Chandigarh claim FC Mittal Trophy

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

CHANDIGARH, JAN 29 

Chandigarh decimated Jalandhar by 114 runs to lift F.C.Mittal Trophy for Punjab Inter District Tournament for one day limited overs at PCA Stadium in Mohali.  

Winning the toss Jalandhar skipper Taruwar Kohli invited Chandigarh team to take first strike. Chandigarh opened with Amit Prashar and skipper Vishwas Bhalla and the two put on 31 runs for the first wicket in 4.1 over before medium pacer Navdeep Singh induced an edge from Vishwas Bhalla for wicket keeper Sarabjit Singh to do the rest with Bhalla’s score reading (10) off 13 balls inclusive of 2x4s. 

 Chandigarh then lost Gurkirat Walia (4) and Amit Prashar (24) in quick succession tumbling to 49 for 3 in 10 overs.  Simrat Bawa (4) and Gaurav Gambhir (9) also did not last long and at this stage Chandigarh's score was reading a dismal 93 for 5 in 20.3 overs.  However, Gaurav Gupta and southpaw Bipul Sharma got together and added valuable 98 runs for the 6th wicket in 17 overs before Gaurav Gupta playing forward to right arm leg spinner Rahul Sharma was snapped by Navdeep Singh at silly mid on after hitting a punishing (67) off 88 balls laced with six sweetly timed boundaries. 

  Bipul Sharma was joined by Amit Uniyal and the duo added 43 runs for the 7th wicket before Bipul sharm was cleaned up by Navdeep Singh after hitting an exhilrating 74 of 65 balls laced with six beautifully hit boundaries and one towering six.  Karanveer then joined Amit Uniyal and the two put on 53 runs for the 8th wicket in 5.2 overs before Karanveer was held by Rahul Sharma in the deep off medium pacer Gursewak singh after hitting a whirlwind 32 off 22 balls studded with 4 boundaries and one six. 

Amit Uniyal remained unbeaten on 44 off 36 deliveries included three effortlessly hit soaring sixes which landed on the roof top.  Jalandhar conceded 31 runs extra including 25 wides.  The Chandigarh innings ended at 299 for 8 in the stipulated 50 overs. Setting a target of 300 for Jalandhar. The bowling honours for jalandhar were shared by Navdeep Singh 2 for 47, Gursewak Singh 2 for 43, Taruwar Kohli 2 for 46 and Rahul Sharma  2 for 70.

 Replying Jalandhar started on a dismal note when their opener Ishan Malhotra was caught off an upish extra cover drive by Bhalla off the first ball of the innings bowled by Amit Uniyal reducing Jalandhar to none for one. Skipper Taruwar Kohli who stepped in to fill the breach with Satpal carried the score to 27 in 8.1 overs before Amit Uniyal struck for second time catching the other opener Satpal in front of the wicket for 8. 

 At this stage Taruwar Kohli and Robin singh tried to steady the Jalandhar innings and added 51 runs for the 3rd wicket before Taruwar Kohli after making a steady half century (51) off 72 balls was short of his crease of a Gaurav Gupta’s throw with wicket keeper simrat Bawa doing the rest.  

Jalandhar kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and the only resistance came from their wicket keeper Sarabjit singh who got 43 off 55 balls and Robin Singh who got 30 off 48 balls.  Jalandhar finally folded up for 185 in 43.3 overs leaving Chandigarh victors by 114 runs. Amit Uniyal  2 for 23, Karanveer 3 for 50, Anshul Tripathi 3 for 44 and Gaurav Gambhir 1 for 16 were the main wicket takers for Chandigarh.  Left arm spinner Bipul Sharma also bowled a tidy spell of 8 overs for 28 runs but without any success.

 The winners trophy and cash prize of Rs.21,000 was handed over to the Chandigarh team by Chaman Lal Malhotra, Chairman Sr.Selection Committee, PCA. Jalandharrunners up team got a cash prize of Rs.11,000 while Amit Uniyal got a cash prize of Rs.2100 for being declared man  his sterling all-round performance.

 Brief scores: Chandigarh:  299 for 8 in 50 overs (Amit Prashar  24, Gaurav Gupta  67, Bipul Sharma  74, Amit Uniyal not out 44, Karanveer 32, Navdeep Singh 2 for 47, Gursewak Singh 2 for 43, Taruwar Kohli 2 for 46, Rahul Sharma  2 for 70).

 Jalandhar : 185 all out in 43.3 overs (Taruwar Kohli 51, Robin Singh  30, Sarabjit Singh  42

Amit Uniyal  2 for 23, Karanveer 3 for 50, Anshul Tripathi 3 for 44, Gaurav Gambhir 1 for 16).

ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy unveiled by Pandove

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

MOHALI, JAN 28

The  was unveileded by Mr. M.P. Pandove, Honorary Treasurer,

Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer MP Pandove unveiled the glittering ICC World Cup Trophy at PCA Cricket Stadium here today.

Budding cricketers of tri-city and former international stars Karsan Ghavri, Pankaj Dharmani, Reetinder Singh Sodhi and PCA officials G.S. Walia, Hony. Jt. Secretary, Dronacharya D.P. Azad,  Daljit Singh and Brig. (Retd.) G.S. Sandhu, C.E.O, PCA and members of PCA Executive were present on the occasion.

  While unveiling the prestigious trophy Mr. M.P. Pandove stated that PCA is going to host three World Cup matches including a semi-final. He asserted that India’s route to the finals would be through Mohali as the that semi final will be played PCA Stadium. He exhorted the young cricketers to take this occasion as a corner stone in their careers and strive to reach the highest echelons of cricket excellence and be part of future exploits of Indian cricket. 

 He further stated that all those present here today would remember it as a day of happening in their lives, if India lifted the World Cup for which he was personally quite optimistic.  He also thanked the management of Hero Honda the global partners of ICC Cricket World Cup for bringing the trophy to PCA Stadium, Mohali for public viewing.

 According to Mr. Sushil Kapoor, spokesperson, PCA People from all walks of life jostled to have a close glimpse of the glittering trophy and had their fill of getting themselves  photographed with the winsome cup. The young trainees from the various academies of the tri-city had a field day as they got an opportunity to see and meet former international cricket stars and also catch a glimpse of the world cup trophy from close quarters. All of them echoed a strong feeling and belief about India’s chances of lifting the World Cup for the second time, the first being in 1983 which was under the captainship of the local hero Kapil Dev Nikhanj.

Chandigarh face Jalandhar in Mittal Trophy final

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, JAN 28

Chandigarh will cross  swords with Jalandhar in the finals of One Day Limited Overs Tournament for F.C.Mittal Trophy at PCA Stadium Mohali tomorrow at 9.00 a.m. Both teams are evenly balanced and their strength lies in their batting line ups. The Jalandhar outfit will bank heavily on the fire works of opener Ishan Malhotra, Satpal, Robin Singh, Abhishek Gupta, Taruwar Kohli and wicket keeper Sarabjit Singh. In the bowling department they will be well served by off spinner Gurkirat Singh, left arm spinner Yogesh Kumar and right arm leg spinner Rahul Sharma and Medium Pacer Navdeep Singh.

Chandigarh on the other hand has been winning all their earlier matches on the strength of the depth in their batting led by Ranji Trophy player Vishwas Bhalla they have in their ranks strokeful opener Amit Prashar followed by reliable Gurkirat Walia and Gaurav Gupta.  They have a long list of all rounders, who come good with the bat and ball.  This includes southpaw Bipul Sharma and Amit Uniyal followed by right arm leg spinner Karanvir and off spinner Gaurav Gambhir and wicket keeper Simrat Bawa. Young Siddharth Kaul gives penetration to their pace attack.

The match is likely to be a cliff hanger and the prize distribution will take place at the end of the game. Ranji Trophy panel umpires Mr. Navdeep singh and Mr. Bharti Vij will supervise the match while former International umpire Jasbir Singh will be the match referee.  The match will be watched by the senior selection committee led by Sh.Chaman Lal Malhotra. The selection committee will meet in the evening to finalise the Punjab’s one day squad for the upcoming North Zone Inter State matches for Vijay Hazare Trophy, which are being hosted by PCA at Mohali , Chandigarh, Patiala. Punjab play their first match against Haryana at PCA Stadium Mohali on  February 10, against DDCA at Mohali on  Feb 12, against JKCA on February 14 at Mohali, against Services on  Feb. 16 at Sector 16 and against Himachal on  February 18, at Sector 16, Chandigarh.  

Chandigarh cycling trials on January 30

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 28
The Chandigarh Amateur Cycling Association will conduct selection trials to select cyclists to take part in the  National Track Cycling Championships  to be held at Patiala in February 2011. 
The selection trials for boys and girls in senior, junior and sub-junior categories  will be held on  January 30 at Sukhna Lake Club at 6.30 a.m. The interested cyclists may report for the trials with their date of birth proof at the venue. For any further information cyclists may call to the undersigned at cell no. 09815718182.

Bhullar races into three-stroke lead with an immaculate 64

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

DHAKA, JAN 28

 Gaganjeet Bhullar of Kapurthala raced into a three-stroke lead after he fired an immaculate eight under 64 in round three of the American Express Bangladesh Open 2011. Bhullar’s total moved to 13 under 203 after the third round. Kolkata’s Raju Ali Mollah fired a four under 68 to be placed second at 10 under 206.

 Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-71-64) became the frontrunner for the title thanks to his superb hitting on Friday. His bogey-free round featured an eagle and six birdies. The six-time winner on the Aircel PGTI got off to a brilliant start with a birdie on the first. Bhullar then produced a 350-yard drive on the third before sinking a 20-footer for eagle.

 Gaganjeet earned birdies on the sixth, seventh and ninth to go six under at the turn. He sank a couple of 15-footers on the sixth and ninth. Another 350-yard drive set up a birdie for Bhullar on the 15^th.He closed the day on a high with his sixth birdie of the day on the 18^th.

 Bhullar, looking to become the first Indian to win the Bangladesh Open on the Aircel PGTI, said, “My hitting was spot on today as I made greens in regulation on all the holes. It was a good all round effort since I also putted really well. I made as many as four birdie putts from 15 to 20 feet. It’s now a matter of keeping up the intensity on the final day as well.”

 Raju Ali Mollah (69-69-68) is placed second at 10 under 206. Raju fired six birdies against two bogeys during his third round effort of 68.

 Shamim Khan of Delhi is placed third at nine under 207 while Bangladeshi amateur Md Zakiruzzaman is a further stroke behind in fourth position.

 Defending champion Md Siddikur Rahman (71-68-71) of Bangladesh is currently in sixth place at six under 210. Siddikur picked up five birdies and four bogeys in his round of 71 on Friday.

 Md Zamal Hossain Mollah, the 2009 champion, is in tied 31^st place with an overall score of seven over 223.

Golden Bells celebrates Republic Day

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Ballbir)
MOHALI, JAN 28
State level celebrations of Republic Day were held at Phase-VI, Mohali. Suchha Singh Lagah, Agriculture Minister, Punjab was the chief guest for the day.
Students of Golden Bells Public School, Sector-77, Mohali participated in the celebrations. Girls from classes 4th -12th performed a dance, giving the message of ‘National Integration’, in which they represented the culture of four zones of the country.
The chief guest appreciated the presentation of the students and rewarded them with a trophy.

Shamim Khan builds a two-stroke lead

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com 

DHAKA, JAN 27

Shamim Khan of Delhi shot a six under 66 at the Kurmitola Golf Club on Thursday to build a two-stroke lead at the American Express Bangladesh Open 2011. Shamim’s overall score reads eight under 136 at the halfway stage. Kolkata’s Raju Ali Mollah and Bangladeshi amateur Md Zakiruzzaman share second place at six under 138.

 The cut was declared at eight over 152. Fifty professionals and three amateurs made the cut.

 Shamim Khan (70-66) dropped his only bogey of the day on the opening hole after missing a chip-putt from the edge. He then hit a purple patch with five successive birdies from the third through the seventh. Shamim sank a couple of 15-footers on the third and sixth and chipped-in from about 35 feet on the fourth.

 Shamim, a three-time winner on the Aircel PGTI, added two more birdies on the 11^th and 14^th.

Shamim said, “I’ve been in good hitting form over the last two days but my putting was much better today as compared to round one. I had a really good stretch on the front nine where I chipped and putted extremely well. An excellent lob wedge shot from 70 yards out on the seventh set up an important four feet birdie putt for me.

“I’ve played well on this course in the past and have the confidence going ahead into the money rounds. However, it’ll be imperative to putt well over the next two days.”

Raju Ali Mollah’s (69-69) second straight 69 of the tournament featured six birdies and three bogeys and placed him in tied second.

 Bangladeshi amateur Md Zakiruzzaman (71-67) posted a 67 to share second place along with Raju Ali Mollah. Zakiruzzaman, a member of the Bangladeshi team that won the gold medal at the 2010 South Asian Games, made seven birdies against two bogeys in his second round.

 Gaganjeet Bhullar and Bangladesh’s Md Siddikur Rahman, two of the pre-tournament favourites, were tied fourth at five under 139 after round two.

 Bhullar, who fired a 71 on day two, not only sank an eagle and five birdies but also dropped two bogeys and a quadruple bogey on the par-four 11^th. Siddikur’s second round 68 was punctuated by an eagle, three birdies and a bogey.

 Feroz Ali Mollah of Kolkata, who ended the day in tied 32^nd at four over 148, made a hole-in-one on the 173-yard eighth hole. His eight-iron tee shot landed five feet short of the hole and rolled in after a couple of bounces.

GMS Jalandhar retain Balwant Kapur Hockey

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 JALANDHAR,JAN 27

 Government Model School of Jalandhar retained the title of the  7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournament by scoring by outplaying runners-up BRCof  Danapur y 6-0 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.

 Lyallpur Khalsa School Jalandhar bagged third place by beating Sports School Jalandhar by 4-0.  

In the title clash Government Model School did not give any liberty to the the Danapur boys even to have a close look at their goal. The defending champions took lead in the 16th minute when Akashdeep struck. After that Gaganpreet Singh scored two goals in the 31st and 55th minutes.

In the one-sided encounter Talwinder Singh (24th minute(, Lovepreet Singh (27th) and Mandeep Singh (69th) contributed one goal each to complete the rout of the Danapr team.

 The winners were richer by Rs one lakh and the runners-up Rs 60000. The third winners got a cheque of  Rs 30000 while the fourth position finishers received Rs 20000.

The Indian hockey team skipper Rajpal Singh gave away the prizes to the winners.

Gaganjeet Bhullar hogs the limelight with a 68

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

DHAKA, JAN 26

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India took the lead on the opening day of the American Express Bangladesh Open Professional Golf Championship 2011 with a classic four under 68 at the Kurmitola Golf Club. Bhullar’s compatriots Raju Ali Mollah and Keshav Kapoor are in tied second with matching scores of three under 69. Defending champion Md Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh is placed tied seventh at one under 71.

 Gaganjeet Bhullar, a multiple winner on the Asian Tour, made a lone birdie on his first nine (10^th to 18^th) and added four more on his second nine before dropping his only bogey of the day on the eighth. The burly six-footer who hails from Kapurthala in Punjab, sank a monstrous birdie putt on the first and also drove the green with a 3-wood to set up a birdie on the par four fifth.

Bhullar said, “I was very consistent with the putter today. The best putt of the day was a 20-footer for birdie on the first. I really like this course for its challenging layout and I think a score of four under in the opening round provides me with an ideal foundation for the coming rounds.

“The course is in great shape and one has to watch out for the ninth hole where the tee shot has to be placed to perfection in order to get a good angle for the approach shot.”

 Raju Ali Mollah of Kolkata made eight birdies against five bogeys to end day one in tied second place at three under 69.

 Delhi’s Keshav Kapoor fired a bogey-free 69 to join Raju Ali Mollah in joint second place. Kapoor’s round included birdies on the 17^th, fifth and eighth.

 “I played some incredible sand wedge shots today. My putting was pretty decent as I made a total of 27 putts. The second nine in particular, was quite solid, since I hit all fairways and greens on that stretch. A score of three under makes for a fantastic opening round. The key would be to keep it in play during the rest of the week,” said Keshav.

 Delhi golfers Suleman Ali and Shamim Khan are placed tied fourth along with Kolkata’s Yusuf Ali at two under 70.

 The Bangladesh quartet of Md Siddikur Rahman, Md Sayum, Md Milon Ahmmed and Md Zakiruzzaman ended the day in tied seventh at one under 71 along with Anura Rohana of Sri Lanka and India’s Vikrant Chopra.

Defending champion Md Siddikur Rahman made four birdies and three bogeys in his round on Wednesday.

 Md Zamal Hossain Mollah of Bangladesh, the 2009 Bangladesh Open champion, is currently in tied 23^rd with a score of one over 73.

 Chandigarh’s Ranjit Singh fired a hole-in-one on the 173-yard eighth hole. His six iron tee shot landed five feet short of the hole and rolled in.

GMC Jalandhar and BRC Danapur set up title clash

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 JALANDHAR,JAN 25 

 Holders Governent Model School of Jalandhar and runners-up BRC of Danapur once fight it out for the trophy in the final  of  7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournament at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here on Thrusday.

A last minute goal by  Ajit Pandi paved the way for Govt. Model School Jalandhar to beat Lyallpur Khalsa School, also of Jalandhar by 1-0 in the semi-final match. 

Later In the second semi finals BRC Danapur proved too good for Sports School of Jalandhar whom they routed byh by 4-0. The winners were leading by 1-0 at half time. 

Bokash Kujur emerged theirstar performcer by striking two goals in the 44th and 62nd minutes.  Ansalem Hemrom (16th) and  Sanjay Tirkey (55th) contributed one goal each to swell the winners' tally.

Tomorrow the  Hardlines match will be played and the final is scheduled for January 27.

Indian hockey skipper Rajpal Singh will gave away the prizes.  

====balbir singh 09417153533==

Sports medicine Doc awarded Ashok Chakra

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, JAN 24

Major (Dr) L. Jyotin Singh, who did his post graduation in Sports Medicine from Netaji Subash National Institute of Sports Patiala, lost his life defending the country in the J&K Sector last year. He joined Army Medical Corps as Short Service Commissioned Officer after his post graduation in sports medicine.

According to Dr Ashok Ahuja Former Head of Department of Sports Medicine under whom Major Jyotin did his specialisation in sports medicine is a proud professor and said, “Jyotin was a very humble, soft spoken and professionally very capable and took lot of initiative during his two years stay at NIS while undergoing post graduation in sports medicine. He served as sports physician from services during the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Pune in 2008 where I met him last and exchanged views on his asprations in the speciality and he  showed his keen wish  to uplift the sports standards and speciality of sports medicine in the north east states as he belonged to Manipur”

Dr Ahuja said we in the field of sports medicine shall miss Dr Jyotin but was thankful to Government of India for conferring the most prestigious award to a sports medicine doctor, since sports physicians  can defend the sports and territorial fields of the country and Jyotin is the first doctor to do so.

Sports School reserve bearth in semis

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
JALANDHAR, JAN 24
 Sports School of  Jalandhar reserved their bearth in the semi-finals of the 7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournament being played at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today. On Tuesday in semis holders Government Model School Jalandhar will take on Lyalpur Khalsa school of Jalandhar and Sports School  will clash swords with BRC Danapur.
In last league fixtures Sports School  snuffed out the challenge of Bright Scholar School of Sonipat by 3-1. For the winners Lovepreet Singh scored a brace by striking  in the 20th and 48th minutes. Gurpreet Singh rounded of the winners tally in 54th minute of the play. Earlier  Navdeep Singh had given lead in the 10th minute.
In another league match Govt. Model School beat Birsa Munda Vidhyapeeth of Rourkela by 4-1. The scorers for the Jalandhar team were Gaganpreet (6th), Varun (29th), Akashdeep ( 44th) and Lovepreet Singh (58th).

MDU women boxers rule the ring

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

ROHTAK, JAN 24

  Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) won the inaugural All India Inter-University Women Boxing Championship (2010-2011) held at M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur from January. 21 to 23.  The MDU pugilists claimed the championship by logging 52 points with the help of six gold, four slver and one  bronze medasl.

            MDU Director, Public Relations Sunit Mukherjee informed that apart from championship, MDU boxing coach Ravindra Singh Rana was adjudged the ‘Best Boxing Coach’ in both men’s and women’s categories by the Association of India Universities.  Earlier, MDU’s men pugilists had won the All India Inter-University Men Boxing Championship held at the same venue from January 9 to 16.

            In the women’s championship, gold medalists from MDU were Suman (52 kg.), Meena Devi (54 kg.), Pratibha (63 kg), Pooja (75Kg.), Sonam(80 kg.) and Kavita (86 kg.),  The silver medalists were Hemlata (48 kg.), Aaliya Khan (50 kg.), Babita (66 kg), and Jagriti (70 kg.),. Neetu got bronze medal for MDU in 60 kg class.

            MDU Vice Chancellor Dr. R. P. Hooda has congratulated the university pugilists for the outstanding achievement.

Lyallpur Khalsa School brighten their chances

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 JALANDHAR, JAN 23 

Lyallpur Khalsa School of Jalandhar brightened their chances to to qualify for semi-finals of the 7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournament by beating Spring Dale School of  Amritsar by 8-1 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today. It was their second successive triumph in the league phase.

         The Lyallpur Khalsa boys displayed fine hockey and dominated throughout the match. They outplayed the Amritsar team in all departments of the game. The scorers for the the Jalandhar team were Gagandeep (5th, 52 and 53rd minutes), Ritesh (11th), Kulbir (13th), Davinder Kumar (27th), Karan Kumar (28th) and Gurbir Singh (37th). The face-saving golf for the Amritsar team was scored by Lakhbir Singh  in 12th minute.

          In the second match BRC Danapur outclassed Government Raj Sr. Sec. School of Sangrur by 6-1. The scorers for the Danapur boys were Sanjay Tirkey (22nd, 42nd and 49th minutes), Niyran Mundu (36th), Ansalem Hemrom ( 5th) and Prem Ekka (56th). For Sangrur, Gagandeep Singh scored in 35th minute of the play.

In the third match Birsa Munda VidhyaPeeth Rourkela and Sports School Jalandhar played a 2-2 draw. The scorers for Rourkela were Prakas Barla (22nd) and Sunil Ekka (33rd). For Sports School Jalandhar Rajandeep (32nd)  and Gurpreet Singh (44th) restored parity.

Chandigarh rowers' selection on Jan 29

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 21

The Chandigarh State Senior Rowing ChampionshipS (men and women) will be held at the Lake Club on January 29 at 7.30 a.m, according to Parmod Kumar Singla, secretary of Chandigarh Rowing Association.
Competitions will be conducted in single scull for men and women, double scull light weight for men, double scull for women, coxless pairs for men and women and coxless fours for men and women.
The selection of the team for the 34th National Games being held at Dhanbad, Jharkhand from February 11 to 18 will also be done on the basis of the performance of rowers in the Senior State Rowing Championship.
entries close with Parmod Kumar Singla on February 28 at 6 p.m.

Haryana to compete in National Games: Chautala

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 21
Abhey Singh Chaudala, President Boxing Federation of India, Vice-President Indian Olympic Association and presient Haryana Olympic faction, affiliated with Indian Olympic Association, today announced that Haryana contingent will participate in 34th National Games to be held at Ranchi (Jharkhand), Dhanbad and Jamshedpur from February 12 to 26.
Abhey Chautala disclosed that Haryana will compete in archery, athletes, boxing, cycling, fencing, kabaddi, karate, table tennis, weightlifting, rugby, football, wushu, kyaking, canoeing, equestrian, kho-kho, hockey and rifle shooting.
However, he criticized the Haryana Government and in particular the Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and also the rival faction of HOA for politicizing the issue of sports participation and promotion of sports in the State. He further castigated the political interference in the affairs of HOA and mentioned that Bhupinder Singh Hooda took personal interest in illegal capture of Olympic Bhawan at Panchkula through his political hatchment and brutal use of police force onMa y 6, 2006. Thereafter Haryana Govt. further tried to stall participation sports contingent in 33rd National Games at Gowahati in February, 2007.
He further added that in-spite of all odds, the sports contingent of HOA headed by him participated in 33rd National Games at Gowahati and excelled in performance by winning more than 80 Medals securing over all fifth position in the National.
He further claimed brave sportspersons of Haryana never looked back and kept on improving their performance till recently including Commonwealth Games at Delhi and Asian Games in China on account of incentive oriented sports policy formulated by HOA and approved by the then Government headed by Om Prakash Chautala.
In addition, Chautala also criticized the so-called fake scheme namely SPAT which is non-existent at the ground level. He also criticized the Haryana Govt. for closing all the 34 nurseries and almost all sports wings i.e. 162 throughout the State on account of vested political interest.
He further claimed that these 34 sports nurseries and 162 sports wings were fully geared up and were given full momentum during INLD region from 1999-2004. He even lamented that the budding sports persons/medal winners in Nationals have since been debarred from annual scholarship. Approx. 1500 students/sportspersons have not yet been given scholarship and even sports-hostel at Gurgaon has almost been closed. He further alleged that all funds are being diverted towards the bogus scheme "SPAT" which has no infrastructure at ground level.
Above all, Chautala declared emphatically that the interest of Haryana sportspersons should be fully watched and all eligible sportspersons will be allowed to participate in coming National Games.

Govt. Model Jalandhar and BRC Danapur win

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
 JALANDHAR,  JAN 21
Holders Government Model School of  Jalandhar began their  campaign on a winning note by defeating Bright Scholar School of Sonipat by 2-1 in the 7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.
In  other matches BRC Danapur outplayed Lyallpur Khalsa School of Jalandhar by 4-0 and Government Raj School of Sangrur beat Spring Dale School of Amritsar by 2-0.
            In the first match Govt. Model School of Jalandhar shot into the lead with a field goal scored by Gaganpreet Singh in 21st minute. Spirited Bright Scholar School of Sonipat neutralised the lead whe Navpreet sprinted into the striking circle in the 43rd minute. The defending champions snatched the winner in the 56th minute through Simranjit Singh.
 In the second match BRC Danapur boys displayed good hockey they derailed Lyallpur Khalsa School Jalandhar by 4-0. The scorers for the winners were Ansalem Hemrom (14th and 29th minutes) and Sanjay Tirkey (18th and 25th).
In another outing,  Govt. Raj School of Sangrur beat Spring Dale School Amritsar by 2-0. Both goals were scored in the second half. Launching their all out attack Government Raj School scored two goals in a span of two minutes.  In 44th minute Harwinder Singh found the object and in the next minute Gurbej Singh scored.

Amravati Varsity prevail over Pune Varsity

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 21
S.G.B. Amravati University  got the better of  Pune University by 6-5 in a hotly contested match in the All India Inter University Korfball Championship being conducted by Panjab University at its campus here today.
Hosts Panjab University,  Chandigarh proved too good for  G.G.D.U. of Bilaspur whom they handed out a  24-5 thrashing in a one sided encounter. Panjab University registered their second win by beating Kurukshetra University by 18-6.
Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak  defeated Delhi  University by 17-9 and later accounted for Punjabi  University by Patiala 13-8.
Results: S.G.B. Amravati University  bt  Pune University 6-5,  Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak  bt  Delhi  University 17-9,  Panjab University,  Chandigarh bt  G.G.D.U. Bilaspur 24-5, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak bt Punjabi  University, Patiala 13-8, Panjab University, Chandigarh  bt  K.U. Kurukshetra   18-6, Guru Nanak Dev University,  Amritsar bt  S.G.B. Amravati University 23-1, Osmania University, Hyedrabad  bt  Lovely Prof. University 15-7.

Gaurav Gupta slams unbeaten century

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 20
Chandigarh beat Ropar by three wickets with one ball to spare on the opening match of the One-Day Limited Overs Inter District Match for F.C. Mittal Trophy at Ropar today. Ropar batting first scored 294 for 8 in 50 overs. Their innings was sustained by Michal Vishal (58, 5x4s, 2x6s), Amrinder Brar (89, 9x4s, 2x6s) and Ravinder Singh (34, x4s, 1x6).
Chandigarh were penalized for 30 runs for bowling three overs short. Amit Uniyal (2 for 61) and Siddharth Kaul (2 for 55) were the main wicket takers for Chandigarh.
Replying Chandigarh scored 295 for 7 in 49.5 overs. They were helped in their cause by a blistering unbeaten century (106, 87 balls, 5x4s, 4x6s) by Gaurav Gupta. Other notable contributions came from Amit Prashar (57, 7x4s) and Gurkirat Walia (52).
The highlight of the Chandigarh’s innings was a fifth wicket stand of 67 off 47 balls between Gaurav Gupta and Gurkirat Singh Ahluwalia. Arshdeep (2 for 32) and Gurpreet ( 2 for 51) were the main wicket takers for Ropar.
Brief scores: Ropar: 294 for 8 in 50 overs including 30 penalty runs (Michale Vishal 58, Amrinder Brar 89, Ravinder 34, Amit Uniyal 2 for 61, Siddharth Kaul (2 for 55).
Chandigarh 295 for 7 in 49.5 overs (Gaurav Gupta 106 not out, Amit Prashar 57, Gurkirat Ahluwalia 52, Arshdeep 2 for 32, Gurpreet 2 for 51).

Sports School and Raj School qualify for league

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
JALANDHAR, JAN 20
Local Sports School and Government Raj Senior Secondary School from Sangrur qualified for the league stage of the 7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey Tournamant at Olympian Sujri Hockey Stadium here today.
In the first match of the knockout stage match Sports School staged a remarkable rally to outplay Baba Gurmukh Singh Uttam Singh School, Khadoor Sahib by 4-1. In the 6th minute Khadood Sahib forged ahead Lovepreet Singh. After that Sports School scored four goals in a row. The scorers were Navdeep Singh (34th,55th minutes), Gurpreet Singh (8th minute) and Partik Singh (26th minute).
In the second knock out stage match Govt. Raj Sr. Sec school School beat Govt. School Sundernagar ( Himachal Pradesh) via sudden death by 5-4. Both teams locked at 0-0 draw at the end of the stipulated time. For Sangrur Baltej Singh, Amandeep Singh, Harpreet Singh, Malkeet Singh and Harwinder Singh scored. For Sundernagar team, Jatinder Singh, Kamal, Sonu, Sandeep were the goal-getters.
Earlier three-time Asian gold medlist and Olympian Manjit Kaur inaugurated the tournament. On this occasion the members of Kapur Family and Olympian Ajit Pal Singh, his wife Kiran Ajitpal Singh and Arjuna awardee Rajbir Kaur were also present.

Gujarat gain first innings lead over Punjab

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
VALSAD, JAN 19
Resuming at 49 for 1 Gujarat managed to take a vital first innings lead of 50 runs against Punjab on the second day of the Cooch Behar Elite final match here today. The Punjab bowlers ride hard to curtail the Gujarat batsmen who put in a dogged display as they contained 234 for 7 in 97 overs in the process.
They had fruitful partnership of 85 runs between A.A Barot and M.D.Patel. They had another fruiteful partnership of 48 runs for the 6th wicket. They were well served by Abhishek P 66 in 169 balls with 10 boundaries, A.A.Barot (54) with 4 boundaries and 2x6s, M.D. Patel (54) with 6x4s and 1x6.
For Punjab Gurkirat Singh (4 for 77), Sandeep Sharma (2 for 54) and Gurinder Singh (2 for 71) were the main wicket takers.
Punjab will have to make an early breakthrough on the third day and then put up a quick decent score to defend again at the Gujarat batsmen in the second innings.
Brief scores:
Punjab (1st innings) 233 all out in 73 overs (Manan Vohra 39, Ankit Pursharthy 17, Pargat Singh 41, Mandeep Singh 42, Mohit Handa 22 and Sandeep Sharma 31 not out, R.B. Kalaria 3 for 76, K.D. Patel 3 for 67 and A.R. Patel 2 for 24).
Gujarat (1st innings) 283 for 8 in 114 overs (Abhishek P 66, A.A.Barot 54, M.D. Patel 54, Gurkirat Singh 4 for 77, Sandeep Sharma 2 for 54 and Gurinder Singh 2 for 71).

Golden Bells lift Indo-Nepal Table Soccer Trophy

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 19
Ten students of Golden Bells Public School, Sector-77, Mohali brought laurels to the school as well as to the country by winning 4 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals and overall trophy in the Indo-Nepal International Table Soccer Championship held at Nepal from December 26 to January 1. The meet was organised by Asia Oceanic Table Soccer Confederation in association with Table Soccer Federation of India.
The Golden Bells students who bagged medals were: Gold: Pankaj Jandwani, Antarpreet, Lovenath, Kulraj.Silver: Sagar Sharma, Nikhil Arora, Sahil Modgil, Karan Tamang. Bronze: Darashjot Singh and Gurjant Singh.
Golden Bells School chairman Col. C.S. Bawa (Retd.) congratulated all the winners and encouraged them to participate in activities for their growth and development.

Sukhmanjeet will lead Punjab team

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
JALANDHAR, JAN 19
Sukhmanjeet Kaur of Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala will lead the Punjab team in the Senior National Women Hockey Championship scheduled to be held at Sonipat from January 21 to 30, according to Hockey Punjab secretary Pargat Singh.
Olympian Pargat Singh, who is also Punjab Sports Director, the selectors have selected the team after the coaching camp at Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala. The selected players are Gursharan Singh, Harmanjeet kaur, Rajbeer Kaur, Anita, Sukhmanjeet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Manbir Kaur, Amandeep Kaur, Vartika Singh, Anuradha Devi, Lalremurati, Kamini Mishra, Baljinder Kaur, Shikha, Kirandeep Kaur and Pardeep Kaur.
The coach of the team will be Harjit Kaur and Manager Baljeet Kaur. The team will leave for Sonipat on January 20.

Balwant Singh Kapur Hockey from January 20

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
JALANDHAR, JAN 18
The 7th All India Balwant Singh Kapur Memorial Hockey Tournament for Mata Parkash Kaur Cup will be held at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park, here from January 20 to 27. Players born on or after January 1, 1994 are eligible to participate in the tournament.
Organising Committee president disclosed that the tournament would be played on league cum knock out basis. To encourage the budding players at grass root level, the committee will award handsome prize money. The winners will get Rs. one lakh , runners-up Rs 60,000 and the team finishing third and fourth will receive Rs.30,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.
The prize for the team finishing fourth is being introduced this year on the basis of feedback received from hockey lovers and hockey players.
A Fairplay Trophy in memory of Mrs. Harmohinder Kaur will also be awarded after observing all the teams and the matches in the tournament. Six best players of the tournament-- best goal keeper, best full back, best half back, best forward, highest scorer and most promising of the tournament ---will be selected during the tournament and will be awarded cash prize of Rs.5,000 each .
The Organising Committee has decided from current year to sponsor five promising players which will be selected on their performance during the tournament. The committee will provide them kit, refreshment etc.
He further informant that 10 top teams of teams of country will participate in the tournament including holders Govt Model School and B.R.C Danapur.
Two teams from each pool will qualify for semi finals.Olympian Varinder Singh has been appointed tournament director . Gold medalist of 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games Manjeet Kaur will inaugurate the tournament at 2.30 p.m on January 20.

Bhullar annexes Gujarat Kensville Challenge title

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
AHMEDABAD, AUG 15
 Gaganjeet Bhullar became the first Indian to win on the Challenge Tour after triumphing by one shot at the season-opening Guajarat Kensville Challenge, held in his homeland. Bhullar battled with his nerves during a closing round of 75, but his five-under par 283 was enough to see off England’s Matt Ford, who signed for a round of 70 to finish just a stroke behind.
Such was the demanding nature of the course and conditions at the Jeev Milkha Singh-designed Kensville Golf Club in Ahmedabad, India, only six players finished under par. England’s Jamie Moul finished in third place courtesy of a best-of-the-day round of 69, whilst his compatriot Matthew Baldwin took the fourth place at 2-under 286. The only other players to finish below par were Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman (73) and Denmark’s Mads Vibe-Hastrup (72), who shared fifth place at 1-under par 287.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi who gave away the awards, took part in a putting duel with the champion for a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh. Surprisingly, the CM was the winner and promptly donated the money to his pet project Kanya Kelavani Nidhi, an NGO which addresses the issue of girl child education in the state.
After opening with a bogey Bhullar recovered by picking up a shot at the third hole, which he has birdied on all four days. He immediately gave a shot back at the next hole, and after another bogey at the tenth Bhullar’s grip on the trophy appeared in some peril – especially when Ford ran up successive birdies on the 13th and 14th.
However, Bhullar remained composed thereafter and, despite another bogey on the penultimate hole, a par on the last sealed his victory. The 22-year old rising star is now €32,000 richer but, perhaps more importantly, has written his name into the history books.
The lad from Kapurthala was excited with his maiden international victory. “I’m very pleased to begin the season with a victory. Last year I also began the season with a victory on the Asian Tour, but I cherish this moment as this is my first international victory in India. It was my father’s birthday on January 14, so I dedicate this win to him. I hope that this season brings me more success, and I’m now looking forward to stepping up to The European Tour”.
“Today the pin positions were tough, so it wasn’t easy to get birdies. On the 17th hole I found a bad lie in a divot and ended up making bogey, so I was under pressure. But I was confident that I could still pull it off as I knew making a birdie on the finishing hole would be difficult, even though Ford was playing well.
“It will take a while for me to digest this victory, as it’s special moment in my life. Now that I’ve got a card on the Challenge Tour, I will have to consult my parents before deciding whether to play full-time on this Tour, as it would be a quicker way to step up to The European Tour.”
Ford was naturally disappointed to have missed out on his maiden Challenge Tour title, but could console himself with a cheque for €22,000. “Obviously it’s very disappointing to have lost by a stroke. On the last hole, when I heard that Bhullar had made a bogey on the 17th, I tried to make a birdie to force a play-off. But I hit my approach a bit short, and failed to make the putt. But credit to Bhullar, because he deserved to win.”
Top scores (after 72 holes)
(Read under as Pos, Agg, Name, Country, Day-scores, Prize money)
1. 283 Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) (70, 70, 68, 75) 32,000; 2. 284 Matt Ford (ENG) (74, 68, 72, 70) 22,000; 3. 285 Jamie Moul (ENG) (72, 73, 71, 69) 14,000; 4. 286 Matthew Baldwin (ENG) (72, 70, 70, 74) 12,000; T-5. 287 Md Siddikur Rahman (BAN) (67, 74, 73, 73) 9,000, 287 Mads Vibe-Hastrup (DEN) (70, 76, 69, 72) 9,000; 7. 288 Klas Eriksson (SWE) (70, 74, 72, 72) 6,400; 8. 289 Florian Praegant (AUT) (69, 71, 73, 76) 5,600; T-9. 291 Ricardo Santos (POR) (69, 78, 69, 75) 4,600, Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) (74, 71, 74, 72) 4,600; 11. 292 Callum Macaulay (SCO) (72, 73, 75, 72) 3,900; 292 Charlie Ford (ENG) (73, 74, 75, 70) 3,900
Other top three Indians
T-16 294 Raju Ali (75, 72, 72, 75) 2,900; T-18 295 Manav Jaini (71, 74, 73, 77) 2,252; T-23 296 Ashok Kumar (75, 71, 73, 77) 1,800.

Haryana athletes for National Games

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 16
International shot-putter Om Prakash will lead a 45-member Haryana athletics team in the 34th National Games in Jharkhand, according to Haryana State Athletics Association Secretary H S Bhadu.
The HSAA, headed by Nafe Singh has received an invitation from Athletic Federation of India to send the state team for the 34th National Games.
Bhadu further informed that the athletes who have participated in Asian Games , Guangzhou and Commonwealth Games, New Delhi have been selected in the Haryana athletics team. The athletes who won gold medals in the Senior National Athletics in 2010 were also considered for selection.
However, Asian Games medalist Krishna Punia will not participate in theNational Games as she is injured.
Team: Sonu (100m), Dharambir (200, 4X400m), Ajay (400, 4X400m), Parveen ( 400, 4X400m), Manjit Singh (800, 4X400m), Sandeep (1500m), Sunil (5000 & 10000m), Vikas (discus), Omprakash & Jagbir (shotput), Rajender Singh & Jitender (javelin), Suresh (pole vault), Sudhir (long jump), Bhartender (decathlon), Parveen & Jaibhagwan (20km walk). Manisha (100m), Sushma (800m, 1500m), Kiran (3000 steeplechase), Seema Antil (discus, shotput), Neelam (shotput), Parmila (Javelin), Pooja Jangra (triple jump), Manju Bala (hamme)r and Meena (20km ).

Bhullar on course to create history in India

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
AHMEDABAD, JAN 15
 Home hero Gaganjeet Bhullar took a stranglehold of the inaugural Gujarat Kensville Challenge after racing four shots clear of the chasing pack on the third day of the €200,000 event, which marks the start of the 2011 Challenge Tour season.
Bhullar, bidding to become the first Indian to triumph on the Challenge Tour, fired four birdies on his front nine to race head before slowing down on the back nine in a superb display at the Jeev Milkha Singh-designed Kensville Golf Club.
The 22 year old’s round of 68, which featured just the one blemish on the eighth hole, moved Bhullar to eight under par, four shots clear of his nearest challenger Matthew Baldwin of England. Overnight joint leader Florian Praegant shot a 1-over par 73 to slip to the third position while Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman and England’s Matt Ford were tied for the fourth place at 2-under.
Amongst the other Indians, Manav Jaini was the next best at tied-14th position with a total of 2-over 218. Raju Ali Mollah, Ashok Kumar and Vinod Kumar were tied for the 16th position at three-over 219.
Bhullar who finished with a satisfying 4-under par for the day said: “I wasn’t playing safe after the turn. I was just trying to keep the ball on the fairway and try to hit the middle of the green, irrespective of the pin position. It was also windy as we played in the afternoon, which made it a bit difficult. But I was concentrating so hard that actually I lost track of the wind factor.
“I don’t think you can ever really enjoy a lead in golf. It doesn’t matter if you’re five or ten shots ahead, you can’t ever really relax. But obviously it does give you confidence. In the final round, I’m just going to keep the same policy of trying to hit every fairway and green, and hopefully convert a few birdies if I can. It would be great to begin the season with a victory.”
In contrast to his playing partner, joint overnight leader Florian Praegant endured a difficult day, reaching the turn in 40 after carding three bogeys and a double bogey at the fourth hole for the second day in succession. But to his credit the Austrian staged a miraculous late rally to sign for a round of 73 which moved him to third place on three under par.
Baldwin is one place higher and one shot closer to the leader after notching four birdies in his round of 70. The Englishman birdied the third, sixth, ninth and 15th holes, but gave shots back at the fifth and 13th.
He said: “I’m slowly getting used to the conditions out here. There’s no doubt that it’s a tough course, but it’s also interesting to play because you need to use your brains. My driving was fantastic today. I could’ve ended up with at least a couple of more birdies had I putted properly, but it was a good round anyway.
“I know four shots is a big lead to catch, but I’ll give it my best and you never know what can happen over 18 holes of golf. I’m confident of putting on a good show.”
Baldwin’s compatriot Matt Ford is in a tie fourth place on two under par alongside Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman. England’s Gary Lockerbie and Denmark’s Mads Vibe-Hastrup share sixth place after both men compiled rounds of 69.
1. 208 Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) (70, 70, 68); 2. 212 Matthew Baldwin (ENG) (72, 70, 70); 3. 213 Florian Praegant (AUT) (69, 71, 73); T- 4 214 Matt Ford (ENG) (74, 68, 72), Md. Siddikur Rahman (BAN) (67, 74, 73); T-6 215 Gary Lockerbie (ENG) (74, 72, 69), Mads Vibe-Hastrup (DEN) (70, 76, 69); T- 8 216 Klas Eriksson (SWE) (70, 74, 72), Espen Kofstad (NOR) (70, 73, 73), Jamie Moul (ENG) (72, 73, 71), Ricardo Santos (POR) (69, 78, 69)

Enzo Couacaud and Basak Eraydin champs

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com
CHANDIGARH, JAN 15
Enzo Couacaud of France and Basak Eraydin of Turkey won the boys and girls singles titles, respectively in the Mehru-ITF World Ranking Junior Circuit Grade-3 Tennis Tournament at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today. Inclement weather delayed the start of the final day's programme.
Enzo Couacaud did not face much resistance from Temur Ismailov of Uzbekistan whom he beat in straight sets. The first set witnessed a close fight for every point as both players matched each. Enzo Couacaud just managed to claim the first set at 7-5. However, the second set turned outto be a one-sided affair for Enzo Couacaud who wrapped it up without dropping a single game at 6-0.
In the girls singles final match Basak Eraydin from Turkey claimed the title with a hard-fought verdict against Donna Vekic of Croatia in three sets 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. After winning the first set at 6-3 Basak Eraydin was given a run for her money by Donna Vekic, who came up strongly to win the 2nd set 5-7. Basak Eraydin then swept Donna Vekic off her feet in the third set at 6-1.
Mr. Pradip Mehra, Advisor to Administrator, U.T. Administration, Chandigarh was the chief guest of the tournament.
Mr. Jai Singh Gill, President, Dr. Jasjit Singh, Honorary Secretary, Mr. Rajan Kashyap, Chairman and Mrs. Bhupinder Banta Singh, Executive Member of CLTA gave the trophies to the winners of the tournament.
Results (finals)
Boys singles: Enzo Couacaud (FRA) bt Temur Ismailov (UZB) 7-5, 6-0.
Girls singles: Basak Eraydin (TUR) bt Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

Bhullar shoots into joint lead at Gujarat Kensville Challenge

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
AHMEDABAD, JAN 14
When it seemed that India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar would emerge as the sole leader, Austrian Florian Praegant birdied his finishing hole during the fag end of the day to share the lead at the end of the second round of the Gujarat Kensville Challenge being played at the Kensville Golf and Country Club here on Friday.
Bhullar added a two-under par to his overnight 70 while Praegant shot a 1-under with both finishing at a 36-hole total of 4-under 140. The duo are being chased by overnight leader Siddikur Rahman of Bangaldesh who was just a stroke behind at 141. Englishman Matt Ford shot the day’s best of 4-under 68 to move up to joint fourth position along with India’s Abhishek Jha, and Englishmen Daniel Denison and Matthew Baldwin who all were tied at 142.
Bhullar must have learnt his lessons yesterday and changed his strategy to rest his driver on most of the occasions. “You have to precise with your tee shot as there are water bodies and out of bounds on almost every hole,” said the lad from Kapurthala. Beginning from the 10th, Bhullar was in full flow with birdies on the first two holes. A bad tee shot cost him a stroke on the 14th as he took the turn at 1-under. On the back nine, the 23-year-old fired two more birdies on the third and eighth and went over on the fourth to finish his round with a two-under.
“It is a long course. The greens are tough as they are hard at the moment and are playing fast. I had trouble putting as I have recently changed my putter. This is the first tournament I’ve used it and it is a bit heavy. I was leaving my putts a bit short, but I think I am getting accustomed to the pace now,” said Bhullar.
Praegant whose adventurous dive into the sea landed him with a broken neck in 2006 and rendered him immobile for more than three months. However, the 27-year-old came back strongly and earned a card on the main Tour. Indifferent form forced him to come back to the Challenge Tour and he would be vying to get back with a victory here. With a birdie on the his opening hole and a bogey on the 17th, he remained even par for the front nine. An eventful back nine saw him making three birdies on the third, fifth and ninth along with a double bogey on the sixth.
“Compared to the opening day I’m not as happy with my round today, as I only hit ten greens. Some of my tee shots went awry and my short game was also a little suspect, so the only reason I shot under par was because of my putter, which was working well. Hopefully it works for me as well over the next two days.
“I don’t know much about Bhullar but I read in the papers that he’s one of India’s top players, so I’m looking forward to playing with him. But I’m just going to stick to my own game plan of trying to keep the ball in play.”
Top scores after 36 holes
T-1. 140 Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) ( 70, 70), Florian Praegant (AUT) (69, 71); 3. 141 Md. Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 141 (67, 74); T-4 142 Daniel Denison (ENG) (69, 73), Abhishek Jha (IND) (72, 70), Matthew Baldwin (ENG) (72, 70), Matt Ford (ENG) (74, 68); 8. 143 Espen Kofstad (NOR) (70, 73); T-9. 144 Klas Eriksson (SWE) (70, 74), Jorge Campillo (ESP) (71, 73), Jurrian Van Der Vaart (NED) (74, 70)

Rakshay and Arun bag boys doubles title

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 14
Rakshay T and Arjun K defeated Yash D and Raman R. in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in an all-India boys doubles final of the ITF World Ranking Junior Circuit Grade-3 Tennis Tournament at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.
In the girls double Prenko of Turkmenistan and Anna of Russia waled over Olesktvea K. of Ukrain and Donna of Croatia.
In the girls singles semifinals Varic Donna of Croatia disposed of the Indian challenge of Prarthana T in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. Varic Donna swept her opponent of the feet in 1st set but Prarthatna T came back in the 2nd set and put up a bitter resistance before finely bowing out the 6-4.
In the second semifinal Dasak A of Turkey overcame the challenge of Elezavita K. of Russia in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The match was more keenly contested then the eventual results of 6-3, 6-3 suggests. Both the players matched each other stroke by stroke. Playing mostly from the base line Basak E. finely was able to break through the defenses of Elezaveta K. and clinch the match to set up a title clash with Varic Donna of Croatia.
In the boys singles semifinals Temur Ismailov of Uzbakistan beat the Joshua Ward Hibbert (GBR) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 and other second semifinal Enzo Couacaud of Franc beat Maciej Romanowicz of Poland 6-1, 6-0.
ADGP Punjab Police S M Sharma give away the trophies to winners and runners- up.
Results: Boys singles (semi-finals): Temur Ismailov (UZB) bt Joshua Ward Hibbert (GBR) 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, Enzo Couacaud (FRA) bt Maciej Romanowicz (POL) 6-1, 6-0.
Girls singles (semi-finals): Donna Vekic (CRO) bt Prarthana G. Thombare (IND) 6-1, 6-4, Basak Eraydin (TUR) bt Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) 6-3, 6-3.
Boys doubles (final): Arjun Khade (IND) & Rakshay Thakkar (IND) bt Yash Deshpande (IND) & Rishabhdev Raman (IND) 6-1, 6-3
Girls doubles (final): Anastasiya Prenko (TKM) & Anna Tyulpa (RUS) W/O Korashvili Oleksadra (UKR) & Donna Vekic (CRO).

TN team for National Table Tennis

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 14

The following players will represent Tamil Nadu in the 72nd Senior National and Inter State Table Tennis Championship, to be held at Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium, Kolkatta from January 17 to 23.
Men: R.Abishek, Sivananda Seshadri, E.Prabakaran, Nitin Thiruvengadam, R.S.Raja.
Women: T.Reeth Rishya, N.Vidya, N.Sathyabama, V.Sneha, S.Narasimha Priya.
Coaches: V.M.Ravi Venkatesh and Christopher A.Anas

‘No’ to celebrate Lohri in Golden Bells

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
MOHALI, JAN 13Golden Bells Public School, Sector – 77, Mohali has decided not to celebrate Lohri to express grief in view of the unfortunate death of the five year old boy Khushpreet Singh.
Students and the teachers of the school lightened the candles to pay tribute to Khushpreet and prayed God for Khushi’s departed soul to rest in peace and his parents may get justice.
Chairman of the school, Col. C.S. Bawa (Retd.) said that every year the school had celebrated Lohri in a unique way, but this time to express solidarity with Khushpreet Singh’s family, school is not going to celebrate Lohri in grief. He further alerted all the students to beware of strangers and also requested to the parents to give time to their loving children.

Medimix Madras District Table Tennis

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 13
The Medimix Madras District Table Tennis Championship will be organized by SDAT Chandra TT Academy on January 29 and 30 at DG Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam, Chennai. Entries close on

January 24.
Entries should reach.Selvakumar, Secretary, MDTTA, Flat No.5, III Floor, Indus Jubilee Manor, 38, Tank Bund Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034 (Telephone No.94441 44482, 28256169).

Top seed Sombutnak upset; Rakshay bows out

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 13
Joshua Wart Hibbert of Great Britain caused the biggest upset by shocking top seed Warit Sornbutnark of Thailand in three closely contested sets 3-6,7-6 (0), 6-3 ITF World Ranking Junior Circuit Grade-3 Tennis Tournament atthe Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.
The top Sombutnark wrapped up the firstt set 6-3. However, Ward Hibbert fought back to clinch the second set at 7-6 after a seesaw struggle for supremacy. Ward Hibbert however kept his nerve to win the third set 6-3 and clinch the match. Temur Ismailov of Uzbakistan and Enzo Couacaud of France and M. Romanowics of Poland were the other three players to make it to the semifinals.
The Indian challege in the boys singles. Rakshay Thakkar was ousted by Maciej Romanowicz of Poland in straight sets 6-2,6-4.
In the girls singles Donna Vekic of Croatia and Prarthana G. Thombare of India made it to the semifinals where they will clash each other tomnorrow. The other semifinal places have been earned by Basak Erayoin of Turkey and Elizaveta Kulichkova of Russia.
Results: Boys singles (Q-finals): Joshua Ward Hibbert (GBR) bt Warit Sornbutnark (THA) 3-6,7-6 (0), 6-3, Temur Ismailov (UZB) bt Chi Shan Jao (TPE) 6-2, 6-1, Enzo Couacaud (FRA) bt Qin Tu (CHN) 6-2, 6-0, Maciej Romanowicz (POL) bt Rakshay Thakkar (IND) 6-2, 6-4
Girls singles (q-finals): Donna Vekic (CRO) bt Ratnika Batra (IND) 6-2, 6-2, Prarthana G. Thombare (IND) bt Anastasiya Prenko (TKM) 6-0, 6-3, Basak Eraydin (TUR) bt Evgeniya Svintsva (RUS) 6-2, 6-3, Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) bt Oleksandra Korashvili (UKR) 6-3, 6-3
Boys doubles (semi-finals): Arjun Khade (IND) & Rakshay Thakkar (IND) bt Vinod Gowde (IND) & Kai-Wen Lai (TPE) 0-6, 7-5, 10-6, Yash Deshpande (IND) & Rishabhdev Raman (IND) bt Enzo Couacaud (FRA) & Shukhrat Gizatulin (UZB) 6-0, 4-6 10-4
Girls Doubles (semi-finals): Anastasiya Prenko (TKM) & Anna Tyulpa (RUS) bt Basak Eraydin (TUR) & Tarrannum Handa (IND) 2-6, 6-4 (10-7) , Korashvili Oleksadra (UKR) & Donna Vekic (CRO) bt Ratnika Batra (IND) & Aarzoo Malik (IND) 6-3, 6-4.

Good performance by Harman and Guntash

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 12

DAV Model School, Sector 15 defeated Government Model Senior Secondary School, sector 26, by 69 runs in the Times NIE Cremica Cup 2011 Inter- School Under-19 Cricket Tournament at the Guru Nanak Public School ground in Sector 36 here today..
Brief scores: DAV School, Sector 15: 168 for 6 in 18 overs, (Harman: 53 4x4; 3x6, Abhilash: 35 4x4; 3x6, Shivadeep: 33 5x4, Anil Kumar 2 for 13, Deepak 1 for 35, Abhay 1 for 20). Govt Model Sr Sec School, Sector 26, Chandigarh: 99 for 9 in 18 overs ( Jasbir: 21 2x4, Jitender: 13, Anil 11 Harman 3 for 13, Shaurya 2 for 8 and Farman 1 for 14).
Man of the match was Harman.
APJ Kharar V/s Govt Model Sr Sec School, Sector 19, routed APJ Khrar by six wickets in the second match of the day.
Brief scores: APJ Kharar: 142 for 6 in 16 overs, (Kapil Punia 64 not out 9x4, 1x6, Sarthak 21, Ikhoor 1 for 28, Munish 1 for 29, Gourav 1 for 21). Govt 19: 143 for 4 in 15.1 overs (Guntash Veer 84 not out, 8x4, 6x6, Ankit Gupta 26, Srijan 2 for 31, Sarthak 1 for 20).
Man of the match: Guntash

Rakshit Tkakkar overcomes fighting Kal Wen Lai

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, JAN 12
Top seed Warit Sornbutnark of Thailand advanced to the quarterfinals in boys singles of the ITF World Junior Grade 3 Ranking Tennis  Tournament at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today.
Warit S. continued his good run in the tournament as he disposed of Abduvonous Saitmukhamedov of Uzbekistan in three sets in the pre-quarterfinals. Losing the first set 3-6 Warit S. came back strongly in the second set and wrapped-up at 6-2. The third set saw a seesaw struggle between the two players before Warit S. held his nerve to put it across Abduvonous S. 6-4 in the final set.
It was a disappoining day for Indian players as most of them got knocked out but Rakshay Thakkar made it to the quarterfinal after beating a spirited challenge from Kal Wen Lai of Taipei. The first set saw a titanic struggle for supremacy but Rakshit Thakkar came on top 7-6(5). However he smothered Kai Wen Lai 6-2 in the decider. Chi Shan Jao of Taipei entered the quarterfinals as Or Ram Harel. of Israel retired after two games in the 1st set due to stomach upset.
In the girls section top seed Anna Tyulpa of Russia got knocked out in straight sets from Donna Vekic of Croatia 7-5, 6-4. It was a match which swung either way with Donna Vekic holding her nerves and finally putting it across to the top seed. The Indian challenge in the girls section was dominant than the boys section as Ratnika Batra got the better of Nadya Syarifah of Indonesia in straight sets 6-3, 6-1. Anastasiya Prenko disposed of her Indian compatriot Anushka Bhargava in a well contested 3 setter at 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. Prarthana Thombare ended the challenge of Fang Chi Tsao in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. The quarterfinals in the girls section will feature 2 Russian girls; 2 Indian girls; 1 Croatian girl; 1 Turkish girl; 1 Turkmenistanian girl and 1 Ukrainian girl.
In the boys doubles event Arjun Khade and Rakshay Thakkar disposed of Joshua Ward Hibbert of Great Britain and Maciej Romanowicz from Poland in straight sets 6-4, 6-1. While Vinod Gowde of India and Kai-Wen Lai of Taipei combined well together to beat Rohit Bisht & Saurabh Singh of India in a keenly well contested match 6-4, 7-6.
Results (PQFs): Boys singles; Warit Sornbutnark (THA) bt Abduvoris Saitmukhamedov (UZB) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4,Joshua Ward Hibbert (GBR) bt Wen Chun Liang (TPE) 6-3, 6-4, Temur Ismailov (UZB) bt Shao Chin Yang (TPE) 6-1, 6-1 , Chi Shan Jao (TPE) bt Or Ram Harel (ISR) 2-0 Retd, Qin Tu (CHN) bt Chih-Jen Ho (TPE) 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, Enzo Couacaud (FRA) bt Rishabhdev Raman (IND) 7-5, 6-3 , Maciej Romanowicz (POL) bt Nattan Benjasupawan (THA) 6-1, 6-1, Rakshay Thakkar (IND) bt Kal-Wen Lai (TPE) 7-6(5), 6-2.
Girls singles: Donna Vekic (CRO) bt Anna Tyulpa (RUS) 7-5, 6-4, Ratnik Batra (IND) bt Nadya Syarifah (INA) 6-3, 6-1, Anastasiya Prenko (TKM) bt Anushka Bhargava (IND) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, Prarthana G. Thombare (IND) bt Fang Chi Tsao (TPE) 6-3, 6-3, Basak Eraydin (TUR) bt Sharmda Balu (IND) 6-1, 6-3, Evgeniya Svintsva (RUS) bt Kanika Vaidya (IND) 6-3, 6-4, Oleksandra Korashvili (UKR) bt Natasha Palha (IND) 7-5, 6-1, Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) bt Napatsaakoran Sankaew (THA) 6-3, 6-2.
Boys doubles: Arjun Khade (IND) & Rakshay Thakkar (IND) bt Maciej Romanowicz (POL) & Joshua Ward Hibbert (GBR) 6-4, 6-1, Vinod Gowde (IND) & Kai-Wen Lai (TPE) bt Rohit Bisht (IND) & Saurabh Singh (IND) 6-4, 7-6(0), Yash Deshpande (IND) & Rishabhdev Raman (IND) W/O Or Ram Harel (ISR) & Qin Tu (CHN), Enzo Couacaud (FRA) & Shukhrat Gizatulin (UZB) bt Nattan Benjasupawan (THA) & Warit Sornbutnark (THA) 7-5, 6-1.