Punjab eves swamp Pondicherry
CHENNAI, Sept 28 — Delhi thrashed Jammu and Kashmir 6-0 spurred by a hattrick from centre forward Sushila as the second day witnessed a goal glut in the Bank of Baroda 49th Senior Women’s National Hockey Championship here today.

Assam Regiment, IAF advance
CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — Debutants Assam Regiment, Chandimandir, Indian Air Force and All-India Customs launched their campaign for the title in the 28th All-India Gurmit Memorial Hockey Tournament on a confident note at the Sector 42 hockey stadium her today.

92-member squad for Special Olympics
CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — India have been allocated a quota of 92 athletes — 52 men and 40 women — for participation in the Special Olympics World Games to be held at Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, from June 25 to July 4 next year, says Mr Romesh C. Khanna, founder Chairman, Special Olympics India.

Punjabi varsity triumph
PATIALA, Sept 28 — Punjabi University, Patiala, trounced Muslim Club, Malerkotla 3-0, while in another match, marred by rough tactics, Chandigarh Police quelled a spirited challenge put up by Lions Club, Ambala, winning the match 5-3 via the tie-breaker on the second day of the 23rd All-India Gurdarshan Memorial Football Championship played at Nabha near here today.

Punjab cops to clash with CRPF in final
JALANDHAR, Sept 28 — Punjab Police will clash with CRPF in the final of water polo of 47th All India Aquatic and Cross Country Championships-98 in progress at PAP Complex, here tomorrow.

• Sahil, Preeti Singh champions
• Bokaro school claim sub-jr trophy
• Panchkula CC, St Stephen's triumph
• Fairplay trophy

• Punjab finish second
• Eves inter-college kabaddi
• Shivin excels
• DAV lads win title
• Manmeet adjudged best player
• Bhupathi's win of no avail
  

Causier, Russell move into semifinals

AHMEDABAD, Sept 28 (PTI) — World number six David Causier of England shocked compatriot and world number three Peter Gilchrist 1401-1204 on way to the semifinals of the florsheim World Professional Billiards Championship here today.

In another quarter-final match, world number one Mike Russell of England sidelined 15th ranked compatriot Chris Shutt, who turned 21 today, 1847-1161 with the help of the highest break of the championship - 399.

World number two Geet Sethi of India was leading 997-313 in the third quarter-finals against number seven ranked Devendra Joshi after the first session while fifth seeded Aussie Robby Foldvari was ahead by 763-149 points against world number four England’s Roxton Chapman in the last quarter-finals.

Mike Russell, who had a match average of 69.5, was a picture of confidence against the tallest cueist in the circuit Shutt.

Causier, who had breaks of 184, 68, 63, 95, 99, 54 and 76, played a quick and attacking game which upset his opponent’s rhythm and concentration. Gilchrist, who is a slow starter, could not match his rival’s form and went down fighting.

In the third round matches which were completed in the morning, local cueist Sethi drubbed eleventh-ranked Indian Subhash Agrawal 1676-994 while Joshi pipped youngest junior and senior national champion and giant-killer Rupesh Shah 1382-1109.

In yet another interesting third round match world number four Roxton Chapman of England sidelined his countryman and tenth ranked Ian Williamson 755-703 while former three-time amateur world champion and 13th ranked Micheal Ferreira of India went down without a fight to world number five Robby Foldvari of Australia 598-1269.

The quarterfinal matches would be Mike Russell of England vs birthday boy Chris Shutt, Foldvari vs Chapman, Peter Gilchrist of England vs David Causier and Sethi vs Joshi.

Sethi, who got a break of 308 yesterday but failed to improve upon Nalin Patel’s (India) break of 310 (highest so far in the championship), won as he pleased.

Sethi, who led 907-378 at the end of the first session yesterday, had breaks of 70, 92, 308, 92, 173, 57, 242, 67, 99 and 122. He looked in very good form throughout the match.

Agrawal got breaks of 91, 77, 75, 54, 78, 120 and 91 and was unimpressive.

Speaking after the match, Sethi admitted that he was very pleased with his form. "I had four good hours of match practice and I hope I can do much better in the next matches. I have been working hard to make this championship a big success but since last two days I have switched off completely to practice as much as I can".

"Subhash was patchy and inconsistent today though he is capable of making big breaks as he showed in the 1996 UK Open when he beat me easily", Sethi added.

Subhash told reporters that Sethi played extremely well. "I tried to play well but that was just not good enough".

Joshi, who led 729-503 after the first two hours yesterday, had breaks of 99, 166, 107, 210, 108, 91, 136, 93, and an unfinished 65 while Rupesh scored breaks of 98, 76, 96 109, 91, 57, 76, 50, 192 and 71 in the match.

Results (Quarter-finals): David Causier (Eng) bt Peter Gilchrist (Eng) 1401 (85, 84, 184, 68, 63, 53, 95, 99, 54, 76) - 1204 (170, 78, 103, 77, 152, 71).

Mike Russell (Eng): bt Chris Shutt (Eng) 1947 (399, 198, 98, 156, 124, 68, 105, 87, 68, 276) - 1161 (144, 166, 106, 127, 191, 59).

TN, Bengal fight for top honours
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — Tamil Nadu and Bengal are locked in a close battle for overall honours in the third Special Olympics National Games on the penultimate day today. While most of the team events ended today, some of the track and field events will take place tomorrow before the closing ceremony. Maharashtra won the boys title in basketball while Tamil Nadu hoopsters romped home with the gold medal in girls section. The handball title for girls went to Bengal while in boys section, Karnataka were the winners.

In cricket, Tamil Nadu entered the final defeating Delhi by 10 wickets.

In track and field, where the maximum action is, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka continued to dominate. Special athletes from Tamil Nadu virtually made a clean sweep in the still long jump, both for boys and girls. For the home North West Region team, 25 metre and 50 metre assisted events saw them winning all the medals in both the events. Their winners included Chandradeep, Sonu and Gowri Rajdhan.

In the shot put event for boys of 16-21 age group, all the three medallists — Rajan, V. Vivaraj and G. Panneerselvam — belonged to Tamil Nadu. Dandpani (TN), Arindam Sur (Ben), Nandkumar (TN), Sandeep Dubey (MP), Avanish (Mah), Tejinder Singh (Del), P. Deivassigamani (TN), K. Syedali (TN), Chiradeep Mukarjee (Ben), Adhikari (Raj), Rajesh Kumar (TN) and Nazar Babu (TN) were other winners of the same event.

Following are the results:

Basketball:
Boys: Maharashtra b Kerala 10-2; b Orissa 12-2; b North West Region 28-6; b Andhra Pradesh 34-0; Kerala b Andhra 14-0; b North West Region 14-0; b Orissa 8-4; Orissa b Andhra 18-3; b North West Region 8-3; and North West Region b Andhra 10-8. Maharashtra 1, Kerala 2, Orissa 3, North West Region 4 and Andhra 5. Girls: TN b Maharashtra 24-6; b MP 24-4; b Karnataka 12-0; Maharashtra b Kerala 12-2; b MP 16-0; MP b Karnataka 8-6. TN 1, Maharashtra 2, MP 3 and Karnataka 4.

Cricket: AP 114 for four b Orissa by six wickets: Delhi 183 for 2 wickets beat MP 56 by 127 runs; Orissa 59 for two wickets beat MP 58 for nine by eight wickets; Bengal 52 for one beat TN 51 by nine wickets. Semi-finals: TN 90 for no loss beat Delhi 87 for 6 by 10 wickets.

Handball: Girls: Bengal 1, Maharashtra 2. Boys: Karnataka 1, Kerala 2, Maharashtra 3, AP 4.

Skating: 500m (group "A" M. Jahangeer (AP) 1, Vishal Kumar (NWR) 2, Ayush Singla (NWR) 3. Group "B" — Niranjan Puri (TN) 1, Nipun (NWR) 2, Suman Kalidas (AP) 3. Group "C" — Varun Singla (NWR) 1, Tarandeep Singh (NWR) 2, Muzeeba Sultan (AP) 3.

Cycling: Men: 1000m team trial (16-21 years) — Tubai Sarkar (Mah), Amit Roy (Ben), Tapin Biswas (Ben) and Achla Gaurav (Bih) 22-29 years — Jasdeep Sen (Bih), Hitesh Biraj (Ori). 1000m TT — G. Singha (NWR) and Aman Dev (Ker). Women: 1000m team trials (22-29 yrs) — Yashoda (Kar) 1, Deepa V (TN) 2.

100 m walk (8-11 yrs): Nameesha (Raj) 1.

22-29 yrs: Sujatha Sapra (Del), Seema Chaudhary (Ben), Geetha Bhagvani (Del), Pinky Toppu (Bih), Shankar Roak (AP), Abir Bose (Ben), Arimdas (Ben), Anilkumar (AP), Anil Partap Singh (Bih).

100 m (22-29yrs): Kochu Therera (Ker), Papiya Dey (Ben), Rachna (Del), Purvi Shah (Mah), Shaku Nagarkar (Mah), P. Srikala (AP).

200 m (22-29 yrs): CA Sathi (Ker).

100 m (12-15yrs): Faritham (TN), A. Jayanthi (TN), S. Sandhyarani (Ori), K. Suganthi (TN), R. Sundrambal (TN), Spandanam (AP), Kumari Raju (MP), Kalavati Jain (Mah), Neha Rane (Mah), Austice Gomes (Mah), Apsa (Kar), Rangita (Bih), Kakoli Sarkar (Ben), S. Sandhyarani (Ori), Khushbir Kaur (NWR), Sumithra (Raj), Sincy Mathew (Ker), Rajni Aggarwal (Del) and Sanjukta Das Gupta (Ben).

16-21 yrs: Sonal K. Singh (Bih), Biney John (Ker), Asha D. Patel (Guj), Lalitha Kumari (AP), Sajna Jose (Ker), Shilpa Jadav (Mah), Yellu Bai (AP), Obciana Genalyw (Philippinees), Ganga Bai (Bih), Nirmala Patnaik (Ori), R. Gauri (TN), Roseln (Del) and L. Lucinal (TN).

200 m (12-15 yrs): A. Dollar (TN), Samriohi Gupta (MWR), Mishty Bhattacharya (Ben), Preetam Bhauja (Ori), Raj Kumar (NWR), Vinod Hasija (NWR), Rajesh (Kar), Devaraj (Kar), Arunkumar (Kar), Bindu Raju (Ker), Rajya Luxmi (AP), Namita Das (Ben), Shakuntala (Del), Vishnu Priya (TN), and Kalavati (Mah).

Shot put (16-21 yrs): Sarith (Ker), Sonal K. Singh (Bih), Kirti (NWR), CS Sathi (Ker) and Mridula Debnath (Ben).

Running long jump (12-15 yrs): Vishnu Priya (TN), Suganthi (TN), Sundrambal R. (TN), Shakuntla (Del) and Bindu Raju (Ker).

Standing long jump (8-11 years): Dhanashree (Mah), Nithyakala (TN), R. Chitra (TN), P. Alguvalli (TN), Sulochana (Ori), Bishwamitra Mishra (Ori), Varsha Padwal (Mah), Karthi C. K. Raja (TN).

Boys: 100 m: Subhashish (Ben), Amir Bhan (Ben), Anthony Pascal (Philippines), Mustafa (Mah), SS Srikanth (Mah), Purshottam (NWR), P. Rajesh (AP), Shakeel Ahmed (AP), Nilesh M. Shah (Guj), Venkatesh (Kar), Ukesh (Mah), Sourabh Joshi (Guj), H. Mohideen TN), Rohit Acharya (Mah), Ramnik Patel (Ben), Prasanna Kumar (Ker), G. Sadanand (Mah), M. Vijaya (TN), Mahesh Kumar (TN), Vardarajan (TN), V, Jagananth (TN), Bhavin P. Doshi (Mah), Asirvathan (TN), S. Asif (Ben), Sanjeev Sharma (Del), and A Muthukumar (TN).

(22-29 yrs): Venugopal Reddy (AP), Ranjith Peter (Ker), Krishnamurthy J (TN), Maanimaran (TN), Stinivas (Kar), Sachin Taun (MP), B. Parameshwara (Kar), Ravinder P. Walia (Mah), Vinod A. Munde (Mah), Ramesh Gandhi (TN), Ranjinder Kumar (TN), Yaseer (TN), and Saajan CM (Ker).

200 m (12-15 yrs): Sameer Jadhav (Mah), Sabir Sarkar (Ben), Shailash Pagwe (Mah), Thyagarajan (Kar), Ashkar (Ker), Prateesh (TN), KS Balaji (TN), Santosh Kumar (Del), M. Arokeyarajan (TN), Ananda Raj (TN), and Robert Dinakaran (TN).

Standing long jump (8-11 yrs): Neerja Mishra (Bih), Ravinder (Raj), Sachin Suri (UIP), M. Dhinggaran (TN), Salesh Gaekwad (Mah), Sandeep KK (MaH), S. Eswaran (TN), B. Bhaskar Rao (AP), S. Rajesh (TN), Shaashank (Del), and M. Manicrkraj (TN).

Running long jump (12-15yrs): S. Suresh (TN), R. Sathyamoorthi (TN), R. Vijayakumar (TN), R. Pratheesh (TN), Chetan Sharma (Kar), Vijay B. Gaekwar (Mah), Amit Chaudhary (Ben), Thyagaraj (Kar), Anil Thomas (Ker), Sachin Sarang (Mah), Vinod Hasija (NWR) and Vetrivel (TN).

16-21 yrs: Prasanna Kumar (Kar), Ayush Garg (NWR), Raveendran (TN), A. Muthukumar (TN), Parameshwar Singh (Ori), Bhima Palve (Mah), S.S. Srikant (Mah), V. Jognathan (TN), Sushil Kumar (Raj) and Aseervathan (TN).

100 m (8-11 yrs): Partha S. Banerjee (Ben), Fakir Biswal (Ori), VS Sajith (Ker), Mahipal Yadav (NWR), Sasikumar (TN), Vikram (MP), Uma Shankar (Raj), Ghouse Ali Khan (TN), Satish Kumar (TN), R. Subramani (TN), M. Ramesh (TN and Ravindra (Raj).

(12-15 yrs): Nizam (TN), Punjaram (Guj), Ranjit (MP), Sathyamurthy (TN), Mannu (Raj), Suresh S. (TN), Arumugham (TN), K. Kumar (TN), Bobby Moses (TN), Vijay Gaekwad (Mah), Kr Senthil (TN), Umapathy (TN), Arpit Aggarwal (Guj), Anish Kr (Ker), Basker (TN), Mariswaran (TN), Rajasekhar (TN), Vinod Hasija (NWR), Aachin Saarang (Mah), Shailesh Bhagwe (Mah), Rajesh L. (Kar), Mohan (Kar), Raja (Del), Melvin Vincent (Ker), Robin James (Ker), Pritam Bhanja (Ori), Dinesh Kulai (Mah) and Thyagaraj (Kar).

High jump (12-15 yrs): Kulpreet Singh (Del) 1.

'Loose cricket' irks Azhar

BULAWAYO, Sept 28 (PTI) — Skipper Mohammad Azharuddin refused to bask in India’s one-day series win over Zimbabwe yesterday and blamed his team-mates for playing too much ‘loose cricket’.

Azharuddin was not exactly thrilled after India’s convincing eight-wicket win which helped them clinch the three-match Hero Honda series within the distance.

"There is too much loose cricket and I don’t like it," commented the Indian captain after the match.

"I have been patient about it for some time now but I don’t know how long. We have been bowling badly and our fielders are giving away too many runs. It is just not on," said an exasperated Azharuddin.

"We conceded far too many loose runs and Zimbabwe could have easily made 250-plus. If they had managed 250-260 we would have been struggling. It would have meant too much work for the batsmen," said Azhar, who felt India should have curtailed the hosts for much less than the 235 they managed in the truncated 45-overs-a-side match.

"Actually I don’t want to be too critical of them for one simple reason. There is too much cricket being played and there is no recovery time. These back to back matches are never easy. It is not easy to keep your concentration and energy going for two successive days," he said.

He was referring to lack of recovery time as the Indian players have had little rest after the trip home from Toronto and immediately back here.

But the Indian skipper was all praise for left-handed opener Saurav Ganguly, who cracked his fifth one-day hundred in making an unbeaten 107 to guide his team to an easy win.

Azharuddin, who himself notched up a fluent 72 coming at the fall of Sachin Tendulkar, was happy with his work, but was surprised at the way Zimbabwe capitulated. "They usually are very tenacious in one-dayers," he said.

Coach Anshuman Gaekwad concurred with Azharuddin’s views, but felt fielding will not improve overnight. "It could be improved if there is a break from cricket. But so much of cricket and travelling is happening these days, one does not get chance to work on it. Hopefully, these things will mend."

About Indian bowlers continuing to keep a poor line, Ajit Agarkar in particular, Gaekwad said: "It is a cause for concern. I am not at all happy with this. As for Agarkar, he is very young and promising. He is gaining valuable experience. He is trying to do too much, be aggressive in one-dayers, and is going for runs. But there is no reason to panic. He will come good".

But he praised his batsmen saying they had started to bat for long hours in the middle. "Also Javagal Srinath looked good in the game,’ of the pace spearhead who returned from injury lay-off only for the Sahara Cup series.

Gaekwad hinted there could be some changes in the side for the final tie in Harare. "Some of the seniors like Srinath will be given a break," he said.

ONGC rout PCA Colts by 44 runs
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — ONGC, Delhi routed PCA Colts by 44 runs in the fifth J.P. Atray Memorial Cricket Tournament at PCA Stadium, Mohali near here today.

For ONGC Radhey Shyam and Manoj Mudgal made a slow start. Trying to accelerate the run rate Radhey Shyam was run out. Manoj Mudgal (51) and Rizwan Samshad played sensibly and took their team total from 33 to 105 when Manoj Mudgal was caught out by Manish Bali at extra cover while trying to hit left arm spinner Amit Kakaria over extra cover.

PCA Colts claimed another three wickets within 23 runs. At the team total of 128 for five former India player Chetan Sharma and UP Ranji player Mohd Saif added 52 quick runs in just 50 balls. Modh Saif scored valuable 46 runs (51 balls 3X4, 1X6). His knock gave ONGC a respectable total of 207 runs in 49.4 overs.

Chasing a modest total of 208 runs in 50 overs PCA Colts Vivek Mahajan was caught behind by wicket keeper Manoj Mudgal off Dinesh Tomar.

Manish Sharma batting confidently clobbered Dinesh Tomar for 19 runs in his fourth overs which included three hits to fence and a huge six over long on. Manish Sharma and Munish Bali added 43 runs for second wicket when Bali was caught by Deepak Sharma off the Saif.

ONGC bowlers, spinners in particulars, bowled well and did not allow their opponents to develop a match winning partnership. Deepak Sharma captured four wickets at the cost of 32 run in his quota of 10 overs.

At the fall of Manish Sharma’s wicket who scored 67 runs (88 balls, 5X4, 1X6) all hopes of PCA Colts team to win the match ended as they fall short by 44 runs and were all out in 44.3 overs.

Mohd Saif for his breezy knock of 46 runs (51 balls), tight bowling spell was declared the Man of the Match.

ONGC Delhi will face Punjab Cricket Club in the first semifinals on October 10 and Bishnoi Cricket Club will take on PUNCOM-XI in the IInd semifinals on October 11.

Punjab eves swamp Pondicherry

CHENNAI, Sept 28 (PTI) — Delhi thrashed Jammu and Kashmir 6-0 spurred by a hattrick from centre forward Sushila as the second day witnessed a goal glut in the Bank of Baroda 49th Senior Women’s National Hockey Championship here today.

Sarita, Pooja and Sweta scored a goal apiece in the pool ‘E’ tie to complete the tally.

Preetinder, the first to score a hattrick today, netted four goals as Punjab swamped Pondicherry 17-0. Monika (3), Sarabjit (3), Sumitra (2), Rajwinder, Neelam, Amandeep, Sneh Bala and Merwinder were the others to boost the score in the pool 'E' match.

Karnataka made an impressive start in pool ‘F’, routing Himachal Pradesh 10-1 (h.t. 5-1). Rohini stole the honours with five goals and got good support from Christy Elena (2), Manjula, Kumari and Kusuma. After Karnataka took an early lead, Himachal managed to neutralise with a penalty corner conversion by Geetha. However, after that, it failed to make any impact.

In the evening, in pool ‘B’, the two losing sides of yesterday were in action with Vidarbha handing out a 5-0 (h.t. 4-0) defeat to Rajasthan, virtually sealing the latter’s chances. Captain Sukantala scored twice with the rest coming from Sukhdevi, Anu Bekla and Kalpana.

Things, however, brightened in the last match of the evening in which Chandigarh and Manipur fought tooth and nail in pool ‘C’ to consolidate the victories gained yesterday. Chandigarh registered a 2-0 victory.

After a barren first half, Chandigarh forced their sixth penalty corner and Sumita Lal converted. Manipur tried hard but the equaliser eluded them. As if this was not enough, Nishi scored again for Chandigarh.

With only a match against Maharashtra to go, Chandigarh appear well placed to move into the quarterfinal.

Assam Regiment, IAF advance
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — Debutants Assam Regiment, Chandimandir, Indian Air Force and All-India Customs launched their campaign for the title in the 28th All-India Gurmit Memorial Hockey Tournament on a confident note at the Sector 42 hockey stadium her today.

While Assam Regiment edged out another Army Outfit, Corps of Signals, Jalandhar, 2-1, Indian Air Force overcame a spirited challenge from Food Corporation of India before emerging victorious by 3-1 while All-India Customs prevailed over Faridkot XI three-nil to move the pre-quarterfinals. They will now take on the young Shivalik Club to decide the second quarterfinalists from group A. Air India have already been seeded in the last eight in this group.

Playing an attacking game from the start, Customs seemed to be on course for a big victory. They took the lead in the opening minute itself following a penalty corner and in the melee that ensued the ball came to centre-half Rahul Singh who sounded the boards displaying full confidence.

Despite the early success, Customs had to struggle hard thereafter for consolidating the lead. It was as late as in the 33rd minute that they finally added another goal to their tally following a diagonal hit by Rahul Singh off a penalty corner. Centre-forward Suresh standing alert inside the striking circle, made a neat deflection to make it 2-0 in favour of Customs.

On changing ends, Faridkot XI made desperate attempts to wipe out the deficit. Outside-left Sunil Kumar, in particular, was outstanding both in the midfield as well as in the attack. However, despite his valiant attempts, the Faridkot outfit could not get past the strong Customs defence.

Midway through the second half, Customs added the third goal when the seasoned Daljit Singh who had come in as a substitute in the inside-right position, found the target from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

Earlier, Assam Regiment, making their appearance in the tournament for the first time, chalked out a narrow 2-1 win over Signals. Suranjit put his side ahead in the 16th minute through a field goal while signals equalised in the 39th minute through a penalty stroke conversion by JP Singh.

Assam Regiment clinched the issue in the 61st minute when Huma scored another field goal to send Signals packing. Assam Regiment were awarded as many as six penalty corners while Signals earned seven.

In another match, Indian Air Force overcame a spirited challenge from FCI before emerging triumphant 3-1.

J. Kujur put IAF ahead in the 18th minute through a field goal while Balbir Singh made it 2-0 a minute before the breather through another field goal.

On changing ends, FCI mounted a strong attack and managed to reduce the margin in the 55th minute through a penalty corner conversion by full back Satish. However, Baldev Singh's field goal for IAF in the 63rd minute snuffed out FCI's hopes of making a major impact in the tournament. Air Force were awarded three penalty corner while FCI earned only one.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Sikh Regimental Centre v DLW Varanasi — 1.30 p.m.

ASC v South Central Railway — 3 p.m.

92-member squad for Special Olympics
By Prabhjot Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — India have been allocated a quota of 92 athletes — 52 men and 40 women — for participation in the Special Olympics World Games to be held at Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, from June 25 to July 4 next year, says Mr Romesh C. Khanna, founder Chairman, Special Olympics India.

India have been allowed to enter special athletes in aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, cycling, football, volleyball, handball, table tennis and roller skating. The Special Olympics World Games Committee has also allowed India to send 23 coaches and two officials. This will be the largest ever contingent from India to participate in the Special Olympics World Games. The Indian contingent will be among the three largest squads of 150 participating nations, Mr Khanna said.

The Special Olympics India, he says, will organise a 21-day coaching camp for 350 special athletes to prepare for the World Games before the selection of the national squad.

Special Olympics India has involved former national sprint star and Olympian Ashwani Nacchapa on its board. "She is now associated in training our special athletes. She could not come here as she gave birth to a baby only last month. But ever since her joining us last year, she has done a commendable job," says Mr Khanna.

Selection trials for the national camp will be organised some time in November where all 800-odd gold medal winners of these National Games will be invited.

In an informal interview with The Tribune, Mr Khanna said Special Olympics took shape in India in 1988. At present, the programme reaches out more than 35,000 children and adults with mental disability in all 20 major states throughout the country. Because of cent per cent literacy, the awareness is much more in Kerala that in other parts of the country. Other southern states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, are also not far behind. In the north, the North West Region Special Olympics Committee has done a good job.

The first ever Special Olympics National Games were held in 1991 at Chennai where there were nearly 2,000 participants, including special athletes, coaches and volunteers. In 1991, 35 special athletes represented the country in the summer Special Olympics Games in the USA winning 20 gold, 10 silver and two bronze medals.

In 1993, a 12-member Special Olympics floor hockey contingent took part in the World Games held in Austria and won a gold medal in the team event and a silver in the individual skills contest. The second Special Olympics Games were held in Hyderabad in January, 1995 where 3,000 athletes coaches and volunteers participated. The same year, a contingent of 54 athletes took part in the Special Olympics World Games in the USA and returned home with a rich haul of 28 gold, 20 silver and 10 bronze medals.

In January last year, the Special Olympics India organised regional coaches training clinics in Bangalore, Calcutta and Chandigarh. These clinics were conducted with the help of expert training directors from Special Olympics International. So far 300 coaches have been trained from 19 states.

In 1997, the Indian floor hockey team finished fifth in the overall championship but won a gold medal in individual skills competition held in Toronto, Canada.

As the base of the Special Olympics has been rapidly spreading, the demand for finances and grants, too, has been on the increase. 'We initially started as a non government organisation and managed our activities with funds raised through donations and sponsorship. But now a stage has come, when we need government support in a big way. Holding camps, sending teams abroad and conducting these meets after training coaches for these special athletes needs a lot of money. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Sports, and Ministry of Civil Aviation has been helping us in the past," adds Mr Khanna.

At present, the number of special children is fairly large. Children born with physical and mental handicaps are trained to be self dependent through various training methods. Sense of competition, participation and will to excel in sports activity catalyses their rehabilitation in society. "All they need is special care and attention. This is what we have been trying to provide to them making them feel winners all the way," adds Mr Khanna.

Punjabi varsity triumph
From Our Sports Reporter

PATIALA, Sept 28 — Punjabi University, Patiala, trounced Muslim Club, Malerkotla 3-0, while in another match, marred by rough tactics, Chandigarh Police quelled a spirited challenge put up by Lions Club, Ambala, winning the match 5-3 via the tie-breaker on the second day of the 23rd All-India Gurdarshan Memorial Football Championship played at Nabha near here today.

Featuring in the Punjabi University's success story was the fast-moving Trioka of Vipin Singh, Gurvinder Singh and Principal Singh who completed the scoreline for the students scoring a goal each against the Malerkotla team which mostly comprised of players from college sports wings.

Going into the offensive right from the start, the students opened the scoring when Principal Singh after receiving a measured pass from Kashmir Singh bulldozed his way past the defence to drive the ball home. Thereafter, some effective interceptions and precise distribution were the prominent features of the university team.

Substitute Vipin Kumar's drive, after the breather, brooked no resistance from the rival goalkeeper (2-0) and Gurvinder Singh made it a safe 3-0 for the Patiala boys.

In the second match, Lions Club played dear for their complacency. After being a goal up in the first half, not many could imagine, that Chandigarh Police would carry the day. In a match mostly confined to the midfield and witnessed by rough tactics, the Ambala outfit drew first blood through the hard-working Ranjit Rana. But this advantage was soon neutralised by the policemen through Ajay Kumar who sent the match into the tie breaker, in which the cops custodian Bahadur Singh stood out with his brilliant saves. The cops converted four of their penalties while Lions Club converted only two making the scoreline read 5-3 in favour of the cops.

Sahil, Preeti Singh champions
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Sept 28 — Sahil from Yamunanagar, Preeti Singh from Rohtak, Sunil Ahuja and Meenu Babbar (both Sirsa) won the under 12 boys, girls and sub junior under 14 boys and girls titles respectively in the Raj Kumar Babuta Memorial Haryana State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament at the DAV Public School, Sector 8, here today.

In the under 12 boys section Sahil beat Deepak 21-14,21-18 and Preeti defeated Poonam, 21-6, 21-14. In the under 14 category Sunil Ahuja pipped Neeraj Kumar 21-17, 19-21, 21-17 and Meenu subdued Charu 21-17, 21-12.

The results: Cadet-Girls (Q-final): Preeti Singh (Rhk) b Sonam (Rhk) 21-13, 21-15 Poonam (Rhk) b Diksha (Knl) 21-13, 21-15 Anita (Rwr) b Staffi (Srs) 17-21, 21-12, 21-10 Reema(Bhn) b Babina (Pkl) 21-15,21-10. Semifinal: Poonam (Rkh) b Anita (Rwr) 22-24, 21-14, 21-18 Preeti Singh (Rhk) b Reema (Bhn) 21-19, 21-19. Final: Preeti Singh (Rhk) b Poonam (Rhk) 21-6,21-14.

Sub Jr girls(Q-final): Monika (Srs) b Anita (Rwr) 21-4,21-5. Charu (Rhk) b Manju (Rwr) 21-14, 21-12. Meenu (Srs) b Diksha (Knl) 21-7, 21-9. Shweta (Srs) b Reema (Bhn) 21-17, 22-20. Semi-final: Shweta lost to Meenu Babbar (Srs) 12-21, 21-16, 19-21 Charu (Rhk) b Monika(Srs) 24-22, 11-21, 23-21.Final: Meenu Babbar (Srs) b Charu (Rhk) 21-17, 21-12.

Sub Jr boys singles (Q-final): Sunil Ahuja (Srs) b Gaurav Gandhi (Gurgaon) 21-9, 21-12. Atish (Yng) b Vipul (Ggn) 21-17, 21-14 . Gagan (Knl) b Ravi (Pkl) 21-10, 21-14. Neeraj (Pkl) b Rajat Kapoor (Yng) 22-20, 21-11.

Semi-final: Sunil Ahuja (Srs) b Alish(Yng) 22-20, 21-19, for third place Gagan Vyas (Karnal) beat Atish (Yng) 9-21, 21-17, 21-15.

Cadet Boys Single Q-final: Latit (Yng) lost to Sandeep (Rhk) 21-16, 21-16. Sahil Rally b Rahul (Rhk) 18-21, 21-18, 21-18. Deepak (Rhk) b Rahul (Bhn) 16-21, 21-11, 21-17. Lanin (Rhk) b Saurabh Yadav (Rwr) 21-11, 18-21, 21-18. Semi-final: Sahil Rally (Yng) b Lahin (Rhk) 21-11, 21-23, 21-11. Deepak (Rhk) b Sandeep(Rhk) 21-17, 21-18. Final : Sahil Rally (Yng) b Deepak (Rhk) 21-14, 21-18.

Bokaro school claim sub-jr trophy

NEW DELHI, Sept 28 (PTI) — Steel Authority of India Higher Secondary School, Bokaro scored a 5-4 tie-breaker win over Electric Veng Middle School, Mizoram to lift the sub-junior (under-14) title in the Subroto Cup All-India Inter-School Football Tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here today.

The Aizwal-based boys were somewhat unlucky after showing all the initiative through the barren regulation and extra-time, and eventually paid for not holding their nerve.

Lalmingshanga, who stepped up to take the last kick for Electric Veng was struck by nerves and shot feebly into the hands of SAIL goalkeeper Shambhu Mishra to send the Orissa lads into celebration.

In the tie-breaker, Vanlaing Haka, Aninda Hemanta, Durga, Sunderlal Hembrem and Sushil Kumar converted the awards for the Bokaro school with precise placements and Lalbemruata, Laltanruia, Vanlalchuanga and Lalsawmdwngliana had succeeded for Electric Veng before Lalmingshanga’s failure.

Electric Veng, who attacked well through the combination of their skilful captain Malsawmtluanga, Lalrinkima and Lalnun Mawla and held firm in defence through Laltanruia and goalkeeper Lalrakzualla, should have won the match but for what looked like a goal being disallowed for offside two minutes from end of regulation time.

Alrinkima, sent clear by Malsawmtluanga, was fouled inside the box and referee Bhawatiraj awarded an indirect freekick. Malsawmtluanga put the ball in with a neat chip, but the flag was up for offside.

Christ Collegiate, Orissa meet Mamta Modern, New Delhi in the junior section final tomorrow.

Punjab cops to clash with CRPF in final
From Our Sports Reporter

JALANDHAR, Sept 28 — Punjab Police will clash with CRPF in the final of water polo of 47th All India Aquatic and Cross Country Championships-98 in progress at PAP Complex, here tomorrow.

Punjab Police faced tough resistance from securitymen as they played excellent man-to-man game. But policemen won the match 7-5.

In the second semifinal CRPF defeated CISF 9-5. CRPF displayed better speed.

In the 200 metre free style Kailash Nath of CRPF set a new meet record and won the gold clocking 2.00.80 second. S.H. Haqimuddin of BSF got silver with 2.00.87 second, whereas M. Satish Kumar also from the BSF got bronze with 2.06.00 second.

In 50 metre back stroke Abhijit of BSF stood first clocking 0.29.38 second, Raja Ram of CRPF remained second with 0.29.45 second and Mahesh Saragi of CRPF got third place with 0.30.68 second.

S.H. Haqimuddin of BSF won the gold with 2.13.23 second in the 200 metre butterfly stroke, Raja Ram of CRPF remained second with 2.14.22 second and third place went to Alok Halder of CRPF with 2.16.91 second.

In the 4 km cross country (individual event) all the three places went to BSF as Sub-Inspector Gajan Singh won the gold clocking 12.13.00, Inspector Madan Singh won silver with 12.22.00 whereas Jiji Thomas got bronze with 12.29.00.

Panchkula CC, St Stephen's triumph
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Sept 28 — St Stephen's Sector 45, beat St Kabir, Sector 26, by six wickets while Panchkula Coaching Centre registered a 63-run victory over Stadium Juniors, Sector 16, in the Edmund Rice Cricket Tournament here today.

Brief scores:

St Kabir-100 all out (Manish 43, Aman 3 for 16, Ritin 2 for 14 Dushyant 2 for 22). St Stephen's-101 for 4 in 23 overs (Vidit 26 Sukrit 21, Harinder 1 for 16, Manish 1 for 16).

Panchkula Coaching Centre:- 112 for 8 (Dhaval 16, Vidit 16, Sunny 13, Sumit 2 for 6, Anupaman 2 for 11, Hamant 1 for 12). Stadium (Juniors) 49 all out in 18 overs (Sunny 2 for 5, Ridam 2 for 3, Vivek 1 for 4).

Ghuman shines

From Our Sports Reporter

PATIALA, Sept 28 — Royal Cricket Club, aided by a fine performance by Honey Ghuman (52) and Amardeep Singh (4 for 15) beat New Power Cricket Club by 28 runs in the final of the 2nd Valmiki Cricket Tournament which concluded here today.

Scores:

Royal Cricket Club: 110 all out (Honey Ghuman 52, Satish Kumar 4 for 11, Vinod 2 for 10). New Power Cricket Club: 82 all out (Kiran Pathi 25, Amardeep Singh 4 for 15).

Fairplay trophy
By Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, Sept 28 — A fairplay trophy in the name of Sundeep Lumba will be awarded tomorrow as the Subroto Mokherjee Football Tournament concludes at the Ambedkar Stadium.

Sandeep died in an army mountaineering expedition in 1992 at the peak of "Abhi Gamin'. The final is scheduled for the day Sandeep died.

The fairplay trophy will be presented to the best team along with a scholarship of Rs 2500/- every year for the best player in the sub-junior. section.

For four years, the Sandeep Lumba Memorial Tournament was held in Delhi from 1993 to 1996. It has now been shifted to Bangalore.

DAV lads win title
From Our Sports Reporter

AMRITSAR, Sept 28 — The local DAV Public School won the seventh All-India Mahatma Hans Raj Cricket Tournament here defeating DMS Jalandhar by six wickets yesterday.

Earlier, DMS were bowled out for only 127 runs and DAV Public School scored the required runs by losing just four wickets.

Brief scores: DMS Jalandhar: 127 all out (Parag 48, Jassi 25, Hemant 2/15, Gaurav 2/2, Raghav 2/22) DAV Public: 128 for 4: Kapil 35, Rahul 36, Rahul Soni 22, Hemant 19 and Jassi 2/18).

Manmeet adjudged best player
From Our Correspondent

FEROZEPORE, Sept 28 — Manmeet Singh of the local Mann Club was adjudged the best player in the men's section of the three-day District Hockey Championship, which concluded at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, here yesterday evening.

Results: Men's section — Mann Club, Ferozepore b Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepore 3-1.

Girl's Section-Khalsa Girls High School, Ferozepore b Government Senior Secondary School, Malsian (Zira) 6-5.

The Ferozepore Police Range Deputy Inspector-General, Mr Hardip Singh Dhillon, gave away the prizes to the winners.

According to the District Sports Officer, Mr H. N. Singh Dadi, a total 18 teams, including 10 teams of men, participated in the championship, which was organised by the District Hockey Association with the assistance of the Sports Department.

Punjab finish second

ALLAHABAD, Sept 28 (UNI) — Uttar Pradesh yesterday won the overall championship at the tenth All-India North Zone Junior Athletic Championship aggregating 616 points.

Punjab came second with 468 points while Haryana were placed third with 299 points.

As many as 413 athletes from seven states — Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and hosts Uttar Pradesh participated in the two-day championship. Three new national records and seven meet records were created in the meet.

Union Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology Dr Murli Manohar Joshi gave away the prizes.

Eves inter-college kabaddi
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Sept 28 — KMV, Jalandhar, won the Guru Nanak Dev University Inter-College Kabaddi 'A' (Women) Championship for the year 1998-99 while Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women, Jalandhar, secured the runners-up position. Guru Nanak National Girls College, Nakodar, was third in this championship.

Similarly, SDSFM College for Women, Rayya, won Guru Nanak University Inter-College 'B' Division Kabaddi (Women) championship S.N. College for Girls Amritsar, was runners-up. SHDKV Kala Sanghia (Kapurthala) was third in this championship.

Bhupathi's win of no avail

NOTTINGHAM, Sept 28 (AP) — Tim Henman defeated Leander Paes of India 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) yesterday to move Britain into next year’s world group, the elite 16 of the Davis Cup, for the first time since 1992.

In the second singles yesterday meaningless to the outcome India’s Mahesh Bhupathi beat Chris Wilkinson 6-3, 6-4 as Britain advanced 3-2 in the best-of-five tie.

Henman’s deciding win in just over two hours gave Britain an unbeatable 3-1 lead. Britain won Friday’s two singles but India stayed alive with a doubles win yesterday as Paes and Bhupathi defeated Henman and Neil Broad.

"It just shows how important the tiebreaks are,’’ Henman said.

Shivin excels
By Our Sports Reporter

NEW DELHI, Sept 28 — Shivin Kwatra (University of Virginia) coasted to a spectacular 2 under par finish in the Keswick Cavalier Golf Classic, a division NCAA, 54 hole 2-day event, which concluded today.

Posting a 70 and 68 on day one, followed by a 73 on day two, Shivin emerged as the leading performer, two shots ahead of illustrious captain James Driscoll, the 1998 gold digest intercollegiate champion.

Such was the depth and quality of the competition that Shivin's 211 placed him tied 11th in a star-studded field. It was to Shivin's credit that he squared his putter up to the slickness, and converted an advantage of having hit 45 of the 54 greens in regulation, even as day one featured a 36 hole play stretching over 9 hours.

Kwatra's debut was richly commented by the media. He is one of the 10 shortlisted probables for the Eisenhower World Amateur Cup and Asian Games to be held later this year.