Bhagat Singh Punjab Games off to a spectacular start

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

LUDHIANA, FEB 28

Punjab today scripted a new chapter in the history of sports by organizing the biggest ever prize money Shaheed –e–Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games in 11 sports disciplines at the Guru Nanak Stadium here tonight. The main aim of organising these games is to wean away youth from intoxicants and encouraging them to adopt sports as a career.

As Punjab Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Sports Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal declared the sports extravaganza, the sky was lit with sparkling fireworks. The glitter of the show became blinding as Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who has agreed to become Ambassador of Shaheed – e – Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games, mesmerized the jam packed audience with his athletic dance work.

Players from 20 districts took part in an impressive march past during the gala and glitter of opening ceremony of Punjab Games. It may be added that the opening ceremonies of Punjab Games were choreographed by Prof. Bansi Kaul who had choreographed the ceremony of New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Badal said that “these games were my passion and I have institutionalized the arrangement that these games become an annual feature.” He said that the one of the main objectives of these games was to wean away the youth from drugs as well as a sedentary way of life by encouraging them to join sports as a movement.

He said that the tournament would prepare the youth to compete with confidence even at the national and international levels. He announced that the state government has finalized a policy in the last Cabinet meeting that  more talented among sportsmen would get an opportunity to secure employment in Government / Semi Government Organizations.

Renowned Punjab folk singer Harbhajan Mann enthralled audience, a strong troupe of 2900 artists of North Zone Cultural Centre presented a spectra of dances from different states amalgamating into one conveying the underlined message unity and diversity.

The riot of colors synchronized with laser lights moved the audience to a fantasy as most of the audience remain glued to their seats even after the show, refusing to believe that it was a live show.  

Competitions will be held in athletics basketball,   boxing,   football,  hockey,  kabaddi,  shooting, volleyball,  weightlifting , wrestling and  tug-of-war at Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala and Jalandhar. The closing ceremony of the games would be held at Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park Jalandhar.    

Punjab Sports Director Padam Shree Pargat Singh speaking on the occasion said that the district teams for these prestigious games had been selected through open trials in most transparent manner. Every district team including officials has been provided a sports kit of specific colour and design that was unique for each district at the cost of Rs. 1 crore.   

Punjab humming with activites on eve of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagar Singh State Games

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 27

Punjab is  humming with activities on the eve of the biggest sports extravaganza the state has ever seen.  Deputy Chief  Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal will inaugurate the week-long Shaheed - e -Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games at Ludhiana on February 28 in which nearly 4,300 sportspersons  and sports officials  will participate.

The games represent another passionate dimension of  Sukhbir Singh Badal’s multi-faceted, dynamic personality. Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games would now become an annual feature in the sports calendar of the State. 

After reviewing the arrangements, Sukhbir Singh Badal said  one of the main objectives  of these games was to wean away the youth from drugs as well as a sedentary way of life by encouraging them to join sports as a movement.

 Over the years, these prestigious State Level Games would attract more and more youth of the State into sports, curbing the menace of drugs among them. The tournament would prepare the youth to compete with confidence even at the national and international levels besides helping the State Sports Authorities to select scientifically sports persons having higher potential and prepare them for advanced training for competing at national and international level. The more talented among sportsmen will get an opportunity secure employment in Government/Semi Government Organizations .

Covering 11 sports disciplines namely   athletics, basketball, boxing,   football,  hockey,  kabaddi,  shooting, volleyball, weightlifting , wrestling and  tug of war, these would be held from  February 28 to March 6, 2011 at Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala and Jalandhar. 

The opening ceremony will be held at the Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana on February 28,  at 6.00 p.m and the closing ceremony has been scheduled for March 6 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Burlton Park, Jalandhar.

 The games have been bifurcated into three groups. The first group consists of hockey and shooting. Hockey matches will be conducted in Jalandhar and shooting in Mohali. The second group would be organized at Patiala which includes boxing, weightlifting, wrestling and volleyball. In the third group the games are athletics, basketball, football, kabaddi and tug of war which will be conducted at Ludhiana. The matches would be played under flood lights and telecast live.

A prize money of Rs 21 lakh each discipline will be disbursed among winners. The first three position holder teams in each discipline shall take home a cash prize of Rs. 9.00 lakh, Rs. 7.00 lakh and Rs. 5.00 lakh, respectively.

Delhi face Madras in varsities tennis final

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 27  

Delhi University will  cross swords with Madras University of Chennai in the final of the All India Inter University Lawn Tennis (Women) Championship being hosted by Panjab University, here tomorrow.

In the semi-final matches played at the Panjab University Campus courts today, Delhi University got the better of North East Zone champions Jamia Millia Islamia of New Delhi by 2-1 and Madras University snuffed out the challenge of Calcutta University, Kolkata by an identical 2-1 margin.

 Results (semi-finals):

 Delhi University, Delhi  bt  Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi   2-1 (Prerna beat Jilke Nelord 6-0, 6-0,  Garima lost to Parul 5-7, 3-6,  Prerna and Garima bt Parul Goswami and Jilke 6-2, 6-2).

Madras University, Chennai  bt Calcutta University, Kolkata   2-1 (Neena Reddy lost to Dipti 3-6, 0-6, Preethi beat Danielle 6-1, 6-1, Preethi and Neena beat Dipti and Danielle 6-1, 4-6, 6-0).

Mannat and Shaurabh win squash titles

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 27

Mannat and Sharuabh Nayyer won the women's and men's titles, respectively, in the 5th Chandigarh Squash Championship at Lake Sports Complex today.

Competitions were conducted for boys and girls in the age group of 11, 13, 15 and 19 years, women open, men open category and men above 35 years and 45 years. 

     Additional Inspector General of Police, Haryana, Mr.Satinder Kumar and Managing Director of Haryana Tourism Corporation, Mr.S.N.Roy jointly gave away prizes to the winners.

Results: Boys U-11: 1 Inderjeet Singh, 2 Prithvi Singh, 3 Ishant Nayyer. U-15: 1 Vivek Bhargav, 2  Naseem, 3  Sahil. U-19: 1 Arun, 2 Deepraman, 3 Manjeet. 

Girls U-13: 1 Jainia Singh, 2  Anjali. U-15: 1  Manat Johal, 2 Liasa Garg, 3 Sharda Gulati. 

Women: 1 Mannat, 2  Kanika.  Men: 1 Shaurabh Nayyer, 2  Vikas. +35: 1  Vikas Nayyer, 2  Khuswant Singh. +45: 1  Satender Bajwa, 2 ADS Gill. 

Hooda congratulates Haryana sportspersons

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 27

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has congratulated the sportspersons of the state on their magnificent performance in the 34th National Games held at Ranchi.

     Haryana finished runners-up with a haul of 42 gold, 33 silver and 44 bronze medals. The Haryana players also participated in these games on behalf of Army which emerged champions.

      Mr.Hooda said that the sportspersons of Haryana also contributed one third medals to the national medal tally in the Asiad and Commonwealth Games. He said, “the credit for this magnificent success goes to the hard work of our sportspersons and their families. The State Government only provided an atmosphere conducive to the sports."

      He said that improving their previous performance, the sports persons of Haryana got 30 gold medals, 22 silver medals, 28 bronze medals in the last National Games held at Guhawati.

  In a statement issued here today, PWD Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala and State Minister for Sports Sukhbir Singh Kataria also expressed their happiness over the performance of the sports persons of the state.

   

Jalandhar hockey team for Punjab Games

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir(

 JALANDHAR, FEB 27

Hockey Jalandhar secretary general Iqbal Singh Sandhu today announced the Jalandhar men's team which will compete in the Shaheed-a-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games.

The team: Gourav Jit singh, Gurjot Singh, Ravi pal, Gurvinder Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Satbir Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Jasjeet Singh, Jalwinder Singh, Sukhmanjit Singh, Manpreet Singh, Gaganpreet Singh, Baljeet Singh, Barkat Singh, Guriqbal Singh and Gurinder Singh.  Coach: mohan Singh.  

Sri Guru Hari Singh College Sirsa lift Sail-Nehru Hockey title

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 JALANDHAR, FEB 26 

 Sri Guru Hari Singh College of Sirsa lifted the 18^th Sail-Nehru Champions College Hockey Tournament by beating Lyallpur Khalsa College of Jalandhar by 3-0 in the final at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today. 

Jawaharlal Nehru PG College Bhopal bagged the third place as they snuffed out the challenge of DAV College  of Jalandhar by 5-2. 

Jasjeet Singh Kular of Lyallpur Khalsa College of Jalandhar was declared the best player of the tournament and awarded Bajaj Motorcycle by Rakshak Sports. 

Victorious Sri Guru Hari Singh College received a cheque of Rs. 96000 while runners-up Lyallpur Khalsa College were richer by Rs 64000. Third place winners Jawaharlal Nehru PG College Bhopal got Rs 32000. Ms. Bina Shah General Secretary All India Universities gave away the prizes to the winners. Ramesh Kohli, Managing Director Beat All Sports, presided over the function.

In the final match, the Sirsa boys dominated the proceedings. In the 33^rd minute of the play Gurbhag Singh opened the account witha  field goal as Sri Guru Hari Singh College led by 1-0 at half time. In the 43^rdand 49^th minutes Harpreet Singh of Sirsa struck twice to consolidate the lead (3-0). The Lyallpur Khalsa boys tried their best to reduce the margin. However, it was not their day today.

Jamia Millia and Madras University triumph

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 26  

 North East Zone champions Jamia Millia Islamia of New Delhi thrashed N.T. University, Kakinada by  2-0 in the All India Inter Zonal Inter University  Lawn Tennis (Women) Championship being organized by Panjab University at the PU Campus courts here today.

In the opening singles match Monika Mennon outplayed N.B. Saramya in straight sets  6-1, 6-1 to give Jamia Millia a 1-0  lead,  Parul Goswami proved too good for A.V. Sai Srujana whom she trounced by  6-0, 6-1 as Jamia Millia register easy victory.

Madras University, Chennai prevailed over hosts Panjab University by 2-0. Neelima gave Madras a confident start as she defeated Simer 6-4, 6-3 in the opening singles match. In the second singles, Preethi Srinivasan of Madras University was made to fight for every point by Noor Paul before winning in three sets 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.

Results:   Madras University, Chennai bt  Panjab  University, Chandigarh 2-0 (Neena Reddy                         bt  Simer  6-4, 6-3, Preethi Srinivasan bt Noor Paul   6-1, 2-6, 6-3).

 Calcutta  University, Kolkata   bt  Mumbai  University, Mumbai   2-1 (Dipti Srivastva                       lost to  Supriya Mallya 3-6, 3-6,  Danielle Jones bt  Radhika Jadhav 7-6, 6-2,  Dipti & Danielle                     bt  Supriya & Siyraddha 7-5, 4-6, 6-3).

 Delhi  University, Delhi bt Osmania University, Hyderabad 2-1 ( Garima Vatwani bt   G. Sushma  6-3, 6-0,  Saadgi Rajani lost to  G. Janaki   3-6, 0-6,  Garima & Prerna  bt  G. Janaki & G. Sushma  6-0, 6-1).

 Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi   bt   J.N.T. University, Kakinada 2-0 (Monika Mennon bt N.B. Saramya  6-1, 6-1,  Parul Goswami  bt  A.V. Sai Srujana  6-0, 6-1).

Sanjay Kumar clinches title with a steady 71

JAIPUR, FEB 26

Lucknow’s Sanjay Kumar clinched his maiden title on the Aircel PGTI after he fired a steady one over 71 to win the PGTI Players Championship presented by Rambagh Golf Club on Saturday. Sanjay totaled 16 under 264 for the week and thus broke the two-year-old course record of 10 under 270 for four rounds which was earlier jointly held by Gaganjeet Bhullar and Himmat Singh Rai.

Mukesh Kumar of Mhow secured second place after he fired a one under 69 in the final round to finish one stroke behind the winner.

 S

anjay Kumar’s (67-65-61-71) maiden win on the Aircel PGTI also happened to be his fourth victory as a professional and his first after a gap of almost six years. Although Sanjay fired a 71 on Saturday, his overnight three-shot lead saw him through as his nearest competitor Mukesh Kumar could not catch up with him.

Sanjay got off to a solid start with pars on the first four holes but received a major setback when he double-bogeyed the fifth after making a three-putt from 15 feet. The 39-year-old then picked up a stroke by sinking a 15-footer on the very next hole.

The Lucknow man dropped a stroke on the 12^th but rallied with birdies on the 14^th and 16^th to stay three strokes ahead. The deficit between Sanjay and Mukesh was reduced to one stroke when the former bogeyed the 17^th as a result of a poor bunker shot and the latter made birdie on the same hole. However, Mukesh could not force a playoff as both players made pars on the last hole.

Sanjay’s win at Jaipur propelled him from 16^th position to third place on the Rolex Rankings 2011.

Sanjay said, “I did not play to the best of my ability during the final round but my excellent scores in the first three rounds helped me cross the line. I hit it extremely well through the week. My hitting had not been very good over the last few seasons and was the main reason for my six-year-long title drought. However, my hitting picked up towards the end of the 2010 season.

“I did not attack the pins today and let the others do all the chasing. My best shot in round four was the eight-iron tee shot on the 16^th that landed within one foot of the pin and set up an easy birdie putt. While my hitting and chipping was good today, the bunker shots really let me down.

“I’m very proud of this victory and now hope to make a major impact on the circuit with some good performances this year.”

Mukesh Kumar (66-66-64-69) ended the tournament as the runner-up after shooting a 69 on Saturday. He totaled 15 under 265. His final round included four birdies and three bogeys.

Delhi’s Vinod Kumar was third at 12 under 268 and Australian Anthony Choat finished fourth at 11 under 269.

Jaipur’s Vishal Singh (68-71-72-70) ended the tournament in tied 24^th place with a total of one over 281.

Jaipur-based amateur Giriraj Singh Thapa totaled seven over 287 and secured tied 44^thplace.

Sanjay Kumar breaks course record with a 61, takes three-shot lead

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by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

JAIPUR, FEB 25

 Sanjay Kumar of Lucknow took a three-shot lead after breaking the course record with an astonishing nine under 61 in round three of the PGTI Players Championship presented by Rambagh Golf Club. Sanjay’s total now reads 17 under 193. Mukesh Kumar of Mhow fired a 64 to be placed second with an overall score of 14 under 196.

Sanjay Kumar (67-65-61) enjoyed a birdie-fest on Friday as he broke the course record which was earlier jointly held by Shamim Khan and Arshdeep Tiwana. Sanjay hit his tee shot within four feet for his first birdie of the day on the fourth. The 39-year-old landed his approach shots within six feet on the fifth and seventh to set up two more birdies. He made the turn at four under after collecting another birdie on the eighth.

A chip-in from the edge of the green on the 10^th took Sanjay’s score to five under for the day. The Lucknow-based professional then produced his longest putt of the day, a 12-footer, to register a birdie on the 13^th. He continued to hit it extremely close and thereby ended up with three more birdies on the 15^th, 16^th and 17^th.

Sanjay, who is yet to win a title on the Aircel PGTI, said, “It was a near-perfect round. My hitting was fantastic. I hit it really close through the day and did not leave myself too many long putts. The fact that I broke the course record gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the final round.

“I have a comfortable lead at the moment but I cannot afford to get complacent. I will have to play a solid round on Saturday as an experienced player such as Mukesh Kumar, who is currently second, cannot be given too many opportunities.”

Mukesh Kumar (66-66-64), the 2008 Aircel PGTI Order of Merit champion, whose third round of 64 featured seven birdies and a bogey, totaled 14 under 196 at the end of day three to lie second.

Vinod Kumar of Delhi is in third position at 11 under 199 while Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta is a further two strokes behind in fourth place.

Jaipur-based amateur Giriraj Singh Thapa occupies tied 21^st position with a total of one under 209. Vishal Singh of Jaipur is currently in tied 29^th at one over 211.

AG Tamil Nadu take home Inter-Audit Cricket Trophy

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 CHANDIGARH, FEB 25 

Accountant General Tamil Nadu defeated AG Punjab by six wickets In the final of the Inter Zonal Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) Cricket Tournament at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here today.

AG Tamil Nadu won the toss and elected to field.  Their move bore fruits as they dismissed AG Punjab for 129 all out in 33.2 overs.

For AG Punjab opener Navdeep Singh and Amit Kakria scored 21 and 20 runs, respectively. Later in the innings Rajiv Ratan chipped in with 23 runs. For AG Tamil Nadu R Lakshmi (4 for 20) was pick of the bowlers. S Ramnichandran bagged 2 for 32.

In reply AG Tamil Nadu achieved the required runs in 26.2 overs. Opener R Chandrasekar played well to score 33 runs. M Vijay Bharat played a polished knock of 37 not out. For AG Punjab trio of left arm spinners Navdeep Singh, Amit Kakria and Arun Tuli got one wicket each.

Dronacharya Desh Prem  Azad gave away the prizes to winners and runners-up.

Brief scores: AG Punjab: 129 all out in 33.2 overs (Navdeep Singh 21, Amit Kakria 20, Rajiv Ratan 23, R Lakshmi 4 for 20, S Ramnichandran 2 for 32).

AG Tamil Nadu:  130 for 4 in 26.2 overs (R Chandrasekar 33, M Vijay Bharat 37 not out, Navdeep Singh 1 for 20, Amit Kakria 1 for 36, Arun Tuli 1 for 18).

Lyallpur Khalsa College outplay DAV College

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 JALANDHAR, FEB 25

 Lyallpur Khalsa College of Jalandhar marched after outclassing DAV College, also of Jaladhar, by an impressive 7-1  margin in the semi-final match of the 18th SAIL-Nehru Champions College Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.

The  Lyallpur Khalsa boys dished out  brilliant hockey. They opened their account In the seventh minute after they were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted by  Jasjeet Singh Kular (1-0) in a smooth action. In the 12th minute Navneesh Kumar consolidated the lead by converting a penalty corner (2-0). 

 Maintaing their pressure Lyallpur Khalsa College earned another penalty corner in  the 14th minute and Jaspreet Singh converted it to make it 3-0. In the 28th minute Jasjit Singh Kular struck once again to take a commanding 4-0 lead at half time.

 In the second half Khalsa College’s Gurjit Singh scored in 47th minute and  in 51st minute Gurpreet Singh further increased the margin to 6-0.. In 66th minute DAV’s Anil Kumar scored a consolation goal.

In the dying minute of the game Gurjit Singh completedd the DAV College rout by scoring the seventh goal  for Khalsa College.     

In the second semi finals Sri Guru Hari Singh College, Sirsa beat Jawahar Lal Nehru PG College of Bhopal by 5-0.

 Lakhwinder Singh struck in 3rd and 24th minutes of the play to give his team a lead of 2-0. In the 34 minute Harpreet Singh of Sirsa made it 3-0.

 At lemon break Sirsa were leading by 3-0. In the 54th minute Harpreet Singh of Sirsascore once again (4-0) and Kuldeep Singh completed the winners' tally (5-0) in the 64th minute.

Dilpreet and Seerat Chugh best athletes of Gurukul Global School

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
PANCHKULA, FEB 25
Dronacharya House claimed the overall trophy as curtains on the sports week of Gurukul Global School came down today. Dilpreet Kaur of Class VII, who won  five medals, was adjudged the best athlete. She participated in chess, skating, gymnastics and carrom. Seerat Chugh was chosen the best athlete in the junior category.
In senior skating (boys ) , Parashar House bagged the first position and Amay Razdan won the gold medal. In senior girls category Bhrigu House took the lead and Jahnavi won the gold medal. In classes III to V boys category, Parashar House were the winners and Rishit Puri won the gold medal. In the girls category Bhrigu House topped and Ayushi won the gold medal.
In gymnastics, Dronacharya House took the cake and Vikrant Rana won the gold medal in the senior boys category and Vishwamitra topped in the senior girls category an Isha Sharma won the gold medal. Bhrigu House were the toppers in the junior boys category and Aryan Sharma won the gold medal. In the girls category Dronacharya Hhouse topped and Aparna Tiwari won the gold medal.
 Chief Electoral Oficer, Haryana, Mr SK Setia was the chief guest and distributed the prizes.
The Sports week marked various inter and intra house competitions of chess, table tennis, basketball, lawn tennis, skating, taekwondo, carrom, gymnastics and aerobics were observed. Sports Week was celebrated to inculcate the values of sportsmanship and to encourage the students for their participation in sports.
Sports are indispensable for the physical as well as mental growth of children and Gurukul Global School provides ample opportunities to students to excel in their interested spheres.
Mr. S.K. Setia, alongwith Principal, Mrs Aruna Bhardwaj and Managing Director, Mr. Parveen Setia distributed certificates and medals to the winners of various sports.
Mr. S.K. Setia congratulated all the participants and said, “ It is more important to participate in any event than winning the game.” He appreciated the efforts of Gurukul Global School in raising young gems and future stars of the nation.
Congratulating the students, Principal, Mrs. Aruna Bhardwaj said, “ Nothing comes as destiny, the students need to put their efforts to achieve the desired goal.” She added “The willingness to participate in any event is the first step towards winning. The students should put in their hard work to achieve better results and must make use of the expertise of their teachers and coaches”. She wished good luck to them for the upcoming exams.

Holland football team to play in Haryana

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 25 

A Holland football club, Ado Den Haag, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Haryana Football Association and FICCI to popularise football in Haryana.

          Disclosing  this here  today, HFA president Deepender Singh Hooda, who is also Member Parliament said that Ado Den Haag under-16 team was scheduled to play four matches in Haryana. The first match would be played at Faridabad on March 1, at village Badli in district Jhajjar on March 3, at Rohtak on March 5 and at Gurgaon on March 8.

          The coach, technical advisor and administrator alongwith their under-16 team will be arriving on February 27 to play under-16 football matches for boys in both rural and urban areas of Haryana, he added.

         HFA senior vice-president and MLA from Badli constituency said that the MoU was the result of the efforts made by Deepender Singh Hooda. The football match to be played between the team of Holland and Haryana at Badli on March 3 would be declared open by  Deepender Singh Hooda. It would boost the morale of the football lovers in rural area. It would not only create the spirit of brotherhood, but also encourage sports talent of the rural area.

          Hitherto international level sports events used to be organised only in the urban areas, but Mr Hooda had set a new example in the history of sports by organising international football match in the rural area. It would definitely promote games in the rural area, he added.

AG Punjab and AG TN set up title clash

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 CHANDIGARH, FEB 24 

Accountant General Punjab will cross swords with AG Tamil Nadu in the final of the Inter Zonal Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) Cricket Tournament at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium here tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.

AG Punjab thrashed AG-II Maharashtra by eight wickets while Tamil AG Tamil Nadu got the better of AG Haryana by six runs in the semi-finals played today.

In the first semi-final AG Punjab thrashed AG-II Maharashtra by 8 wickets. AG Punjab won the toss and elected to field first. In the allotted 35 overs AG-II Maharashtra scored 149 for 9. Ruchit Bhalla top scored with 46 and Amit Despawde scored 28 runs. Rajiv Bhatia got 4 wickets for 24 in 7 overs, including hat-trick in the last over of the innings. He was ably supported by Arun Tuli (2 for 43) and Yogesh Sharma (2 for 38). 

In reply AG Punjab achieved the target in 30.2 overs. AG Punjab had a poor start when opener Manoj Rajan was clean bowled on the first delivery of the innings. But other opener Navdeep Singh continued with his good form and played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 70 (84b, 6x4) runs and took his team to victory He was ably supported by southpaw Arun Tuli who remained not out on 67 (84b 4x4).

Brief scores: AG-II Maharashtra: 149 for 9 in 35 overs (Ruchit Bhalla 46, Amit Despawde 28, Rajiv Bhatia  4 for 24, Arun Tuli 2 for 43, Yogesh Sharma 2 for 38). AG Punjab: 151 for 2 in 30.2 overs (Navdeep Singh 70 not out, Arun Tuli 67 not out).

             In the second semi-final local team AG Haryana lost to AG Tamil Nadu by 6 runs. AG Haryana won the toss and decided to field first. AG Tamilnadu scored 187 all out in stipulated 37 overs. Vijay Bharatran (69) was the highest scorer. R Chandrashekaran also chipped in with quick-fire 58 runs. For AG Haryan Vipual Sharma got 3 for 39 and Parveen Sharma got 2 for 20.

In reply AG Haryana could score only 181 for 9 in 37 overs. G Gambir was top scorer with 96. Vipual Sharma and Parveen Sharma scored 33 and 21 runs respectively. For AG Tamilnadu R Pandiaraj got 3 for 32 and E N Josemidhol 2 for 29.

Brief scores: AG Tamil Nadu: 187 all out in 37 overs (Vijay Bharatran 69, R Chandrashekaran 58, Vipual Sharma 3 for 39, Parveen Sharma 2 for 20).  AG Haryana: 181  for 9 in 37 overs (G Gambir 96, Vipual Sharma 33, Parveen Sharma  21, R Pandiaraj 3 for 32, E N Josemidhol 2 for 29).

Shamim Khan equals course record

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

JAIPUR, FEB 24

 Shamim Khan of Delhi fired a phenomenal eight under 62 to take the lead in round two of the PGTI Players Championship presented by Rambagh Golf Club in Jaipur. Shamim thus equaled the course record for a single round that had been set by Arshdeep Tiwana in 2010. His total now reads nine under 131. Vivek Bhandari, Mukesh Kumar, Gurki Shergill and Sanjay Kumar are one stroke behind the leader in tied second.

The cut was declared at three over 143. Fifty-three professionals and one amateur made the cut.

Shamim Khan (69-62) got off to a solid start as he birdied his first two holes of the day, the 10^thand 11^th. An accurate tee shot led to another birdie for Shamim on the par-three 16^th. The 32-year-old went on to collect birdies on the 17^th and 18^th thanks to some good chipping.

Shamim continued to hit it close on his second nine and was thus rewarded with birdies on the fourth and fifth. He rounded off his day two effort with a 30 feet birdie putt on the sixth.

“I concentrated on my putting today as it had let me down in round one. The putts rolled in for me especially on the first nine. I had an exceptional chip-in from the edge for birdie on the 11^th. I made the par-5s count with some terrific chipping on the 17^th and 18^th.

“My best shot of the day was my approach shot (pitching-wedge) from 110 yards on the fifth which landed a few inches from the hole. It was almost a perfect round as I hardly made a mistake. I’ll just have to focus on my putting from here on in order to perform well this week,” said Shamim, a three-time winner on the Aircel PGTI.

Delhi’s Vivek Bhandari (68-64) shot a sizzling 64 to climb from overnight tied 11^th to tied second position. Bhandari’s round included two eagles, three birdies and a bogey. He chipped-in from the edge for birdie on the first. His eagle on the par-five eighth came after he hit the green in two and followed that up with a 15 feet putt.

Vivek’s produced a magical second shot (seven-iron) from 160 yards on the par-four 12^th that found the hole and resulted in his second eagle of the day.

“The eagle on the eighth got me going. My short game was fantastic as I had a chip-in and also holed some long putts. I’ve been hitting some terrific shots with the seven-iron of late. I made a hole-in-one with a seven-iron at the last event I played and today I made an eagle-two with the same club. Eight under is a great total for two rounds and I’ll now look to build on it,” said Bhandari.

Round one leader Gurki Shergill (64-68) of Pune, Lucknow’s Sanjay Kumar (67-65) and Mukesh Kumar of Mhow (66-66) joined Vivek Bhandari in joint second at eight under 132.

Arshdeep Tiwana is in sixth place with a total of seven under 133.

Giriraj Singh Thapa (70-68) of Jaipur was the only amateur to make the cut. He totaled two under 138 after two rounds to be tied 16^th.

Jaipur’s Vishal Singh (68-71) of Jaipur is in tied 25^th position at one under 139.

Gala opening planned for Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Games

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

LUDHIANA, FEB 24 

The inaugural Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games are in for a gala opening as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhvir Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for the opening ceremony as well as conduct of the games from February 28 to March 6.

        Accompanied by officers of all concerned departments, NZCC and district officials, the Deputy Chief Minster reviewed the minutest details of each step. Talking to media after reviewing arrangements, Mr. Badal said that these games would be 'Mini Punjab Olympics' with each district competing as a separate nation. 

He said that North Zone Cultural Centre  has requisitioned the services of Prof. Bansi Dhar, who choreographed the opening and closing ceremony of Commonwealth Games for conduct of opening and closing ceremony of Punjab Games. He said that while Harbhajan Mann, leading Punjabi singer would regale the audience, Bollywood star Akshay Kumar would be the star attraction of the opening ceremony. He said that Bollywoods most adoring Punjabi stars Dharminder, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol would renew their ties with their home land in the closing ceremony at Jalandhar on March 6.

        Reviewing the arrangements in Guru Nanak Stadium Mr. Badal said that all these games would be under flood lights and would be telecast live. He said that while Ludhiana would host basketball, athletics, football, tug of war and kabaddi, Patiala would host wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and volleyball , Mohali would host shooting championships whereas hockey events would be organized in Jalandhar.

        Speaking about the initiatives of the Punjab Government in the sports sector Mr. Badal said that this year budget would have a sizeable allocation for the sports sector that would be utilized in construction of Gymnasium, play grounds in the villages besides distribution of kits to the sportsmen.

 He said that prize money of World Cup Kabaddi has been doubled to Rs. 2 crore. Mr. Badal said that 13 stadiums are being upgraded at the cost of Rs. 100 crore by August 15 this year and 7-nation hockey tournaments would be organised in October this year.

        Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Jails Minister ; Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda Chief Parliamentary Secretary ; Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. Jagjeevan Singh Khirnian both MLAs.     

Jamia Millia claim NE Varsities Tennis crown

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, FEB 23 
Jamia Millia Islamia of New Delhi annexed the North East Zone Inter University  Lawn Tennis (Women) Championship by prevailing over hosts Panjab University by 2-1 in the final at the PU Campus courts here today.
Parul  Goswami held the spotlight by winning two matches. In the opening singles, Parul outplayed Simer in all departments of the game as the Jamia Millia player registered a 6-0-6-1 verdict. Later Parul and Jilke Nelord defeated Noor Paul and Simer 6-2,6-4 in the doubles to clinch the title.
In between Noor Paul had beaten Monica Menon 7-5, 7-6 in the second singles as Panjab University made it one-all.
At the adajacent court, Delhi University seccured the third place by beating Calcutta University by 2-0.
Result (final):   Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi   bt  Panjab University, Chandigarh  2-1 (Parul Goswami    bt  Simer  6-0, 6-1, Monica Menon lost to  Noor Paul 5-7, 6-7, Parul and Jilke  bt Noor and Simer 6-2, 6-4).
 For third and fourth places: Delhi University, Delhi bt Calcutta University 2-0 (Garima Vatwani bt  Roshni Somani 6-1, 6-0,  Saadgi Rajni bt  Mohana Sarkar  6-2, 6-3).
 Deputy Supritendent of Police  Rajinder Singh Sohal was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.

LKC Jalandhar and JLNPGC Bhopal in semis

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
JALANDHAR,  FEB 23 
Lyallpur Khalsa College of Jalandhar and Jawaharlal Nehru PG College from Bhopal advanced to semi-finals of the 18th SAIL-Nehru Champions College Hockey Tournament at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium here today.
In the first quarter-final match Jawahar Lal Nehru PG College edged out Al-Ameen College of Bangalore by 3-1. After a goalless first half, the winners forged ahead through Kashlendra Singh who scored a field goal in the 48th minute.
Al-Ameen College retaliated and neutralised the lead in the 52nd minute through Deepak in the 52nd minute. Vikas Choudhary sealed the fate of Bangalore college by scoring the match winner in the 70th minute.
In the second quarter-final encounter Lyallpur Khalsa College  beat Dash Bhagat College of Dhuri by 4-2.  Star forward of Khalsa College Jasjeet Singh Kular scored two goals in 11th and 46th minutes. Jaspreet Singh (25th) and Gurjeet Singh (69th) contributed one goal each for the winners.s For Dhuri Gurpartap Singh struck twice in 42nd and 52nd minute of the play.

Unbeaten tons by Navdeep and Yvraj in Audit Cricket

by sportswire4u.blogspot. com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 23 

Navdeep Singh (110 not out)  of AG Punjab and M Yuvraj (111 not out) of Tamil Nadu slammed centuries on the opening day of the Inter Zonal Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD) Cricket Tournament here today.

In the inaugural match AG Punjab thrashed AG West Bengal by nine wickets to reach the semi-final. AG West Bengal won the toss and elected to bat first. AG West Bengal scored 153 for 6 wickets in allotted 35 overs. Opener P Das scored 72 runs. M Kanti and Jodge Pal scored 33 and 18 runs respectively.  For AG Punjab Arun Tuli got 2 wickets for 20 runs. Navdeep Singh, Yogesh Sharma And Amit got one wicket each.

In reply AG Punjab opener Navdeep Singh played a scintillating knock of 110 runs in just 83 balls and remained unbeaten. He smashed the Bengal bowlers all over the ground and hit one towering six and 14 fours. He was involved in a 50- run opening partnership with Manoj Rajan (21). Randhir Nain also chipped in with 18 not out. AG Punjab chased the target in just 22 overs.

Brief scores: AG West Bengal: 153 for 6 in 35 overs (P Das 72, M Kanti 33, Jodge Pal 18, Arun Tuli 2 for  20). AG Punjab: 154 for 1 in 22 overs (Navdeep Singh 110 not out, Manoj Rajan 21, Randhir Nain 18 not out).

 In the second match AG Haryana beat AG Orissa by nine wickets. AG Orissa won the toss and elected to Bat first. AG Orissa scored 179 for 6 in 30 overs. P Jayachandra scored 97 runs and P Mohapatra scored 42 runs. Vipul Sharma  got 3 wickets for 27 runs and G Rubani got 2  for 55.

In reply AG Haryana chased the target for the loss of one wicket. G Gambir scored 102 runs and G Rubani came good to score 48 runs.

Brief scores: AG Orissa: 179 for 6 in 30 overs (P Jayachandra 97, P Mohapatra 42, Vipul Sharma  3 for 27, G Rubani 2 for 55). AG Haryana: 102 (G Gambir 102, G Rubani 48).

 In the third match AG MP lost to AG Tamil Nadu by 153 runs. AG Tamil Nadu scored 304 for 3 in allotted 35 overs. M Yuvraj scored unbeaten 111 runs and he was ably supported well by N P Balaji 76 and Paul Jr. (51).

In reply AG MP scored only 151 all out in 33 overs. Amit Sharma 35 and Sidhart 25 were the main scorers.

For AG Tamil Nadu T M Josemithun (4 for 29) was highest wicket taker. Pandiraj (2 for 19) and S Sethuraman (2 for 22) also bowled well.

 Brief scores: AG Tamil Nadu: 304 for 3 in 35 overs (M Yuvraj 111 not out, N P Balaji 76, Paul Jr. 51) . AG MP: 151 all out in 33 overs (Amit Sharma 35, Sidhart 25, T M Josemithun 4 for 29, Pandiraj 2 for 19,  S Sethuraman 2 for 22).

 In the last match of the day AG-II Maharashtra beat AG AP by 59 runs. AG -II Maharashtra score 184 for 7 in 30 overs. Nishikant scored 45 runs. Abijeet and Ulas Gandehe scored 37 and 22 runs respectively.

In reply AG AP scored only 125 all out in full quota of 30 overs. Yuvraj scored 36 and was ably supported by Verarbrahnan (31). For AG-II Maharashtra Sameer (3 for 21) and Ulas Gandehe (3 for 25) were the main wicket takers.

Brief scores:   AG-II Maharashtra: 184 for 7 in 30 overs (Nishikant  45, Abijeet 37, Ulas Gandehe 22). AG AP: 125 all out in 30 overs (Yuvraj 36, Verarbrahnan 31, Sameer 3 for 21, Ulas Gandehe 3 for 25).

 Tomorrow in the first semi-final AG Punjab will face AG-II Maharashtra at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium and AG Haryana will face AG TN at GMSS School Sector 26.

Vidarba oust Punjab from Vijay Hazare Trophy

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, FEB 22

Vidarbha scripted an emphatic 101-run win over Punjab in their pre-quarter final match of the Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy played at Indore. 

Vidarbha skipper Ranjit Paradkar won the toss and elected to bat after a delayed start which reduced the match to a 45 overs affair.  Love Ablish struck the first blow for Punjab as he cleaned up opener Anoop Fulper for 11 with the teams total reading  25 for 1. 

 Amit Uniyal made further in roads when he had A.G. Paunikar caught by Ravi Inder Singh for 14 with the teams total  58 for 2 in 12.5 overs.  Then a third wicket stand of 49 runs between A.B. Kolahar and R.S. Paradikar took the teams total to 107 for 3 in 23 overs before Kohlar was caught by Rahul Sharma off the bowling of left arm spinner Bipul Sharma after completing an impressive 50 off 67 balls inclusive of 6 boundaries. 

 Pradakar was joined by Jangid and the duo took the total to 181 and in the process adding 74 runs for 4^th wicket before Paradkar was snapped by Karan Goel of the bowling of Taruwar Kohli for 66 off 69 balls inclusive of 6 boundaries and two huge sixes.  

R.L. Jangid played a swashbuckling knock of 88 off 61 balls studded with 7 boundaries and 3 huge sixes before he holed out to Mandeep Singh off the bowling of Manpreet Gony. Vidarbha’s innings ended on 278 for 8 in 45 over with strike rate of 6.18 runs per over.

 For Punjab Manpreet Gony ()2 for 44, Amit Uniyal  (2 for 68) and Taruwar Kohli (2 for 33) were the main wicket-takers.

 Replying Punjab were skittled out for 178 in 36 overs.  Punjab opened with Karan Goel and Ravi Inder Singh and put on 26 runs for the first wicket in 6.1 overs before Ravi Inder Singh was snapped by wicket keeper A.G.Ponikar off the bowling of S.R.Singh for (5). 

Punjab skipper Uday Kaul also did not last long as he was snapped by the wicket keeper off the bowling of Umesh Yadav for (6) reducing Punjab to 44 for 2. Punjab received another big blow when their inform batsman Mandeep Singh was caught by R.S. Paradkar off S.V. Wagh for (7).  Punjab kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were looking down the barrel when they were 81 for 5 in 17.4 overs. 

 Umesh Yadav struck a vital blow when he had opener Karan Goel snapped by Anup Fulper for (35) off 43 balls inclusive of 7 boundaries.  Punjab batsman in their bid to accelerate the score got tangled up while running between the wickets and three of their batsman Amit Uniyal  (9), Bipul Sharma (16) and Rahul Sharma (17) were run out.  Mayank Siddana who was keeping one end up was finally cleaned up by S.B. Wagh one short of his well deserved half century (49) off 58 balls studded with 6 boundaries.

  Punjab who were runners-up in the North Zone league made an unimpressive exit from the tournament. 

For Vidarbha Umesh Yadav (2 for 26) and S.V. Wagh (2 for 55) were the main wicket takers.