Tales of valour, sacrifice set tone for third Military Literature Fest

CHANDIGARH: The sprawling greens of Chandigarh Golf Club came alive on Saturday with the stories of exemplary valour and sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the Indian defence forces in their line of service for their motherland.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

The sprawling greens of Chandigarh Golf Club came alive on Saturday with the stories of exemplary valour and sacrifices made by the bravehearts of the Indian defence forces in their line of service for their motherland.

More than 175 distinguished war veterans of the three armed forces, besides Civil Services officers, descended in Chandigarh to participate in the Invitational Golf Tournament, organised as precursor to the 3rd Military Literature Festival, to be held here from December 13 to 15.

Decorated battle-hardened veterans from across the country were invited for tee off together, where they shared their stories of camaraderie and hardships endured during their service years, besides their tales of heroic deeds.

The Double Peoria Full Handicap Stableford category, under which the competitions were held, witnessed war seniors fiercely vying for top honours, turning the championship into a battle zone sans bullets with no one willing to cede an inch of advantage. The slab was spread across 0-9, 10-18 and 18-24 for handicaps for the nine-hole category.

Earlier this month, Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore had formally inaugurated the festival in Patiala. The contribution of the Indian warriors in the iconic battles of Kohima and Imphal is the focus of the main festival in December, which will highlight the battle accounts and the valour of daredevil soldiers who recorded their names in the annals of the rich military legacy.

Special Principal Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister Gurkirat Kirpal Singh along with the Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen Gurpal Singh Sangha, inaugurated the event with ribbon-cutting before teeing off.

In the golf meet, Naresh Gulati won with 24 points with Brig Avtar Singh finishing at the runners-up spot with 22 points in the men’s nine-hole category. In the women’s category, Gudi Malhi with 28 points (BB9) was adjudged winner followed by Jyoti Gosal with an identical score. In handicap 0-9 slot, Tinu Bajwa was adjudged best with Col PJS Atwal finishing second. Both scored 35 points with Bajwa edging ahead on (BB9) count.

Col IS Bains took the top position with 35 points (BB9) leaving behind Ravibir S Grewal. Vice Admiral HS Malhi won in the handicap 19-24 category with 33 points to his name.

Meanwhile, Shona Singh netted the ‘Best Gross Ladies’ prize with Brig HPS Dhillon securing the ‘Best Gross Gents’ award.

Golf meet for veterans

Over 175 war veterans of the three armed forces and Civil Services officers, gathered in Chandigarh to participate in Invitational Golf Tournament, organised as precursor to the 3rd Military Literature Festival, to be held here from December 13 to 15.

Events lined-up

Nov 18 marathon, bird-watching workshop

Nov 30 two-day military carnival

Dec 7 Bravehearts Motorcycle Ride