh today.
In the annual general body meeting in Chandigarh, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi was unanimously elected federation president in absentia. Pravin Anokar of Madhya Pradesh was elected secretary. S.S.Kalet has been chosen as treasurer. Rooplal Sharma has become chairman of the SFI.
Meanwhile, according to a communication received here from Delhi, the executive committee "supported the decision of Prem Singh Bajore to remove Sh. Rooplal Sharma from secretaryship with immediate effect."
Terming the activities of Roopal Sharma as illegal, Prem Singh Bajore in a letter circulated to all affiliated units has said "I hereby withdraw the nomination/authorization of Shri Roop Lal Sharma as the Acting Secretary of the Softball Association of India, which was done earlier by me in good faith and confidence after demise of Dr. Dashratmal Mehta (former Hony. General Secretary), vide my letter dated 21st January' 08."
The executive committee also declared the Senior National Championship at Chandigarh from June 25 to 30 "as illegal.''
Prem Singh Bajore in a letter has alleged that Rooplal Sharma without my consent allotted the Senior Nationals to Chandigarh. "Shri Roop Lal Sharma, on his own accord, reported to be conducting the 30th National Senior Softball Championship without my approval. The organization of said Senior National is, therefore, invalid and illegal. "
Bajare has also pointed out that Shri Roop Lal Sharma, as Acting Secretary had earlier sent intimation to all affiliated units relating to the conduct of 26th National Junior Softball Championship from June 24 to 29 at Jaipur, based on the discussion he has had with me, vide his letter dated May 2, 2008. "Now he (Roop Lal) is deliberately clashing the dates of the Junior Championship with the Senior Championship, which is in contravention of the circular sent earlier regarding the National Junior, which is neither in the interest of the affiliated units nor that of the national Association," wrote Bajore.
The Bajore group also finalised its calendar. The Junior National Championship will be held at Jaipur from August 24 to 29 and the Sub Junior National.Championship has been allotted to Orissa which will be held in October. Haryana will host the Senior Nationals National .championship from December 26 to 31.

Gaurav and Shivdeep steers BV into final

Gaurav and Shivdeep steers BV into final
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23
An outstanding 166-run second wicket partnership between Gaurav Tandon (98 not out, 15x4s) and Shivdeep (87, 8x4s, 1x6), coupled with deadly bowling by medium pacer Reshav Sharma (3 for 40) raced Bhavan Vidalaya of Panchkula to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Mohali Cricket Academy in the semi-final of the Chandigarh Inter-Academy Under-15 Cricket Tournament for Mount Shivalik Trophy being organised by Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy at St Stephen's School in Sector 45 here today.
MCA won the toss and elected to bat. They were dismissed for 194 in 38.1 overs.Varun (45, 6x4s, 1x6) and Saurabh Chopra (48, 7x4s) were associated in a 43-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ankit contributed 23. Bhavan Vidalaya medium pacer Reshav Sharma bowed well to claim three wickets for 40 runs. Aditya Guleria captured two wickets for 27 minutes.
Chasing a moderate total of 195 for victory, Bhavan Vidalaya achieved the target with the loss of two wickets as they scored 196. After the fall of Chanakaya (3) wicket, Gaurav Tandon (98 not out, 89 balls, 15x4s) and Shivdeep Singh (87, 67 balls, 8x4s, 1x6) played with ease and hit all over the wicket to prodce 166 runs for the second wicket.
Brief scores: Mohali Cricket Association: 194 all out in 38.1 overs (Kinderpreet 17, Saurabh Chopra 48, 7x4s, Ankit 23, Varun 45, 6x4s, 1x6, Subeer 10, Harkirat 19, Reshv Sharma 3 for 40, Aditya Guleria 2 for 27, Shubham 1 for 18, Kunal 1 for 33).
Bhavan Vidalaya, Panchkula: 196 for 2 (Gaurav Tandon 98 not out 15x4s, Shivadeep Singh 87, 8x4s, 1x6, Harkirat 1 for 30, Mehnaz 1 for 23).
KAPIL DEV XI VS GAVASKAR XI: Desh Prem Azad Cricket Academy will organise an exhibition match between Kapil XI and Gavaskar XI on June 25 to mark the celebration of silver jubilee celebrations of India's famous World Cup victory in 1993, at St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45. Giving this information here today, coach of cricket icon Kapil Dev Nikhanj, Dronacharya DP Azad said the teams would comprise players under-15 from various cricket academies of Chandigarh, Panchukla and Mohali.
On this historic occasion, besides the exhibition match, the Azad Academy will also honour those who are associated in promoting cricket for decades. St Stephen's School Principal Harold Carver will be the chief guest.
PUNJAB HANDBALL TRIALS: The Punjab Handball Association is conducting selection trials at 10 a.m on June 26 at Punjab Agriculture University ground in Ludhiana. The selected boys will represent Punjab in the 1st Youth National Games to be held at Bangalore from July 22 to to 29.
According to PHA president SS Chayy, players born on or after January 1, 1990 are eligible to participate in the trials. Players must report to PHA secretary general Balkar Singh Brar, along with date of birth proof in original at the venue.

Tanvi Bhargava does Chandigarh proud

Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, June 22
Tanvi Bhargava has done Chandigarh proud as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has entrusted her responsibility to lead an Indian Under-13 team in the Asian Football Confederation Under-13 Girls Festival Football to be held in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) from June 23 to 27.
Elated father Dr Akhil Bhargava, Managing Director of Silver Oaks Hospital, and mother Dr Manjari, on Tanvi's inclusion in the team and leading the Indian squad, said "It's great feeling. First playing for the school, then the state and now the country is like moving from strength to strength."
Asked how Tanvi felt when she was informed about her inclusion and making her captain, Dr Bhargava said "my daughter had sent a message on my cell saying that by choosing captain means that I have lot of responsibilities on my shoulder."
Besides providing exposure, the AIFF is also grooming leadership qualities among the young players.
According to Dr Bhargavas Tanvi is very 'responsible and obedient'. She has the leadership quality and takes every body with her without any problem.
Belonging to a family of reputed doctors, Tanvi has been consistently showing excellence in football. "We use to see her play in tournaments. Spectators use to say when Tanvi got possession of the ball that "now it will be a goal. We were thrilled and excited to hear such comments from knowledgeable football spectators," said Dr Bhargava.
It was not an easy passage for Tanvi to start playing football. She virtually gate- crashed her way into football. "My son Anikt used to play football. She became attracted to it. "Despite opposition, Tanvi use to bully her brother and play soccer. That is how she started playing five years back and she has not looked back after that."
Asked whether, the family of doctors would allow Tanvi to continue to play soccer, Dr Bhagava said "we will continue to fully support her. In fact I am in touch with some football clubs of United Kingdom so that she can get advanced and more scientific training in England."
Dr Manjari said "Tanvi was adjudged the best player of Sacred Heart for four consecutive years from 2004 to 2008." "Tanvi is a large hearted girl. After her team's win, she has never said she had done it. She would say we have done it. It is a team work. She would pass the ball to a better positioned player to score though she could have also done it. She is not selfish."
Akhil and Manjari said "Tanvi is very good in studies also. There is an extra facility in Mayo College that Tanvi can approach any teacher for help any time after she had missed the classes due to competition or attending coaching camps."
Born on February 4, 1996, Tavni is the only Chandigarh girl footballer to have been selected in the Indian team and appointed captain. Tanvi who studied in Sacred Heart School, Sector 26, before shifting to Mayo College, Ajmer, The reason for getting admission in Mayo College given by her father Dr Akhil Bhargava was that she could 'pursue her sports career more freely and continue her studies."
Meanwhile, Chandiarh Football Association secretary Rakesh Bakshi intervened to say "Tanvi is game maker, planner and scorer. She can shuffle ball with both feet with same confidence. She can shoot with right or left with power and accuracy. It is a rare quality among girl players."
"It is a new chapter in the history of Chandigarh soccer. The CFA is running free coaching academies for girls at Dev Samaj College in Sector 45 and for boys as SD Public School in Sector 24. With Tanvi leading the country, more girls will be attracted to join CFA academy," hoped Bakshi.
Myanmar ,Japan ,Singapore, Korea Republic , China and hosts Vietnam are the other participating countries of the festival.
The Team: W Lintho Ingambi Devi (Manipur/ Defender),Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (Manipur/,GK) ,T Ranjita Devi (Manipur/Def)),H Sunita Devi (Manipur/Def) ,Kigpin/Manipur/Def ,TH Purnima Devi (Manipur/Def) ,Sithara Hari Kumar (Kerala/ Def) ,Tanvi Bhargava (Chandigarh/ Mid), Masuka Somesh (Karnataka/ Mid) ,Raksha Pawar (Uttarakhand/ Mid) ,Josline D Souza (Goa/ Forward) , Preeti Shinde (Goa/ Fwd ),Luica Gracy Simoes (Goa/ Fwd),Salma Fernandes (Goa/ Mid ),Subhaprabha Rout (Orissa/ Mid) ,Karishma Oram (Orissa/ Fwd) ,Veerpal Kaur Bawa (Punjab/ Fwd), Mampi Bhowmick (Tripura/ Fwd),Sangeetha Viagulasamy (Puducherry/ Mid),Varalakshmi Mani (Puducherry/ Def),Viswa Kirti Patel (Gujarat/ Mid) & Kanmozhi Muthukrishanan (Tamilnadu/ Fwd). Officials : Ms Shukla Dutta Chief Coach,Ms RK Amusana Devi (Coach) and Ms Anjani Agrawal (Physiotherapist).

Youth FC outplay Kings VIII for crown

Youth Football Club which emerged winners in KV-48 Eight-A-Side Football Tournament in Chandigarh on Sunday.
Runners-up Kings VIII.
CHANDIGARH, June 22
Youth Football Club handed out a 5-0 drubbing to Kings VIII in the final of the inaugural KV-48 Eight-A-Side Football Tournament at the Banyan Tree School ground in Sector 48 here today.
Youth Football Club proved too good for their rivals in all departments of the game.. Showing good skills and quick clearance by their defenders, Youth Football Club enjoyed territorial supremacy and led 2-0 at half time.
Kings VIII tried their best to match their rivals. However, their forwards failed to pierce the tough defence of Youth Football Club. Kings VIII forwards had chances to score but their forwards either shot wide or their shots were too weak to beat YFC goalkeeper Aksh.
Kings VIII’s best opportunity to score came in the second half as they were awarded a penalty. However, Arjun Kundra’s spot kick was foiled by an alert YFC goalkeeper Aksh.
YFC took time to settle down. After initial probing, they forged ahead with a Tanuj’s goal in the 18th minute. Four minutes later, Kartik doubled the score.
On crossing over, Harminder (32nd), Pankaj (40th) and Mohit (43rd) contributed one goal each to swell the winners’ tally.
The Banyan Tree School Director Ravinder Talwar was introduced to the players of both teams.
Teams: YFC: Mohit Raj, Sunil Kumar, Rakesh Bohra, Aksh, Pankaj, Harminder, Kartik, Munish, Ajay, Tanuj, Ashok, Tengin and Mandeep.
Kings VIII: Harjot, Gursimran, Govind, Siddharth, Alekh, Varun Issar, Arjun Kundra, Ankit, Uday Singh Dhillon, Avirat, Rajat and Ananveer.

Punjab boys and Chattisgarh girls keep titles

The Punjab boys team which retained title in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Tournament in Kapurthala on Saturday night.
The victorious Chattisgarh girls team which retained their trophy in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship in Kapurthala on Saturday.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 21
Hosts and defending champions Punjab prevailed over Delhi by 43-36 in a thrilling boys final in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship which ended at Sainik School courts here on Saturday.
Encouraged by the home crowd, Punjab were leading by 10-8 at the conclusion of the first quater. Slowly and steadily, the hosts continued to sink baskets at regular intervals and led by 23-12 after second quarter.
Maintaining their pressure Punjab were leading by 36-26 at the end of third quarter.
Holders Chattisgarh beat Uttar Pradesh by 60-31 points to retain the girls trophy. For Chattisgarh, Sangeeta-10, Saranjeet Kaur-26, Sangeeta Dass-6, and for U.P, Saweta-15, Barkha-8 were main scorers.
In the third and forth place match played in the morning today, U.P boys struggled to defeat Chattisgarh by 48-44 points. Chattisgarh were leading by a single point (12-11) at the end of first quarter. Both the teams were equal (22-22) at the end of second quarter final in the Chattisgarh was leading by three points (32-29) and in the fourth quarter Chattisgarh tall player Vijay Pratap Singh was fouled out, and U.P boys taking advantage of that won the match by 48-44. For U.P, Aman Singh-12, Kumar Shahthanu-9, Abishek k. Singh-8, Lalit Pal-5, Gaurav-4, Abhishek Raj-3 and for Chattisgarh, Murali-14, Vijay Pratap Singh-16, Prithvi Raj-7 were main scorers.
In the girls section match Tamilnadu beat Jharkhand by 42-25 and won bronze medal. For Tamilnadu, Shiny Prasanna-15, Suganya-10, Malini-6, Shanthi-4, and for Jharkhand, Aditi Tudu-10, Diksha Aloka-5, Palhi Mardi-4 were main scorers.

Lt Col Grewal putts golf title

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 21
Lt Col RS Grewal won the net category title (below 50 years) with a card of 59 in the one-day Uppal's Extraordinary Golf League played today at the Chandigarh Golf Club course here. Sunit Sehgal, with a card of 65, finished runner-up.
In the ladies net category Mohinder Ruppal emerged winner as she carded 66. Pauline J M Singh secured the runner-up position with a card of 72.
Gurmehar Brar excelled in measuring the longest drive (300 yards) at hole No. 18. The nearest to the pin title went to Balwant Singh Brar(2'.5")
Results: Gross Category up to 69 years: 1 Chitwan Mann 74, 2 Brig P.P.S Dhillon 76.Net Category: Below 50 years: 1 Lt Col R.S. Grewal 59, Sunit Sehgal 65. 50-60 years: 1 Jaspal Singh Sidhu 68, 2 G.S. Wason 76.60-70 years: 1
Lt Gen M.P.S. Bhandari 63, 2 Brig P.P.S. Dhillon 64. 70 years and above: 1 Col M.S . Narula 35, 2 B S Jabbi 35.
Ladies Net category: 1 Mrs Mohinder Ruppal 66, 2 Mrs Pauline J M Singh 72.
Longest Drive Hole No. 18: Gurmehar Brar 300 yards. Nearest to Pin common to all Hole No 8/ Hole No 14: Balwant Singh Brar 2’.5’’.

YFC meet Kings VIII in 8-a-side soccer final

Kings VIII custodian Uday Singh Dhillon saving a penalty against KV Football Club semi-final in the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Football Tournament on Saturday

KV Football Club goalkeeper Anmol Jakhmi trying in vain to stop the ball from crossing the goalline in their semi-final match against Kings VIII.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20
Youth Football Club, Sector 48 will face Kings VIII in the final of the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Football Tournament tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Banyan Tree School ground here.
In the semi-final matches played today, Kings VIII edged out KV Football Club with an aggregate 6-5 margin in tie-breaker after sharing two goals in the regulation period and Youth Football Club defeated Ayappan Team by two second-half goals after a barren first half.
Youth Football Club and Ayappan Team were evenly balanced. Both teams had opportunities to score but their forwards were wayward in their shooting in the first half.
However, Youth Football Club launched their attacks with redoubled vigour and their efforts bore fruits in the 40th minute when Pankaj gave his team the lead. Hardly had the cheers of their supporters died down when Rakesh made it beyond double with a fine goal in the 45th minute.
In the second semi-final, KV Football Club drew the first blood through Harsimran Singh foxing Kings VIII defence with an accurate shot in the 15th minute.
Going all out for equaliser after resumptio, Kings VIII hit back and their forwards moved upfront with proper coordination. Arjun Kundra neutralised the lead midway through the second session. Tied one-all, the tie-breaker rule was applied to resolve the deadlock. Kings VIII converted all their five penalties through Gursimran Brar, Alesk, Gobind, Puneet and Arjun Kundra.
Jaswinder, Ripudaman, Xavier's Mathews and Harsimran converted their spot kicks for KV Football Club. Vikramjit Singh wasted his penalty. Kings goalkeeper Uday Singh Dhillon and KVFC custodian Anmol Jakhmi displayed good skills under the bar.
Earlier, Ayappan-47 defeated United-38 by 7-6 on penalties in sudden death. Ayappan's scorers were Puneet (2), Vikram Maan (2), Vipul (1), Johny (1) and Ajay (1). Sabby, Alam and Jatin scored two goals each for United-38.
In another match, KV Football Club routed Sonix by 7-1 after leading 3-0 at hafl time. The winners' scorers were: Gurjot, Vaibhav, Himneet, Cheanpreet, Harsimran and Aman (1 each). The face-saving goal for Sonix was scored by Shakti.

Rahil Gangjee takes pole position

KOLKATA, JUNE 20
Kolkata’s Rahil Gangjee surged into the lead on the third day of the PGTI Players Championship at Royal Calcutta Golf Club after shooting a solid three under 66. Gangjee’s tournament total has now moved to five under 169. Arjun Singh and Harendra Gupta currently trail Gangjee by one stroke for a share of second position. Ashok Kumar, Anirban Lahiri and Neil Mundra are a further stroke behind in tied fourth. Local hero SSP Chowrasia is in tied 10th place at one under 173 as he shot 68 on Friday. The par for the course continued to be 69.
Rahil Gangjee moved into the lead at the end of round three as a result of his superb 66 which included five birdies and two bogeys. Gangjee, who had shot 34 and 69 in the first two rounds, began slowly on the penultimate day of the tournament with bogeys on the second and third holes. He then came back strongly with birdies on the fourth, eight, 11th, 14th and 18th.
Arjun Singh and Harendra Gupta are one stroke off the lead in tied second. Arjun’s 65 was the best score of the day. Neil Mundra, Himmat Singh Rai and Mohd Islam also carded rounds of 65 on Friday.
Delhi-based Arjun Singh had fired 37 and 68 in the first two rounds. His third round effort included birdies on the fourth, fifth, eighth, 15th, 16th, 18th and bogeys on the 11th and 12th. His total now stands at four under 170.
Arjun said, “I’m really pleased with my performance today as I’m now very much in contention. It could have been better had I not hit a couple of bad drives to the right on the 11th and 12th.”
Harendra Gupta (33, 65, 72) shot three over 72 in round three to slip into tied second. He had a forgettable front nine as he dropped bogeys on the third and eighth and a double bogey on the sixth. His lone birdie came on the 15th.
Neil Mundra (34, 72, 65), Anirban Lahiri (38, 66, 67) and Ashok Kumar (34, 67, 70) are all tied fourth at three under 171. Himmat Singh Rai, Mohd Siddikur Rehman and Chiragh Kumar occupy tied seventh place with identical totals of two under 172.
Kolkata’s SSP Chowrasia and Yusuf Ali are tied 10th along with three other golfers at one under 173. Rahul Ganapathy is placed tied 15th as total reads even par 174. Digvijay Singh’s total of three over 177 places him tied 22nd.
Gaganjeet Bhullar and Mukesh Kumar are a further stroke behind in tied 27th position.
Vijay Kumar at five over 179 lies tied 32nd while Akshay Butta’s total of six over 180 places him highest among the amateurs at tied 36th.
Earlier in the day the cut was made at four over par 109 after the completion of the second round. Fifty two golfers managed to make the cut among them two were amateurs. The prominent names that did not make the cut included Gaurav Ghei, Ali Sher (both tied 53rd at five over 110), Amandeep Johl, Feroz Ali Mollah, Basad Ali (all tied 66th at six over 111) and Harmeet Kahlon (tied 75th at seven over 112).

Punjab boys face Chattisgarh in semis

KAPURTHALA, JUNE 20
Holders Chattisgarh will lock horns with Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh will challenge Tamil Nadu in the girls semi-finals of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship being played at Sainik School courts here.
Delhi are pitted against Uttar Pradesh and defending champions Punjab will face Chattisgarh in the boys semi-final fixtures
Last year’s runners-up Chattisgarh outplayed Tamil Nadu by 53-23 in the boys quarter-final encounter. The quarter-wise scores were 24-9,38-13, 45-19, 53-23. The main architects of Chattisgarh’s facile win were Ajay Patak (20), Murali (15) and Jaia (10) who gave a harrowing time to their opponents. For Tamil Nadu, Vishnu (4), Gautam (4) and Purasnath (5) were the main scorers.
Uttar Pradesh displayed their class against Jharkhand whom they beat by 60-36 (quarter-wise scores 6-13, 22-23, 33--28, 60-36). Lalit and Kumar Shantanu displayed good form to baseket 14 points each for UP. Aman Singh (6) and Gourav (4) were their other main scorers. For Jharkhand, Akash Nayak (12), Nitesh (4) and Amit (10) were their other main scorers.
Playing before the home crowd, Punjab outplayed Maharashtra in a one-sided match by 68-31 (quarter-wise scores 12-7, 35-9, 47-15, 68-31). For Punjab, Kushmeet top-scored with 25 points. Loveneet (9), Money Pal (3), Gagandeep (4) and Sameer Sen (9) were their other main contributors. For Maharashtra, Saleem (14) and Qureshi (11) were the main scorers.
In the last quarter-final, Delhi ousted Rajasthan by 53-22 (13-5, 5-9,17-6,18-12). Narender (22), Hemant (12), Surender (4) and Amit (4) served Delhi well. For Rajasthan, Rakesh (10), Devinder (10) and Surjit (4) were main scorers.
Classification Round: Girls: 5th to 8th place: Maharashtra bt Karnataka 34-20. A.P bt West Bengal 52-47. 9th & 10th place: Punjab bt Haryana 46-28.
Boys: 5th to 8th place: Jharkhand bt Rajasthan 70-66. Tamil Nadu bt Maharashtra 57-56. 9th & 10th place: Kerala bt Manipur 49-46.

200 golfers for Uppal's Extraordinary League

From left: Harmit Chawla, TPS Virk, DS Bains and Brig HS Bath addressing press conference in Chandigarh on Friday. Photo by Balbir Singh.
2CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20
Two hundred amateur golfers from Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali are participating in the one-day Uppal's Extraordinary Golf League Tournament at the Chandigarh Golf Course here. The tee off will be at 7 a.m. The tournament will be on full handicap against strokeplay. Competitions will be held in age categories of men's below 50 years, men 50-65 years, men 65-70 years and men above 70 years. There is no age category in the women's section. Women and men above 70 years will play only nine holes.
Addressing a press conference, President of Chandigarh Golf Club DS Bains, IAS, said the one-day tournament focussed at bringing the golf playing community in the vicinity together. The Uppal Group is sponsoring the meet.
"The tournament will provide exposure to the members of all age groups from Chandigarh Golf Club, Shivalik Golf Club and Chandigarh Golf Association," said Bains hoping that Uppals would continue to support golf and the Chandigarh Golf Club in future also.
"A spate of big golf tournaments were conducted recently in Chandigarh which is considered to be golf nursery of India and Asia," said Bains.
Harmit Chawla, Vice President Sales, Uppal Group said "the extraordinary league is an initiative of the Uppal Group to promote golf and build a long and enduring relations with the golf playing community of the region."
Being a tournament for amateurs, there is no prize money. However, trophies would be awarded. There will be prizes for gross category up to 69 years; nett below 50 years, nett 50 to 60 years, nett 69 to 70 years, nett 70 years and above, ladies nett category (in case there are minimum five or or participants), longest drive (hole No. 18) and nearest to pin (Hole No. 8).

KVFC beat Panchkula United on penalties

Penalty session in progress in the match between KV Football Club and Panchkula United in the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Open Football Tournament at the Banyan Tree School in Sector 48.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20
KV Football Club got the better of Panchkula United with an aggregate 7-6 margin via tie-breaker in the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Open Football Tournament at the Banyan Tree School ground here today.
The teams were locked three-all in the regulation period.
Another match to be decided on penalties was between Youth Football Club and Panjab University Football Club. After sharing four goals in the stipulated period, the organisers ordered the tie-breaker rule in which Youth Football Club emerged winners by 4-3.
Enjoying territorial supremacy, Ayappanz outplayed Panchkula-Nani by 5-0 and MCA defeated United-43 by 4-2. In yet another match, Sonix got the better of United-47 by 3-2.
BTS CRICKET TRIALS: Trials to select cricketers for the Banyan Tree Cricket Academy will be conducted tomorrow in the school premises in Sector 48 A. Interested cricketers should report to Inderjeet Singh 'Monty' and 4 p.m., according to BTS Director Ravinder Talwar.

Jatinder lucky to win boys U-12 singles title

Winners in the AITA Talent Series Tennis Tournament pose for a group photo at the CLTA Stadium in Chandigarh on Friday.
CHANDIGARH, June 20
Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association trainees Jatinder Singh was lucky to win the boys Under-12 singles titles in the AITA Talent Series Tennis Tournament at the CLTA Sports Complex in Sector 10 here on Friday.
After splitting the first two sets, Jatinder’s opponent Fatehdeep Singh from Punjab, had a comfortable 4-1 lead in the decider. Thereafter in two games of the third set, Fatehdeep lost concentration and served poorly and committed half a dozen doubles faults in two games which heavily titled the scale in favour of Jatinder Singh, who won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Throughout the 130-minute hotly-contested final, both players were hitting superbly from first-to-last shot. Besides hitting powerfully from the baseline, they were not hesitant to rush to the net for volley.
It was Jatinder’s second title as in the boys Under-12 doubles final, he partnered Pranav to beat bt Ishaque Eqbal and Dheer Anush 6-2, 6-4.
Meanwhile, the Delhi players will take home the girls Under-12, girls Under-16 and boys Under-16 singles titles. Second seed Ankit Chaudhary (boys Under-16), top seed Samriti (girls Under-12) and unseeded Nikita (girls Under-16) won titles in their respective sections.
Down by first set, unseeded Nikita bounced back into the game with vengeance to shatter the aspirations of fourth seed Abhilasha Mehra in an all-Delhi girls Under-16final. After settling down Nikita won 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Second seed Ankit Chaudhary played percentage tennis to overcome his team mate Abhimanyu Singh 6-3, 6-2 in the boys Under-16 singles final. Top seed Samriti proved too good for unseeded Devika Chakravarti, also of Delhi, 6-3, 6-1 in the girls Under-12 singles final. It was inadvertently mentioned that Vibhuti Khullar had beaten Devika in the girls Under-12 singles semi-final. It was Devika who had defeated Vibhiti.
Former Director General of Police, Punjab, Sarabjit Singh was the chief guest and distributed the prizes. CLTA General Manage RK Nayyar and Coordinator BS Lamba also distributed prizes among winners in the doubles.
Results (all finals): Boys Under-12: Jatinder Singh bt Fatehdeep Singh 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Boys Under-16: Ankit Chaudhary bt Abhimanyu Singh 6-3, 6-2. Girls Under-12: Samriti bt Devika Chakravarti 6-3, 6-1. Girls Under-16: Nikita bt Abhilasha Mehra 1-6, 6-4, 6-4. Girls Under-16 doubles: Medha Toor & Samriti bt Abhilasha Mehra & Priyanka Rawat 4-6, 7-5, 10-4. Boys Under-12 doubles: Pranav & Jatinder Singh bt Ishaque Eqbal & Dheer Anush 6-2, 6-4. Boys Under-16 doubles: Resham Singh & Suraj Beniwal bt Kamal Kishor & Pankaj Kumar 6-2.

Punjab to soon invite applications for Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20
The Punjab Government will be soon announcing the date of conferring the highest state sports honour to eligible sportspersons with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award for year 2005, 2006 and 2007.
The screening committee, approved by Punjab Sports Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, met here recently to discuss modalities for selection of the players. It is learnt that the Sports Minister has included sarpanches, without any sports background, in the screening committee.
Outstanding sportspersons in 26 Olympic disciplines and one cricketer would be shortlisted from the applications received for the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award which was revived after a gap of 10 years in 2006.
The number of recipients was also raised fom 15 per year to 27 and the cash award to Rs one lakh each from Rs 20,000. In July 2006, 124 brilliant sportspersons of Punjab were presented the highest state sports honour from 1997 to 2004. A cheque for Rs 1 lakh, a trophy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and citation, besides a blazer and a tie are given to each recipient of the award.
The screening committee this year will be soon inviting applications for the highest state sports award while the State Government has sanctioned the required amount to be disbursed among the recipients of the awards. Confirming this, a spokesman of the Punjab Sports Department said that the "Maharaja Ranjit Singh award case is under active consideration of the Government."
PUNJAB TO FIELD STRONG TEAM: Meanwhile, Punjab has started preparing for participation in the inaugural National Youth Games to be organised in Bangalore from July 22 to 29. The Punjab Olympic Association has directed its affiliated units to organise two camps to prepare the teams in athletics, archery, swimming, badminton, boxing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kho-kho, shooting, table tennis, teakwondo, tennis triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.
A POA spokesman said that the Punjab Gymnastic Association and the Punjab Equestrian Association have already selected their teams for coaching camps. According to instructions given by the POA, the concerned state sports associations would conduct first coaching camp of 15 days and the second for a week. The gymnastic association has announced to organise first camp for 25 selected gymnasts from June 21 to July 5 and the second from July 8 to 17.
The POA has requested the Punjab Sports Department and the Punjab State Sports Council to provide them technical assistance for holing the coaching camps and financial grant of Rs 35 lakh for preparing and sending the Punjab contingent for the National Youth Games.
A Punjab Sports Department spokesman said that the department would depute the coaches on the request of the Punjab Olympic Association to train the players in coaching camps. The required fund would also be released to felicitate the POA to organise coaching camps and sending the strong contingent to Bangalore.

Harendra Gupta gains three-stroke lead

KOLKATA, JUNE 19
Chandigarh-based Harendra Gupta enjoyed a three-stroke lead at the end of day two of the PGTI Players Championship at Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Gupta, the round one joint leader shot four under 65 to take his tournament total to seven under 98. Round two could not be completed on Thursday as play started two hours behind schedule due to the course conditions after the overnight rain. Twenty seven players are yet to finish the second round out of a total field of 108. While Harendra Gupta led the field among the 81 golfers who finished round two, Ashok Kumar was three strokes behind him in second place. Ashok’s total moved to four under 101 after he carded two under 67 in the second round.
On Thursday par for the course was 69 as three par four holes, the ninth, 10th and 16th were reduced to par 3 at the start of the round due to course conditions. The second round will now be completed on Friday morning before the cut is made. The third round will commence thereafter.
Harendra Gupta made it to the top of the leaderboard as a result of his bogey-free 65. He had fired three under 33 in the first round. Gupta’s second round included birdies on the seventh, 12th, 14th and 15th.
Delhi’s Ashok Kumar (34, 67), currently placed second at four under 101, is expected give Gupta a run for his money over the weekend. Ashok’s second round was punctuated by birdies on the third, ninth, 16th and a bogey on the 18th.
Kolkata’s Rahil Gangjee (34, 69) and Chandigarh’s Ranjit Singh (35, 68) are currently tied third at two under 103. Gangjee’s round of even par 69 was marked by birdies on the first, second, fourth, sixth, 15th, 18th and bogeys on the third and 10th. He also made double bogeys on the seventh and 11th. Ranjit Singh on the other hand made 17 pars and sank a lone birdie on the fourth.
Ranjit Singh from Kolkata, Vishal Singh, Chiragh Kumar, Digvijay Singh, Manav Jaini, Dayal Singh, Anirban Lahiri and Rahul Ganapathy are all in tied fifth place with an identical total of one under 104.
SSP Chowrasia (35, 70), Arjun Singh, Shankar Das, Uttam Singh Mundy, Vinod Kumar, Mohd. Siddikur Rehman and Divyanshu Bajaj (Amateur) are all tied 13th at even par 105. SSP Chowrasia’s round included birdies on the second, 12th, 14th, and bogeys on the third, fourth, 10th and 18th. Gaurav Ghei (39, 71) is tied 41st at five over 110.

Kings VIII outplay Apu-45

A match between Kings VIII and Apu-45 in progress in the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Open Football Tournament in Chandigarh on Thursday.
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19
Brace each by Gursimran Brar and Sidharth Sandhu enabled Kings VIII outplay Apu-45 by 5-1 in the KV-48 Eight-A-Side Open Football Tournament which commenced at the Banyan Tree School ground here today.
Dominating the match, Kings VIII had an easy round. Gursimran and Sidharth booted home two goals each. Ankur Kumar contributed one goal for the winners. The solitary goal for Apu-45 was scored by Arpit.
In another match, Panjab University Football Club got the better of Gurmeet VIII by 3-2. In a well-contested match, PU FC scored through Sandeep, Tony and Malik. Gurmeet and Prem reduced the margin for Gurmeet VIII.
In yet another fixture, Monty-48 edged KV-48 'B' Team by 3-2.Monty, Vinay and Rishi scored one goal each for Monty-48. Robin and Aneesh netted for KV-48 'B' Team.
According to organiser Chetan Preet Singh, as many as 16 teams are taking part in the Eight-A-Side knockout tournament. He said that efforts were to provide more opportunities to the players to get exposure to hon their skills. He along with Harsimran Preet Singh and Vaibhav Bhasin have joined hands to launch this venure.

Punjab girls go down fighting to Maharashtra

A Gujarat girl dribbling while Punjab defenders trying to check her in a classification match of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship in Kapurthala.
A Kerala player trying to thwart an Uttar Pradesh attacker.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 19
Strong contenders Maharashtra overcame a stiff resistance from hosts Punjab girls before recording a hard-fought win by 54-45 in the pre-quarter-final encounter of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship at Saini School courts here late last night.
The Maharashtra girls meant business from the word 'go' and raced to a 10 points lead at the end of first quarter (21-11). That became the turning points of the match.
The Punjab girls could not stop lanky Shireen Leema of Maharashtra, who contributed 12 valuable points to her team. In the second quarter, the Punjab girls displayed better coordination and scoring skills to basket 16 points against 10 by Maharashtra..
At the conclusion of second quarter Maharashtra were leading by only four points (31-27). In the third quarter Maharashtra consolidated the lead and finally clinched the match by 54-45 points. For Maharashtra, Shireen Leema (12), Kiritika (12), Shawta (9) and Mayura Bhat (9) were the main scorers. Savita, Harpreet and Manpreet (10 each) were the main scorers.
The Maharashtra boys also made the quarter-final grade. Trailing 21-22 to Karnataka at the end of first quarter, the Maharashtra boys reorganized themselves and in the third quarter took a lead of six points (35-29) by scoring 14 points against 7 points of Karnataka. Thereafter Maharashtra maintaining same tempo, finally won the match by 52-34 points. For Maharashtra Ibrahim (12), Naveen (22), Uday (6) and Saleem (6) were the main points getters. Nikar Kumar (10), Alok (6), Nikhil (4) and Jeetender (8) reduced the margin for Karnataka..
Meanwhile, quarter-finalists have been spotted both in the boys and girls sections. The boys quarter-final line-up is: Punjab vs Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu vs Chattisgarh, Delhi vs Rajasthan and Jharkhand vs Uttar Pradesh.
In the girls section holders Chattisgarh will be challenged by West Bengal; Andhra Pradesh will meet Jharkhand; U.P will meet Maharashtras and Karnataka will play Tamil Nadu.
Results: Boys (Pre-quarterfinals): Maharashtra bt Karnataka 52-37, U.P bt Kerala 72-35, Chattisgarh bt Manipur 54-22, Delhi bt J&K 36-9.
Girls (Pre-quarter finals): Tamil Nadu bt Gujarat 32-14, West Bengal bt Haryana 51-29, Jharkhand bt Delhi 38-9, Maharashtra bt Punjab 54-45.
Classification round for 9th to 12th place: Kerala bt J&K 30-3; Manipur bt Karnataka 65-41, Punjab bt Gujarat 42-9, Haryana bt Delhi 46-18.

Punjab gymnasts for National Youth Games

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19
The Punjab Gymnastic Assocation today announced a list of 25 gymnasts to represent the State in the Inaugural National Youth Games to be held in Bangalore from July 22 to 29.
Announcing this here today, PGA secretary PS Virk said that the team was selected on the basis of trials conducted at Gurdaspur on June 18. The selected gymnasts will attend two coaching camps before participation in the National Youth Games.
The first coaching camp will be held from June 21 to July 5 and the second coaching camp will be from July 8 to 17. The coaching camps will be held at Jalandhar for boys (artistic) and at Gurdaspur for girls (artistics). Thecamp for girls (rhythmic) will be held at Amritsar
The team: Boys (artistic: Manpreet, Arun, Mandeep, Deepak, Rohit and Gaurav (Jalandhar), Lovepreet and Gaurav (Ludhiana), Sunil (Patiala), Sanjeev (Amritsar), Jagjit (Gurdaspur).
Girls (artistic): Naginder, Sarabjit, Gulwinder, Kanika, Santosh, Kawaljeet, Varinder, Simranjit (Gurdaspur), Sangeeta Kumari and Sangeeta Chouhan (Patiala)
Girls (rhythmic: Keerat, Ria, Manveet, Muskan (Amritsar) and Prabjot (Patiala).

Harendra and Sanjay share lead

Harendra Gupta who is sharing lead with Sanjay Singh after first round.
KOLKATA, JUNE 18
Chandigarh golfer Harendra Gupta and Noida’s Sanjay Singh shared the lead after round one of the PGTI Players Championship at Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Gupta and Singh shot scores of three under 33 to be placed at the top of the leaderboard after round one was reduced to nine holes due to bad weather.
Rahil Gangjee, Ashok Kumar, Neil Mundra and Chiragh Kumar (all two under 34) are one stroke behind the joint leaders in tied third position. SSP Chowrasia and Mukesh Kumar carded one under 35 along with nine other golfers to be tied seventh.
Harendra Gupta, the winner of PGTI’s last event in Chandigarh, sank birdies on the third, fourth, eighth and ninth holes. He had only one blemish on his card, a bogey on the sixth.
Noida-based professional Sanjay Singh also fired an impressive 33 to be right up there with Harendra Gupta. Sanjay’s round was marked by birdies on the first and fifth, a bogey on the seventh and an eagle on the par five eighth.
Kolkata’s Rahil Gangjee returned a two under 34 to finish the day in tied third place. His round included birdies on the first, fourth, eighth and a bogey on the sixth. Ashok Kumar, Neil Mundra and Chiragh Kumar also shot scores of 34 to join Gangjee in tied third.
Ashok Kumar, the 2006-07 PGTI Order of Merit winner, birdied the third, fourth, eighth and bogeyed the seventh to stay in the hunt.
Another Kolkata lad, SSP Chowrasia had a decent outing as he carded 35 for a share of seventh place. The reigning Indian Masters champion made birdies on the fourth and ninth and a bogey on the seventh.
Mukesh Kumar who had three birdies and two bogeys, joined Chowrasia in tied seventh position. Kolkata’s Yusuf Ali was also tied seventh. Divyanshu Bajaj’s 35 ensured he was the highest ranked amateur at tied seventh. Rahul Ganapathy and Digvijay Singh returned scores of even par 36 to be tied 18th. Arjun Singh’s one over 37 placed him tied 32nd.
Gaurav Ghei and Gaganjeet Bhullar were tied 68th after posting scores of three over 39.

Abhimanyu stops winning spree of giant-killer Ashish

CHANDIGARH, June 18
Unseeded Abhimanyu Singh of Delhi stopped the winning spree of giant-killer wild card Ashish Sharma of Rajasthan with straight sets 7-5, 6-2 win in the boys Under-16 quarter-final round of the AITA Talent Series Tennis Tournament being played at the CLTA Sports Complex in Sector 10 here on Wednesday.
In the first set, Ashish, who had shocked top seed Kamal Maderana, also of Rajasathan, in the first round, and Abhimanyu fought a tooth and nail battle before the latter won the set at 7-5. Having gained one set lead, Abhimanyu was on top as he clinched the second set at 6-2.
Abhimanyu’s fight for final slot will be against qualifier Jaivardhan of Chandigarh, who upset fourth seed Harry Jindal of Punjab in straight sets 6-1, 7-5.
In the second semi-final second seed Ankit Chaudhary of Delhi is pitted against fifth seed Manish Kumar, also of Delhi. In quarter-finals, Manish ousted lucky loser Ajay Thakur of Punjab in three sets 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 and Ankit accounted for seventh seed Suraj Beniwal of Haryana 6-4, 6-2.
Unseeded Devika moved into the girls Under-12 singles semi-final by stunning victory over second seed Simran Wadhwa of Delhi 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Devika will now face third seed Vibhuti Khullar of Chandigarh in the semi-final. Vibhuti beat Himani Mor 6-3, 6-3.
Top seed Samriti and fourth seed Medha Toor, both Delhi, will clash for final berth. In quarters Samriti beat 8th seed Hassan Dhanoa of Punjab 7-6 (5), 6-2 and Medha was extended to three sets by Bhavya Wadhawan of Chandigah before the former won by 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-2.
Girls Under-12 (QFs): Samriti bt Hassan Dhanoa 7-6 (5), 6-2, Medha Toor bt Bhavya Wadhawan 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2, Vibhuti Khullar bt Himani Mor 6-3, 6-3, Devika Chakravarty bt Simran Wadhawa 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Boys Under-16 (QFs): Abhimanyu bt Ashish 7-5, 6-2, Jaivardhan bt Harry Jindal 6-1, 7-5, Manish Kumar bt Ajay Thakur 6-2, 6-2, Ankit bt Suraj Beniwal 6-4, 6-2.
Boys Under-16 (PQFs): Ashish Sharma bt Srijjan Uppal 6-1, 6-4, Abhimanu bt Udai Mann 6-2, 6-4, Harry Jindal bt Hriday Kriplani 6-4, 6-1, Jaivardhan bt Jatinder Singh 6-3, 6-4, Manish Kumar bt Manoj 6-0, 6-4, Ajay Thakur bt Rishab Dev 6-4, 2-6, 6-0, Suraj Beniwal bt Resham Singh 6-1, 6-1, Ankit bt Arjun Tomar 6-1, 6-2.
Boys U-12 (QFs): Jatinder Singh bt Ankus Arora 6-0, 6-0, Sachin bt Prateek S. 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, Fatehdeep Singh Sahil 6-3. 6-3, Ishaque Eqbal bt Vikas 6-3, 6-0.
Boys Under-12 doubles (PQF): Paramveer S. Toor & Ankush Arora bt Alex Solanki & Alel Solanki 4-1, 3-5, 10-7, Prateek Toor & Dhruv bt Shivam & Shubham 4-2, 5-4(4), Fatehdeep Singh & Karandeep Singh bt Sahil & Rohan 4-2, 2-4, 10-7, Vikas & Rahul bt Shrey & Sachin 5-3, 4-0, Raghabv Talwar & Santbir bt Akshay & Mayank 4-5 (5), 4-2, 10-5.
Boys Under-16 doubles (PQFs): Manoj & Paramvir S. Toor bt Gagandeep & Jashandeep 4-0, 4-0, Arjun T. & Ajay bt Nishaque Eqbal & Nikunj Poddar 4-0, 4-2, Jaivardhan & Taranveer w/o Jajbir Singh & Bhavtaranpreet Singh, Hriday Kriplani & Ankit bt Srijjan Uppal & Anmol Bains 5-3, 4-0.
Girls Under-16 doubles (QFs): Abhilasha & Priyanka bt Nandini Sharma & Vanshika Sawhney 4-1, 4-1, Nikita & Charvi bt Akanksha & Shalini 5-4(3), 4-1, Medha Toor & Samrirti bt Samridhi Lodha & Deepti 4-1, 5-3, Vibhuti Khullar & Bhavya Wadhawan bt Ayenaaz Sidhu & Simran 5-4(2), 5-3.
Boys Under-12 doubles (SF): Ishaque Eqbal & Dheer Anush bt Param Pun & Ankush 6-1, 6-3, Pranav & Jatinder bt Vikas & Rahul 2-6, 6-3, 10-6

Delhi, Punjab, TN, Jharkhand boys in quarters

A Maharashtra player trying to basket against Orissa in a pool E match in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship in Kapurthala.
A Jharkhand player going for a basket against Haryana.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 18
Displayng an overall supremacy, Delhi boys trounced Jammu and Kashmir by 36-9 in the pre-quarter-final match of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship at the Sainik School courts here today.
Delhi had established a comfortable 13- points lead at the end of first quarter. In the second quarter Delhi were leading by 21-6. The winners further increased the lead to 29-9 at the end of third quarter. For Delhi, Narinder (7), Hemant (6), Pankaj (5), Surinder (4) and Amar (6) were the main scorers. J&K reduced the margin through Shubam (3), Shubam Jr (2), Divanshu (2) and Vikrant (2).
Delhi joined hosts Puinjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Jharkhand in the quarter-final round. The remaining positions will be determined after the pre-quarter-finals slated for the evening session.
Karnataka will take on Maharastra, Manipur will clash with Chattisgarh, Kerala will face U.P in the boys pre-quarter finals.
Girls teams from Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh qualified for quarter-finals.
In pre-quarter final Tamil Nadu defeated Gujarat by 32-14 points, after taking a lead of 11-4 points at the end of first quarter. The Gujarat girls were not allowed to score even a single point in the second quarter. At the end of second quarter Tamil Nadu were leading by 21-4 and in the third quarter Gujara,t playing a tight defense, did not allow Tamil Nadu to score a single point and scored nine points for themselves. The score remained 21-13 in favour of Tamil Nadu at the end of third quarter. For Tamil Nadu, Shiny Prasanna topscored with 12 points. Keerthi and Staya contributed four points each. For Gujarat, Shivani (8) and Shivanku (4) were main scorers.
The remainng positions will be determined by the winners of the pre-quuarter-final matches. Haryana will play West Bangal, Jharkhand will meet Delhi and Maharastra will face hosts Punjab in the girls pre-quarter finals matches.
Results: Boys: Pool B: Jharkhand bt Haryana 46-35. Pool D: Kerala bt Madhya Pradesh 52-47, Tamil Nadu bt Chandigarh 47-28. Pool E: U.P bt A.P 44-11, Maharastra bt Orissa 54-33. Pool F: Delhi bt Manipur 55-27, West Bengal bt Mizoram 41-31.
Girls: Pool A: Chattisgarh bt H.P 57-32.

Punjab boys beat JK to top Pool A

A Punjab player trying to get the better of Jammu and Kashmir cager in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship in Kapurthala on Tuesday.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 17
A three-day tie has developed among Jharkhand, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the girls pool F of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship here today after Tamil Nadu girls beat Kerala by 27-13. All the three teams were had two wins and one defeat to their credit while fourth team in the pool Uttrakhand suffered three defeats and were of the race. The deadlock will be resolved on point for and against basis among these three teams.
Late last night, Jharkhand defeated Tamil Nadu by 39-35 in a crucial pool F match. The Jharkhand girls despite being shorter in height played at a fast pace to gain a two-point lead in the first quarter (14-12). The Tamil Nadu girls did not lose their heart. Playing confidently they wiped out the deficit and took a lead of two points at the end of second quarter (19-21).
After the lemon break the Jharkhand girls were charged with fresh energy. Playing with a good team spirit and speed they changed the position by taking a three points lead (35-32) at the end of third quarter. Thereafter, they did not give any opportunity to Tamil Nadu to overtake them and finally clinched the match with a four-point lead (39-35). For Jharkhand, Diksha Alok (10), Aditi Tudu (9), Reena Kundra (5) were the main scorers. Tamil Nadu were served well by Shiny Prasanna (12) and Keerti Rama (8).
In the boys section, having received a shocking defeat at the hands of Jharkhand on the opening day, Chattisgarh. registered a comfortable win against Haryana (60-30).
The Punjab boys thrashed Jammu and Kashmir beating them by 53-4 points. With this second win in three-team pool A Punjab boys topped the pool.
The Punjab girls registered their third victory today beating Madhya Pradesh by 38-21 points and topped the pool.
Results: Boys: Pool A: Punjab beat J&K 53-2.Pool B: Chattisgarh bt Haryana 62-30, Jharkhand bt Uttrakhand 49-4, Chattisgarh bt Uttrakhand 50-4. Pool C : Karnataka bt Gujarat 39-20, Rajasthan bt Tirpura 57-8. Pool E : U.P bt Orissa 43-28, Maharashtra bt A.P 55-16.
Girls: Pool C: Haryana bt Chandigarh 41-2. Pool D: Maharashtra bt Manipur 34-6. Pool-E : West Bengal bt Rajasthan 39-23, Punjab bt M.P 38-21. Pool F : Jharkhand bt Tamil Nadu 39-35, Tamil Nadu bt Kerala 27-13, 23. Jharkhand bt Uttrakhand 45-1.

Tejjli Sports Complex to be named after Rajesh Sharma

Chandigarh, June 16
The Haryana Government has decided to name the Tejli Sports Complex, Yamunanagar after the name of former minister and sports lover, late Rajesh Sharma.
While announcing this here today, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that Mr. Rajesh Sharma was the son of first Chief Minister of Haryana, Pt.Bhagwat Dayal Sharma. He said that the PGIMER, Rohtak had been named after Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma and now it has been decided to upgrade this prestigious medical institution to that of Medical University.
Mr. Hooda said that great personalities did not belong to any caste or communities rather they remains a source of inspiration for the generations to come. He said that the decision to name the sports complex after the name of Rajesh Sharma was taken so that the budding sportspersons could derive inspiration from his life sketch.
He said that Mr. Sharma was a leader of above board honesty and having a good image.He said that he was a great visionary and had great contribution in the development of Yamunanagar district as he had a great love for Yamunanagar. He remained MLA from Yamunanagar and a minister in the Haryana Cabinet, he added.
Mr.Hooda reminded that said that the foundation stone of the Tejli Sports Complex was laid during his tenure as Minister and the contribution of Mr. Sharma in developing Tejli Sports complex could not be forgotten and this was the only reason that the government had decided to name the sports complex to make his cherished memory everlasting and perpetual.

Seeded Isha and Charvi bow out

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 16
Two seeded players, Madhya Pradesh's Isha Budwal and local girl Charvi Saxena made their inglorious exit in their first round girls under-12 singles matches in the main draw of the All India Tennis Association Talent Series Tennis Tournament being played at the CLTA Stadium in Sector 10 here today.
Himani Mor ousted seventh seed Isha Budwal by 7-3 and unseeded Victoria accounted for eighth seed Charvi Saxena by 7-5.
Talented local girl Nandani Sharma outclassed Prinkle Singh in all departments of the game to record a facile 7-0 triumph in the first round encounter at the centre court.. Top seed Samriti of Delhi had been given bye in first round while second seed Simran Wadhwa, also of Delhi, walked over Pukhraj Gill.
Top seed Jatinder Singh carried too many guns against Rahul Popia whom he routed by 7-0 in the boys Under-12 first round singles maetch. In another first round match, second seed Ishaque Eqbal beat Sayamraj Sagar by 7-4.
Results (Main Draw): Girls Under-12 (Ist round): Naemat Aulak w/o Rhea Sharma, Samridhee Sinha bt Nimrat Walia 7-5, Hassan Dhanoa bt Karman Kaur 7-2, Medha Toor bt Bhumika Sharma 7-0, Vanshika Sawhney bt Vineeta Singh 7-5, Jahnvi Gupta bt Shubangi Sharma 7-2, Himani Mor bt Isha Budwal 7-3, Nandini Sharma bt Prinkle Singh 7-0, Harsimran Kaur bt Ena Arora 7-0, Vibhuti Khullar bt Jaya Bhandari 7-4, Victoria bt Charvi Saxena 7-5, Deviak Charavary bt Jashnavi 7-2, Apekshita Alkesh bt Jaskiran Dhanoa 7-1, Simran Wadhwa w/o Pukhraj Gill, Bhavya Wadhawan bt Shewta Sangwan 7-2. Wild card Raghav Talwar ousted another wild card Padam Punj by 7-0.
Results (Main Draw): Boys Under-12 (Ist round):Ishaque Eqbal bt Shyam 7-4, Jatinder Singh bt Rahul 7-0, Sumitpal Singh bt Abhinav Bindre 7-4, Shrey bt Prateek T. 7-1, Prateek A bt Mayank 7-1, Pranav Malhotra bt Santbir Singh 7-2, Nikunj Poddar bt Yashesh lele 7-2, Sachin bt Dheeranush Bhatti 7-4, Sahil bt Abhijeet S. 7-3, Alex Solanki bt Chinmay 7-1, Fatehdeep Singh bt Dheer Gala 7-4, Raghav J. bt Shivam 7-3, Raghav Talwar bt Param Pun, 7-0.
Qualifying (final round): Boys Under-16: Jasanvir bt Kamal Kishor 7-2, Dhruv bt Ankit 7-0, Ishaque Eqbal bt Harry Jindal 7-5, Jajbir Singh bt Manish 7-2, Ajay bt Pankaj 7-2, Suraj Beniwal bt Hriday Kriplani 7-0, Resham Singh bt Arjun 7-2, Jaivardhan bt Taranbir 7-3.
Girls Under-16 (final qualifying round): Samriti bt Simran Wadhwa 7-4, Bhavya bt Smridha 7-4, Devika bt Priyanka Dhuhandi 7-3, Vanshika Sawhney bt Shalini 7-5, Jahanavi bt Himani Mor bt 7-6 (6), Medha Toor bt Shivani 7-3, Harsimran bt Suvarna 7-1, Nikita bt Parinika 7-1, Samridhi Lodha bt Arpan Chahal 7-0.

Punjab, Rajasthan, TN, JK boys qualify

A basketball match in progress in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship in Kapurthala on Monday.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 17
Defending champions Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Manipur qualified for the knockout stage from their respective boys pools in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship here today.
Holders Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Kerala girls also advanced to the knockout stage from their respective pools.
In the boys pool D encounter Tamil Nadu outpointed Kerala by 38-32. The TN boys established a 26-9 points in the second quarter. In the third and fourth quarters Kerala with their second set of five players fought well and scored 23 points against 12 by Tamil Nadu. However that was not enough to extricate from the jaws of defeat. For Tamil Nadu Shiva (14), Gautam (4), Rajesh (8). For Kerala, Raju (10), Balu (9), Denny (6) and Sibin (4) were the main scorers.
In the girls pool ‘E’ match Punjab staged a fine rally to overcome Rajasthan by 47-24 points. Rajasthan gained a lead of one point (12-11) at the end of first quarter. Cheered by the home crowd, Punjab fought back through their substitutes in the second quarter as they not only wiped out the deficit, but also established a lead of nine points (27-18). In the third quarter, Punjab consolidated their lead by 16 points (36-20) and finally in the fourth quarter won by 47-34 points.
For Punjab Savita (11), Aman (12), Sukhnoor-5, Manpreet (6) and for Rajasthan, Ishita (11), Manisha (8) and Kumud (6) were the principal scorers.
It was Punjab’s second successive win as last night they had beaten West Bengal.
Results:
Boys: Pool-A: J&K bt H.P 36-34, Punjab bt H.P 39-10.Pool B: Haryana bt Uttrakhand 30-18, Jharkhand bt Chattisgarh 36-35. Pool C: Tripura bt Gujrat 34-23, Rajasthan bt Gujrat 59-6, Rajasthan bt Karnataka 45-18. Pool D: Tamil Nadu bt M.P 53-46, M.P bt Chandigarh 52-11, Tamil Nadu bt Kerala 38-32, Kerala bt Chandigarh 46-13. Pool E: U.P bt Maharashtra 56-33, A.P bt Orrisa 26-22.Pool-F: Delhi bt West Bengal 62-22, Manipur bt Mizoram 38-31,Manipur bt West Bengal 54-44.
Girls: Pool A: Chattisgarh bt Gujarat 80-5. Pool B: U.P bt Delhi 66-3, Delhi bt J&K 59-4. Pool C: Karnataka bt Haryana 37-28. Pool D: A.P bt Manipur 45-18, A.P bt Maharashtra 43-26. Pool E: West Bengal bt M. 38-24, Punjab bt Rajasthan 47-24, M.P bt Rajasthan 29-18, Punjab bt West Bengal 49-34. Pool F : Jharkhand bt Kerala 35-16, Kerala bt Uttrakhand 36-4, Tamil Nadu bt Uttrakhand 56-9.

Jharkhand snatch win in last two seconds

A match between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in progress in the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championships in Kapurthala on Sunday.
KAPURTHALA, JUNE 15
Trailling 34-35 with only two seconds left, Jharkhand snatched a thrilling victory by a wafer-thin one point margin (36-35) against defending champions Chattisgarh in a boys pool B encounter on the inaugural day of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championships here today.
Two free throws were awaded to Jharkhand after Akash Bagchi committed a foul with two second left. Arun Mehta converted these free throws to clinch the issue in Jharkhand's favour.
Chattisgarh were leading at the end of first quarter by 12-11 points. Jharkhand gained a four -points lead in the second quarter, the score being 21-17. At the end of third quarter Chattishgarh were leading by one point 29-28. They maintained one point lead till last two seconds and were unlucky to surrender the match. For Jharkhand, Akash Nayak (12 points), Nitesh (4), Md.Nasim (4), Maninder (6), and Arun Mehta (4) were the main scorers. For Chattisgarh, Ajay Partap Singh (16), Akash Bagchi (8) and Bal Krishna (6) were main scorers.
In a boys pool D match Tamil Nadu defeated Madhya Pradesh by 53-46 points, after having tied at 25-all at the end of second quarter. In another pool D match Kerala beat Chandigarh by 46-13 points.
In boys pool C match between Rajasthan scored at will to whip Gujarat by 59-06 points.
In the girls section Pool A match last year's champions Chattisgarh thrashed Gujarat by by 80-5 points to serve an early warning to their opponents
In a pool E match Madhya Pradesh girls defeated Rajasthan
by 29-18 points, after 16-10 at the end of second quarter.
In pool F Jharkhand girls exhibiting skills and speed defeated Kerala by 35-16 points.
Heavy ain could not dampen the sprit of the organizers. A good number of volunteers worked so hard to clean the courts repeatedly.

Stage set for Sub-Junior National Basketball

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 14
Defending champions Punjab boys have been clubbed with Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir in Pool A of the 35th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship to be held at Kapurthala from June 15 to 21, according to Punjab Basketball Association general secretary Teja Singh Dhariwal. The hosts will commence their campaign with an opening match against Himachal Pradesh.
Punjab girls are in Pool E along with Madhya Pradesh and Puddicherry. Haryana, Chandigarh and Karnataka girls are in Pool C.
Meanwhile, all arrangements have been completed to smoothly conduct the Sub-Junior National Basketball. Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industrial and Commerce, Government. of Punjab Manoranjan Kalia will inaugurate the Nationals tomorrow at 6.00p.m. while Deputy Commissioner J.M. Balamurugam will be the guest of honour.
According to Punjab Basketball Association RS Gill 23 three boys and 20 girls teams have already arrived and 16 boys and 13 girls teams have undergone medical examinations to verify age of the players. A medical team has been constituted for this purpose.
RS Gill, who is also president of the Basketball Federation of India, said four flood-lit basketball courts would be be used to conduct 94 matches of the championship, which will be played on league-cum-knock out system.
Tomorrow morning eight matches will be played. In all 19 matches will be played on the inaugural day.
The following are the pools:
Pools: Boys: Pool A: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir. Pool B: Chattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand. Pool C: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. Pool D: Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, Kerala, Puddicherry. Pool E: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharasthra. Pool F: West Bengal, Manipur and Mizoram.
Girls: Pool A: Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh. Pool B: Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi. Pool C: Haryana, Chandigarh, Karnataka. Pool D: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, West Bengal. Pool E: Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Puddicherry, Uttrakhand. Pool F: Jharkhand, Kerala, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, Loveneet Singh and Pawandeep Kaur of Ludhiana Basketball Academy will lead the Punjab basketball sub-junior boys and girls teams, respectively in the Sub-Junior Nationals.
Other members of the teams are: Boys: Loveneet Singh, Kushneet Singh, Manipal Singh, Satnam Singh, Sameer Sen (all Ludhiana Basketball Academy), Arjun Parshad (Ludhiana Distt.),Inderjit Singh (Manasa ), Navjot (Ferpzepur), Gagandeep(Ferozepur),Chetan (Kapurthala ), Sehjdeep Singh (Patiala). Coach: Gurinder Singh. Assistant coach: Jagroop Singh. Manager: Ajay Chopra.
Girls: Pawandeep Kaur (LBA), Sukhnoor, Parminder, Sarabjt,Jaspreet, Manpreet (LBA), Harpreet (Gurdaspur),Amandeep ( Sangrur), Sukhdeep ( Sangrur),Savita (Kapurthala), Rakhi (Kapurthala),Kamaljit(Kapurthala). Coach:Kanwarjit Singh. Assistant Coach: Ashwani Kumar. Manager: PS Nijjer.