$18.5 million Hindu temple complex approved in UK’s Northampton

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

NEVADA (USA), MAY 31

Hindus have welcomed the reported unanimous approval of about $18.5 million Hindu temple and high-tech community complex by Northampton (East Midlands, United Kingdom) Borough Council’s planning committee on May 29.

 Called “Northampton Kutumbh Centre” (wider family), besides a spectacular Hindu temple, it also reportedly plans to include state-of-the-art and eco-friendly sports, recreation and leisure, education, enterprise, arts and entertainment facilities on about 4.3 acres; providing structure for events, exhibitions, meetings, indoor and outdoor sports, clubs, crèche and nursery, housing complex for seniors, elderly daycare, library, etc.; and using solar and geo-thermal pump technology. It reportedly plans to include a cinema to exhibit Bollywood films and will  have facilities for badminton, indoor cricket, five-a-side football, etc., sports; classes in yoga, pilates, martial arts, gymnastics, reiki, dancing and music; health workshops; vegetable gardens; etc. It will reportedly use green and organic material for roof to attract wildlife habitation. Construction will reportedly be launched next year, completing in 2014.

 Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, applauded efforts of project leaders and Northampton and surrounding community to realize this wonderful and all-inclusive Hindu temple complex.

 Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. He stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.

 It is being built by Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, a voluntary charity organization established in 1996 and focused on enriching the lives of Northampton’s Hindus by meeting their social, cultural, welfare and health needs.  Neelam Aggarwal is the Chairperson while Atul Karavadra is the Treasurer.

  Northampton, about 67 miles north-west of London, is a large market town in England on the River Nene. It has Britain's largest market square dating from 1235, its Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has a world-class collection of historical footwear, and Diana-Princess of Wales (1961-1997) is buried at Althorp. About five percent of its population is of South Asian descent and it hosts University of Northampton. Roger Conroy and Les Marriott are Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively of Northampton Borough Council.

 Each year Northampton has a public celebration of Diwali, which includes procession around town center lead by dhol drums, workshops and performances in Market Square, henna painting, sari-tying, etc.

 Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.

Hindus welcome Russian prosecutors’ decision of not pursuing Bhagavad Gita ban

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com

NEVADA (USA), MAY 31

Hindus have welcomed the reported decision of Russian prosecutors of not appealing against rejection by Tomsk regional court in Siberia (Russia) of proposed move to ban their ancient scripture Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord).

 Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was a “step in the right direction”.

 According to reports, Tomsk Region Prosecutor's Office, which initiated the case in June 2011, will not appeal the court's decision to refuse to declare Bhagavad Gita as extremist. In March last, Tomsk regional court reportedly reaffirmed the December lower court ruling.

 Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, thanked the Prosecutor’s Office for this reported decision saying that it was a right and sensible move befitting a democratic, open-minded and pluralistic society.

 Rajan Zed said that Bhagavad Gita was one of the holiest scriptures of Hinduism and banning it would have deeply hurt the devotees. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be maltreated, Zed argued.

 Zed noted that attempt at banning Bhagavad Gita was apparently an attack on religious freedom and belittling of the entire community.

 Rajan Zed stressed that this philosophical and intensely spiritual poem, often considered the epitome of Hinduism, was highly revered by Hindus. Besides being the cornerstone of Hindu faith, Bhagavad Gita was also one of the masterpieces of Sanskrit poetry and a world treasure and had been commented by hundreds of authors and translated into all major languages of the world.

 It was a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, just before the beginning of the great Mahabharata war, in which Lord Krishna gave spiritual enlightenment to the warrior Arjuna, who realized that the true battle was for his own soul. Its 700 verses in 18 chapters considered the nature of action, the religious and social duty, the human relationship to God, the means of liberation, and the nature of sacrifice, etc., Zed stated.

 Established in 1604, Tomsk, one of the oldest towns in Siberia, is a major center for Russia’s IT industry and houses Siberia’s oldest university Tomsk State University. Nikolay Nikolaychuk is reportedly the acting Mayor.

Ajay Maken unveils draft National Youth Policy 2012

• Proposes Nine Youth Target Groups; Reduces Age Bracket & Prescribes for Youth Development Indices

   by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

   CHANDIGARH, MAY 31

Union Minister  of State ( I/C) Youth Affairs & Sports Ajay Maken today unveiled the exposure draft of the National Youth Policy, 2012. Addressing a press conference here , Mr Maken announced that the Draft NYP 2012 is first of its kind  as it recognizes that Youth is not a homogenous group and has numerous differentials based on habitat , environment , socio-economic status of their families and their own life styles. In addition, the Draft Policy proposes to change the target age group from the existing 13-35 years to 16-30 years.

             Giving details, he said that the Draft Policy not only spells out the objectives but also elaborates the details of the policy interventions required  and  identified partners responsible for achieving the objectives. In a first, Youth Development Index (YDI), that would serve as the baseline and ready reckoner  for evaluators and policy makers, has also been incorporated as a part of the policy.

 Shri Maken announced that the changing scenario in the country due to globalization, rapid technological advancement and the emergence of India as the global economic power has necessitated a review of the existing National Youth Policy of 2003. In a significant move forward, the Draft Youth policy, for the first time, has also been under pinned by the guiding principle of providing targeted employable skills to different youth segments in line with Prime Minister’s Skill Development Mission, apart from identifying varied segments based on socio-economic, gender and geographical parameters as specific targets, Shri Maken added.  

 Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), was mandated to review the existing Youth Policy ( NYP 2003) by way of detailed consultations, both in-house as well as at regional levels across the  country. RGNIYD   evolved a base policy paper titled draft NYP 2010. A copy of this Draft Youth Policy 2010 was hosted on the website of both the Ministry as well as RGNIYD seeking comments and suggestions. The comments and suggestions received have now been incorporated and a draft NYP 2012 has been prepared.

Key Features of Draft NYP 2012:-

 ·         The Draft NYP 2012 recognizes that youth is not a homogenous group and there are numerous differentials based on their habitat, environment in which they live, socio-economic status of the families they belong to and their own life style.

·         The target groups identified are (i) Student Youth (ii) Migrant Youth (iii) Rural Youth (iv) Tribal Youth (v) Youth At Risk (vi) Youth in violent conflicts (vii) out of school/dropouts (viii) groups with social /moral stigma (ix) Youth in Institutional Care. Young women, Youth belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged communities /groups, and differently abled youth form the three priority groups among the target age group.

·         The Draft NYP 2012 proposes to change the target age group from the existing 13-35 years to 16-30 years. This change is proposed mainly to realign the definition of Youth with the prevailing international definitions. The definition of Youth as per UN is 15-24 years and as per Commonwealth, it is 15- 29 years.

 ·         The concerns of target groups and the priority groups therein, shall be addressed through a subsequent action plan based on policy  interventions mentioned in the thrust areas of this policy.

·         Draft NYP 2012 plans to divide broad age  bracket of 16-30 years into three groups- the first sub-group will be 16-20 years covering mostly youth who require educational facilities. The second sub-group is 20-25 years who require access to employable skills. The third sub-group 25-30 who require access to self employment and enterprenuerial skills.

·         The draft NYP 2012 aims at empowering youth through skill development for enhancing employability and providing entrepreneurship opportunities through convergence with other Ministries/Departments.

·         The thrust areas are promotion of National values, social harmony, national unity, empowering youth through employable skills, education , health, sports and recreation, gender justice, participation in community service, environment and local governance.

·         The Draft NYP 2012 has monitorable indicators under five domains. Accordingly, Youth Development Index will include the indices viz. Youth Health Index, Youth Education Index, Youth Work Index, Youth Amenities Index, Youth Participation Index.

·         The Draft NYP 2012 advocates establishment of strong coordination mechanism at the Centre and State Levels.

·         The NYP 2012 proposes that Youth Policy be reviewed after every National Census.

  It is proposed to hold consultations on Draft NYP 2012 with various stakeholders including representatives of Youth Organisations, students, and Youth Wings of political parties recognized by Election Commission.  The draft NYP 2012 will also be discussed in the Parliamentary Youth Forum and the Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. 

Punjab to organise high altitude coaching camp at Manali

  by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, MAY 31

The Punjab Sports Department is organising summer coaching camp in different disciplines for boys (Under-16 years) from June 1 to 15  at Solang Valley, Manali (Himachal Pradesh).  Daljeet Singh, PCS, Additional Secretary, Sports who is also holding the additional charge of Director Sports Punjab will inaugurate the camp on June 3 at 4.00 p.m.  Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sports & Youth Services would preside over the concluding function of boys camp on June 15, 2012 and he will also inaugurate the girls coaching camp on  June 16.

Giving this information, S.L. Lotey, Deputy Director Sports said that the selection trials for the Manali Camp were held on  May 27  at Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Only those boys and girls, who secured one of the three positions in National/State Level Competitions in Sub-Junior and Junior sections were selected. The boys group would leave for the camp on  June 1 at 2.00 p.m from Hans Raj Stadium, Jalandhar. Keeping in view the safety & security of the players and officials, an Insurance of Rs. 2.00 lakh per head and a total group Insurance of 8.50 crore has been made. The boys shall train for 15 days in the Solang Valley to improve their endurance. They will be provided a diet of Rs. 200 per day/per head besides accommodation, medical facilities and training by the expert coaches of the department.

The girls camp at Manali will be held from  June 16 to 30  and the group will leave from Hans Raj Stadium, Jalandhar to Manali by special Buses.  One hundred eighty seven girls in different discipline would be attending this camp. 116 girls have been selected during the trials held on  May 27 and their names have been sent to the concerned District Sports Officers. The remaining 71 girls would be selected through re-trials to be held in second week of June  by giving due advertisement in the papers. The selection criteria would remain the same as before.

Besides this the Sports Department is also conducting summer coaching camp for 4000 boys and girls in different disciplines from  June 1 to 15 at District Head Quarters & Sub-Division level. The players would be provided a refreshment of Rs. 60/- per day per head during the camp. Instructions in this regard have been issued to all the District Sports Officers and the desirous players should contact the concerned District Sports Officer.

Harendra Gupta emerges top title contender on day three

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

 CHANDIGARH, MAY 31

Harendra Gupta of Chandigarh posted a four-under-68 to emerge as the top title contender on day three of the PGTI Players Championship at the Chandigarh Golf Club. Gupta’s total score moved to 11-under-205 on Thursday. Rashid Khan of Delhi lies three strokes behind the leader in second place.

Harendra Gupta (68-69-68), the overnight joint leader, claimed the sole lead early in his round as he birdied the second, fourth and seventh, landing his shots within six feet on all three occasions. The 28-year-old Gupta bogeyed the eighth and thus made the turn at two-under.

 Harendra, a winner of four professional titles, sank a 15-feet putt for birdie on the 10^th and followed that up with a 12-footer for birdie on the 11^th. He then dropped a stroke after missing a three-feet par putt on the 12^th. Gupta made a good chip-putt from 10 yards for birdie on the 16^th that helped him end the day in a commanding position.

Gupta, who won his last title four years back at the Chandigarh Golf Club, said, “It was a crucial day for me today as I needed to set up the match for myself in round three. I did manage to put up a good performance by hitting it close on a consistent basis. I was also stroking my putts well even though I didn’t hole that many.

 “I feel the advantage of playing on my home course, especially in terms of reading the line and club-selection. I’ll aim to play an under-par round on the final day in order to stay ahead of the rest.”

Rashid Khan (69-71-68) fired five birdies against a bogey in his round of 68 to be placed second at eight-under-208.

 Shankar Das (69-68-72) of Kolkata, the overnight joint leader, slipped to third place after his even-par-72 in round three. His total score stands at seven-under-209.

 Delhi’s Shamim Khan, Md Islam of Patna and Sri Lankan Mithun Perera are in tied fourth at six-under-210.

 Vijay Kumar of Lucknow shot the day’s best score, a six-under-66, to be tied seventh along with Mukesh Kumar of Mhow at five-under-211.

U-22 preparatory camp kicks-off in Delhi on June 1

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

NEW DELHI, MAY 31

The preparatory camp for the Under-22 Asian Cup, Qualifiers kicks-off in New Delhi on June 1.  The camp was earlier being held in Bangalore from May 23. A series of medical tests were conducted in Bangalore after which the list has been pruned down to 33. The final list of 23 will be declared later.

Arthur Papas who will be the head coach for the assignment takes charge of the team in New Delhi.

India have been clubbed in Group A of the U-22 Asian Cup Qualifiers along with hosts Oman, Iraq, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan. India play their first match against Lebanon on June 23.

The list of 33 players stay as follows:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Kingfisher East Bengal), Ravi Kumar (Pailan Arrows), Ricardo Cardozo (Tata Football Academy), Soram Poirei Angamba (Shillong Lajong FC).

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Vishal Kumar, Souvik Ghosh, Prathamesh Maulinkar, Deepak Devrani (all from Pailan Arrows), Irfan Khan, Narayan Das, Yumnam Chingkhei (all from Tata Football Academy),  Abhishek Das (Kingfisher East Bengal), Ramandeep Singh (Air India).

Midfielders: Bikramjit Singh (Sr), Pronoy Halder, Ognam Milan Singh, Thirthankar Sarkar, Allwyn George, Malswamfela (all from Pailan Arrows), Simranjit Singh (Tata Football Academy), Rowlin Borges (Sporting Clube de Goa), David Lalbiakzara,  Ganeshan (both from Pune FC), Deepak Prakash (HAL), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers), Shyju Mon (Chirag Kerala), Romeo Fernandes (Dempo). 

Forwards: Rajinder Kumar, Holicharan Narzary, (both from Pailan Arrows), Pankaj Sona (Tata Football Academy), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Manandeep Singh (Air India).

HEAD COACH: Arthur Papas

India's fixtures: India vs Lebanon (June 23), India vs Iraq (June 25), India vs United Arab Emirates (June 28), India vs Turkmenistan (June 30) and India vs Oman (July 3).

Abhinav and Navneet help Amritsar gain Ist innings lead

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, MAY 31

Resuming at the overnight total of 53 for 4 in 20 overs, Amritsar ended the day’s play at 356 for 8 in 120 overs against Mohali on the second day of their four-day match in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament at Gandhi Ground in Amritsar today.

Abhinav Sharma and Navneet Singh put on 163 runs for the 5^th wicket in 44 overs before Navneet Singh was trapped in front by Birkanwar Singh Virk for 87 off 133 balls studded with 13 boundaries.  At this stage Abhinav Sharma was joined by Arush and the two put on 38 runs for the 6^th wicket when Abhinav Sharma was adjudged leg before to Gagandeep for a sedate 81 off 194 balls inclusive of 13 hits to the boundary.

This partnership helped Amritsar go past the Mohali’s first innings total of 231. Arush then found an able partner in Vinay Chaudhary and the duo stitched a 69-run partnership for the 7^th wicket to further extend the team’s lead before Vinay Chaudhary was trapped by Arshdeep Brar for 28 off 61 balls inclusive of six boundaries with the team’s total reading 313 for 7. Arush was unbeaten on 70 off 191 balls with 10 boundaries and was being given company by Rahul Kanojia  (11 not out) when stumps were drawn for the day with Amritsar leading Mohali by 125 runs on the first innings with two wickets in hand. 

Brief scores: Mohali (Ist innings): 231 all out in 72.1 overs (Harpreet Mander  72, Sachin Sohal 63, Arshdeep Brar  36, Narinder Rathore 20, Sunny  3 for 49, Vinay Chaudhary 3 for 64 Abhinav Sharma 2 for 33 and Ashwani  2 for 56). 

Amritsar (Ist innings):  356 for 8 in 120 overs (Rohan Marwaha  18 Abhinav Sharma  81, Navneet Singh 87, Arush 70 not out Vinay Chaudhary  28, Barinder Singh 3 for 107, Narinder Kumar 1 for 60, Birkanwar Virk  1 for 5, Arshdeep Brar 1 for 54, Gagandeep Singh 1 for 48).

 In the second match played at Burlton Park of Jalandhar,  Patiala continuing from 298 for 7 went on to score 349 for all in 111.3 overs.  Overnight pair of Amrinder Singh and Bhavish Goel added 42 runs for the 8^th wicket before Amrinder was caught by Himanshu off left arm spinner Yogesh for 27 off 95 balls inclusive of 2 boundaries.

Bhavish Goel however continued to play the bowling on merit and went on to score 68 off 98 balls which included 9 forceful hits to the boundary and two towering sixes.  He was the last man out when he was caught by S.Sharma of Yogesh while forcing the pace. Patiala innings ended at 349 in 11.3 overs.  Left arm spinner Yogesh Kumar returned the flattering figures of 46.3-14-112-6.

 Jalandhar started their reply on a dismal note losing their opener Pargat Singh for 5 at the team’s total of 19 in 5.5 overs. Then Nitish Sahota (41) and Love Kumar  (30) added 44 runs for the 2^nd wicket before Nitin Sahota was trapped in front by Amaninder for 41 off 53 balls studded with 5 boundaries and two rouses sixes. S

iddharth Sharma in company of Himanshu Satyawan added 58 runs for the 5^th wicket before Siddharth Sharma was caught by Himanshu off Jiwanjot for 40 off 77 balls laced with four boundaries and two sixes. Himanshu was in a great nick and stitched another partnership of 92 runs for the 6^th wicket with Yogesh Kumar 36.  The partnership was broken when Yogesh Kumar was snapped by Vikrant of Beant with team’s total reading 260 for 6 in 64.4 overs. Himanshu went on to reach an unbeaten ton 106 of 124 balls which included 11 boundaries and one six and keeping him company was Harry unbeaten on 11 with Jalandhar 291 for 6 in 77 overs and 57 runs away from the vital first innings lead against Patiala. 

Brief scores: Patiala   (1^st innings): 349 for all in 111.3 overs (Himanshu Chawla  51, Mohit Mohindra  81,Vikrant  83,Amrinder Singh 27,Bhavish Goel  68, Yogesh Kumar 6 for 112).

Jalandhar   (1^st Innings):  291 for 6 in 77 overs (Nitish Sahota  41, Love Kumar 30, Siddharth Sharma  40, Himanshu Satyawan 106 not out, Yogesh Kumar  36, Amarinder Singh 2 for 106, Beant Singh 1 for 37, Sompal 1 for 33). 

At PAU Ludhiana, Ludhiana continuing from 331 for 6 in 98 overs went on to score 442 in 132.3 overs. Overnight not out batsman Devinder Sidhu went on to complete a well deserved century 112 off 212 balls inclusive of 14 boundaries and two sixes. His 7^th wicket stand with Gurinder Singh Hara yielded 148 runs.  Both the overnight not out batsmen got out at the score of 359 and Ludhiana were reduced to 364 for 9 in 113.2 overs.

 Then a last wicket stand of 78 between Sandep Singh and Sukhjinder Singh yielded 78 runs to take the Ludhiana total to 442 in 132.3 overs. Sandeep Singh was the last man out when he was trapped in front by Pankaj for a forceful 62 off 73 balls containing 12 well executed boundaries and one lofty six while Sukhjinder Singh remained unbeaten on 20.

For Chandigarh left arm spinner Gurinder Singh (4 for 100) and Rattan Singh (2 for 110) were the most successful bowlers. 

Replying Chandigarh lost their opener Jaskaranveer  Singh for 16 with team’s total reading 28. Then Karan Goel (55) and Simranpreet Singh (29) added 52 runs for the 2^nd wicket before Simranpreet Singh was cleaned up by Himanshu for 29 off 47 balls inclusive of 6 boundaries. Karan Goel unbeaten 55 off 182 balls with 7 boundaries and Naveen Dhiman 22 off 85 balls with 4 boundaries were together at the crease at draw of stumps on the 2^nd day with Chandigarh score reading 128 for 2 in 58 overs, still trailing by 314 runs on the first innings.

 Brief scores: Ludhiana (Ist innings):  442 all out in 132.3 overs (Nikhil Chaudhary 95,  Devinder Sidhu 112 , Gurinder Hara 54, Sandeep Singh 62, Rattan Singh 2 for 110, Gurinder Singh 4 for 100 and Avilash Sharma 1 for 118).

 Chandigarh (Ist innings): 128 for 2 in 58 overs (Birkaran Karan Goel 55 not out, Simranpreet Singh 29, Naveen Dhiman 22 not out, Himanshu  2 for 42).

----------------------Balbir Singh, 09417153533===

GOC-in-C Western Command presents trophy to CM

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 30

            General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command Lt. Gen. SR Ghosh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, ADC today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal at his residence today evening and presented him a rolling silver trophy ‘Western Command Trophy for Best Cadet’ on behalf of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution Mohali.

            It may be recalled that Lt. Gen. Ghosh had announced this trophy for the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution Mohali in month of March during a function to present Vijayanta Tank to the institute.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that the state government was committed for making all out efforts to ensure that more and more youngsters from Punjab join the Armed forces as officers. Mr Badal said that for this only the state government has set up Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution at Mohali to impart world class training to the youth so as to enable them to join the Armed forces. He said that the first batch of 45 cadets in the institute had been getting training from April 2011 and the second batch has also started getting training from April, 2012. He further said that to motivate our youth to join naval services, Punjab government was also setting up a Naval academy at Ropar. 

The Chief Minister further said that in another significant decision the state government had recently given 200 acres of prime land for the setting up of Service Selection Centre at Ropar and had even handed over its possession to the Army. Mr Badal further said that he had also urged the Union Defense Minister Mr AK Antony to lay its foundation stone at the earliest to enable Punjab-the Sword Arm of India, sending its sons to Armed Forces in conformity with its martial spirit as an age old tradition. He also informed the Army officer that in a unique initiative the state government has also set two NCC Nagars at Danewala (Muktsar) and Ropar at a total cost of Rs 16 crore. The Chief Minister also said that the state government was also making stupendous efforts to get the Eco Battalions allocated for the state from the Union government.

Lauding the efforts made by the state government for preparing and motivating the students to join the Armed forces, Lt. Gen. Ghosh said that there was a lot of potential amongst the youngsters of the state which needs to be groomed in such institutions so as to enable them to join the forces.   

Prominent amongst those

Harendra Gupta & Shankar Das hog the limelight in round two

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 30 
 Harendra Gupta of Chandigarh and Kolkata’s Shankar Das hogged the limelight in round two of the PGTI Players Championship at the Chandigarh Golf Club. Harendra and Shankar shot scores of 69 and 68 respectively to be tied for the lead at seven-under-137. Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka was in third position as he had the next best total of six-under-138.
The cut was declared at six-over-150. Fifty-four professionals and one amateur made the cut.
Harendra Gupta (68-69), who was overnight tied second, had a great start in round two as he birdied the first two holes of the day. Gupta landed his approach within six feet on the first and then chipped it within six feet of the flag on the second. Harendra continued to hit it with pin-point precision as his second shot stopped just four feet from the hole on the ninth and led to a birdie.
Gupta, playing at his home course, was looking unstoppable when he converted an eight-feet birdie putt on the 11th to move to four-under for the day. He dropped his lone bogey of the day on the 17th where his first two shots were off the mark.
Gupta said, “I had a better front-nine today. I found the greens throughout the round but my shots landed further from the pins on the back-nine as compared to the front-nine. I’ve been in good form since last month as I finished fourth in Pune in April. I’ve been hitting the ball really well since then.
“I added the gap-wedge to my bag from this season onwards and the results have been good. I hit some excellent shots with the gap-wedge today, especially on the first and ninth.”
Shankar Das (69-68) fired six birdies against two bogeys in his second round. Das chipped-in for birdie on the second and landed it within five feet for birdies on the seventh, 10th and 17th. He also converted a 20-footer on the closing 18th.
Das, who made a hole-in-one for the second year running at the Chandigarh Golf Club during round one, said, “The driver is not working for me this week but I’m striking it well with the 3-wood. It was quite windy on the back-nine today but I kept the ball in play.”
Mithun Perera (70-68) made five birdies and a lone bogey in his round of 68 on Wednesday. Perera lies third at six-under-138. The Delhi duo of Rashid Khan and Vinod Kumar and Patna’s Md Islam are in tied fourth at four-under-140.
Aditya Singh of Delhi made a hole-in-one on the 11th hole. Aditya fired a three-under-69 in round two and is currently placed tied 47th at six-over-150.

Amritsar reeling at 53 for 4 against Mohali

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, MAY 30 

Batting first after winning the toss, Mohani were all out for 231 in 72.1 overs on the first of their four-day match against Amritsar in the Punjab State Inter-District Under-22 Cricket Tournament at the Gandhi Ground in Amritsar today. In reply, Amritsar were struggling at 53 for 4 in 20 overs.

Mohali won the toss and opted to bat. They lost their first wicket at the total of 18 when their opener Ankit Pursharthy was snapped by wicket keeper Mohit Handa off medium pacer Sunny for 05. Then a 2^nd wicket stand of 105 between Harpreet Mander and Sachin Sohal took the team’s total to 123 in 38 overs before Harpreet Mander was caught by Arush off Sunny for a well compiled 72 off 107 balls studded with 14 boundaries and one six.

The exit of Harpreet saw Arshdeep Brar to fill in the breach and add 55 valuable runs for the 3^rd wicket before Arshdeep Brar was snapped by Navneet off Abhinav for 36 off 51 balls inclusive of six boundaries and one six. The exit of Arshdeep Brar at a total of 178 triggered a collapse as Mohali lost two more wickets at the same score of 178. Mohali had lost half their side in 53.2 overs.

 Sachin Sohal was snapped by Navneet of Vinay Chaudhary after making a sedate 63 off 138 balls inclusive of 10 boundaries and one six. Mohali kept on losing wickets at regular intervals to be finally bowled out for 231 in 72.1 overs.  Sunny  (3 for 49), Vinay Chaudhary (3 for 64), Abhinav Sharma ( 2 for 33) and Ashwani  (2 for 56) shared the spoils for Amritsar.

Amritsar started their innings with Rohan Marwaha and Karan Sharma and the duo put on 33 runs for the opening stand in 8.1 overs before Karan Sharma guided one to the wicket keeper Harsrup off Virender for 15 off 22 balls aided with 3 boundaries. 

 Left arm medium pacer Barinder Singh struck again when he cleaned up Aman Bawa for 2 and had Rohan Marwaha chasing an out swinger in the safe hands of wicket keeper Harsrup for 18 off 44 deliveries with one boundary. Barinder’s fiery spell reduced Amritsar for 242 for 3 in 12.1 overs.

Then Narinder Rathore struck a vital blow to Amritsar by trapping Mohit Handa in front for 01. At this stage Amritsar were looking down the barrel having lost four wickets for a meager 43 runs in 13.1 overs. They ended the day at 53 for 4 in 20 overs.   Barinder Singh (3 for 28) and Narinder Rathore (1 for 20) were the successful bowlers for Mohali.

Brief Scores: Mohali (Ist innings): 231 all out in 72.1 overs (Harpreet Mander  72, Sachin Sohal 63, Arshdeep Brar  36, Narinder Rathore 20, Sunny  3 for 49, Vinay Chaudhary 3 for 64 Abhinav Sharma 2 for 33 and Ashwani  2 for 56).

Amritsar (Ist innings): 53 for 4 in 20 overs (Rohan Marwaha  18, Harsrup 18, Barinder Singh 3 for 48, Narinder Kumar 1 for 20).

 In the second  match played at Burlton Park Jalandhar, Patiala winning the toss against Jalandhar opted to bat and scored 298 for 7 in 96 overs at close of first days play.  Patiala were well served by a partnership of 82 runs off 154 balls between Himanshu Chawla and Mohit Mohindra for the 3^rd wicket. The partnership was broken when Himanshu Chawla was caught at point off left arm spinner Yogesh for 51 off 81 balls inclusive off 8 boundaries.  Thereafter Mohit Mohinra and Vikrant put on  83 runs for the 6^th wicket off 179 balls.

Before Mohindra  was trapped in front by Pargat Singh for 81 off 185 balls studded with 13 boundaries.  Another fruitful partnership of 62 runs for the 7^th wicket ensued wicket between Vikrant and Amarinder Singh which was broken when Vikrant was caught by wicket keeper Abhishek for 83 off 156 balls studded with  15 boundaries and the team’s total reading 259 for 7.  Amarider Singh unbeaten 26 and Bhavish Goel 24 were at the crease stumps drawn for the day.

 Yogesh Kumar (4 for 80) was the most successful bowler for Jalandhar.

Brief scores: Patiala  (Ist innings): 298 for 7 in 96 overs (Himanshu Chawla  51, Mohit Mohindra  81, Vikrant  83, Amrinder Singh 26 not out Bhavish Goel  24 not out, Yogesh Kumar 4 for 80).

In the third  match played at PAU Ludhiana, Ludhiana winning the toss against Chandigarh opted to bat first and scored 331 for 6 in 98 overs at close of first days play. Nikhil Chaudhary  95 off 200 balls with 11 boundaries and three sixes set the tone for the Ludhiana innings. He was unluckly to miss his century by 05 runs when he was trapped in front by left arm spinner Gurinder Singh.

Thereafter Devinder Sidhu unbeaten 97 off 172 balls inclusive of 13 boundaries and 2 sixes and Gurinder Hara unbeaten 51 off 77 balls were involved an unbroken partnership of 103 runs for the 6^th wicket off 189 balls. Rattan Singh (2 for 68), Gurinder Singh (1 for 74) and Avilash Sharma (1 for 92) were the successful bowlers for Chandigarh.

Brief scores: Ludhiana (1^st innings): 331 for 6 in 98 overs (Nikhil Chaudhary 95,  Devinder Sidhu 97 not out , Gurinder Hara 51 not out, Rattan Singh 2 for 68, Gurinder Singh 1 for 74 and Avilash Sharma 1 for 92).

World No Ttobacco Day by Sahitya Cancer Kendra

 by sportswire4u.blogspot (Balbir)
 CHANDIGARH, MAY 30
Smoking in public places is an offence yet the smokers puff away with impunity endangering not only their own lives but also the lives of their near and dear ones around them. 80% of the cancers are caused by use of tobacco, cigarette, bidi, hukka, pan masala, gutka etc. Sahayta had organised a poster making competition to highlight the harmful affects of tobacco . The response has been overwhelming. the posters were adjudged by Mrs Balvinder Kaur, Chief Architect, Punjab, Mr Pallav Mukerjee, Architect and Mr Bhim Malhotra, a renowned artist on 28May.
Results: Juniors: 1Mohd Kaif (GMHS-32 D), 2 Sifat Preet Singh (GMSSS-35-D), 3  Dhanvi Nair (Mount Carmel).  Middle: 1 Rohit (GMHS-32 D), 2 Tanya Gill (GSSschool-25 D), 3  Sunil Kumar (GMHS-32 D).
 Consolation Prize: Yatin (K B DAV S.S School), Praghya Paul (Manav Mangal Smart School).
Seniors: 1 Arshdeep Kaur (YPS Mohali), 2 SurinderPal Singh (GSSSchool, Maloya), 3 Divisha (St Soldier INT School, Mohali).
The prizes will be distributed  on 31st May 31 at Sahayta Cancer Kendra, Sector 15 B at 4 p.m.
 Certificate of appreciation will be given to all the participants for his/her participation in poster making competition for World No Tobacco day.

Times NIE Summer Training Programme

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 30
Times NIE has established a unique program for students who want to explore the field of journalism – the Times NIE Summer Training Programme, accordding to DGM RP Singh.

During the summer vacations this year, students appointed by the school as the Times NIE School Reporters may be eligible to undertake training with the TOI NIE national editorial team from Delhi. The selected students, through this programme, will gain an insight into journalism and also get hands-on experience in the field.

The duration of the Programme will be five days. The training includes an induction presentation, a workshop on journalism, hands-on training in designing pages and editing news, conducting interviews on select beats with editorial help etc.

Each school can send the name of one student from class 10, 11 or 12 who is currently enrolled in the Times NIE Programme. Students will be selected on the basis of a brief interview to gauge their interest and seriousness, on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The last date for sending in names is 2/6/2012 (details required are name, class, telephone number and email address). 

 For further information please contact Times NIE at ph: 0172 - 6624183

Srinivas enjoys opening round lead

 by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)
CHANDIGARH, MAY 29 
 Bangalore golfer R Srinivas produced a sizzling five-under-67 to claim the first round lead at the PGTI Players Championship being played at the Chandigarh Golf Club here today. Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta and the Delhi duo of Shamim Khan and Naman Dawar are in joint second at four-under-68.
R Srinivas had an exceptional opening round thanks to his brilliant short-game. His first birdie of the day came on the second hole where he chipped it to within a few inches. This was followed by a 15-feet birdie putt on the third. The bogey on the fourth did not prove too costly for Srinivas as he came back strongly with a brilliant eight-iron shot to set up a birdie on the eighth.
  Srinivas, who is yet to win his maiden professional title, collected three birdies in a row from the 11th
through the 13th to take his score to five under. He chipped-in from the bunker on the 11th and then missed an eagle by a whisker with his nine-iron approach shot on the 12th. Srinivas garnered his final birdie of the day on the 13th by sinking a 15-feet putt.
Srinivas said, “With the wind being up, club-selection wasn’t easy. I’m delighted to have shot my best score of the season so far despite the tough conditions. The highlight of my round was my excellent chipping and putting. I also hit it quite close with my short-irons.”
Harendra Gupta did not have the best of starts as he bogeyed the opening hole after a poor tee-shot. Gupta, however, picked up three birdies in quick succession on the second, third and fifth to move to two under. He converted a 25-footer on the third.
Harendra carried on the good work on the back-9. He sank a 15-feet birdie putt on the 15th and then landed his chip from 15 yards to within four feet for another birdie on the 17th.
Gupta said, “I’ve made a good start to the week. I generally play well at my home course and therefore the confidence is high this week. I hit some decent approach shots today and also putted well. It was
windy in the second half of the day but I hung in there and didn’t give away any shots.”
Shamim Khan knocked down 15-feet birdie putts on the second and 12th and landed it within a foot of the pin for birdie on the 17th in his round of 68. He had two other birdies and a bogey.
Naman Dawar joined Harendra and Shamim in joint second after he made an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys in the opening round thanks to his superb ball-striking.
Manish Goyal, Rashid Khan, Shankar Das, Raju Ali Mollah and M Dharma are in tied fifth with matching scores of three-under-69.
Shankar Das of Kolkata and Sameer M Shaikh of Pune fired a hole-in-one each on the eighth hole.

Citibank Rising Star Award 2012 for Mandeep Singh

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

MOHALI, MAY 29 

Kings XI Punjab batsman Mandeep Singh has been named the winner of the 2012 Citibank Rising Star Award. The Award recognizes the best under-23 player of the DLF IPL season. The trophy was adjudicated by an eminent jury including former Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar.

The 20-year old Mandeep Singh, right-hander impressed both fans and critics with his masterful batting displays. With 432 runs this season, he was the highest run-getter for Kings XI Punjab.

Commenting on the occasion, Col. Arvinder Singh, COO, Kings XI Punjab, said, “It’s a matter of pride for us that Mandeep has been adjudged as Citibank ‘Rising Star’ we always had full faith in his capabilities and it is heartening to see him mature and take on added responsibility in the team. We wish him the very best in his cricketing future. In Kings XI Punjab it has been our endeavor to provide opportunity to young talented cricketers to showcase their skills and it is satisfying to see our efforts come to fruition.”

Sanjeev Kapur, Chief Marketing Officer, Citi India presented Mandeep Singh the trophy and a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs at the finals yesterday.

“The Citibank Rising Star award is an endeavor to encourage young cricketing talent for their outstanding contribution in the Indian Premier League. We are delighted to recognize Mandeep Singh as the Citibank Rising Star this season. He has performed exceptionally well and has the spark to make a promising cricketing career in the years ahead,” said Sanjeev Kapur.

He further added, “IPL as a platform has helped us weave ourselves into the local fabric and further strengthened our association in India, as we celebrate 110 years in India and 200 years globally in this milestone year for Citi.”

Receiving the award, Mandeep Singh said, "As a young player at IPL, you wish to win the Citibank Rising Star Award. I worked hard for it and it’s an honor to have received this recognition. I would like to thank Citibank and the jury members for considering me worthy of this award.”

Previous winners of the Citibank Rising Star Award have been Shreevats Goswami (2008), Rohit Sharma (2009) and Saurabh Tiwary (2010) and Sayyed Iqbal Abdulla (2011).

Pak delegation for Shimla Mega Mart

by sportswire4u.blogspot.com (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, MAY 29

Delegations from Pakistani Chambers namely Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikhupura Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry have confirmed their participation in Shimla Mega Mart and Tourism Conclave to be held from June 3 to 7,.

 In addition to the delegation, there would be around 40 exhibitors from Pakistan displaying a wide array of products like garments, footwear, handicrafts, dry fruits, gems and stones, onyx marble artefacts, kitchenware, furniture, decorative items etc. This information was disclosed by Dalip Sharma, Regional Director, PHD Chamber

The exhibition shall be held at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at the Mall and conclave at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. The Shimla Mega Mart and Tourism Conclave organised jointly by PHD Chamber, and Tourism Department of Himachal Pradesh, is an attempt to explore and exhibit investment opportunities in the tourism sector of the hill state.

“Shimla Mega Mart shall offer opportunities to the entrepreneurs for sales, marketing, promotion and networking with their fellow counterparts, promote bilateral trade as well as have direct exposure and interaction with their prospective customers”, said Ambrish Jaipuria, Chairman, HP Committee, PHD Chamber.

Apart from the tourism department of the host state Himachal Pradesh, Goa Tourism Development Corporation and Pondicherry Tourism Deptt also are participating in the Mega Mart and Tourism Conclave.
Dhian Chand, Member Managing Committee, PHD Chamber said that “the tourism conclave coinciding with the exhibition shall aim at promoting Himachal as a tourist destination among tour operators, travel agents, travel writers and attract investors for hotel projects from all over the world besides deliberating on marketing strategies in tourism sector”.