Polyclinic comes to soldier’s rescue
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18
Following reports of a 72-year-old disabled ex-serviceman being in dire straits, the Defence Veterans Polyclinic in Mohali has taken up the task of his treatment free of cost. Gunner Kulwant Singh had received several gunshot wounds during the 1948 operations against Pakistan and had been discharged from service on medical grounds.

Chairman and Managing Director of the polyclinic, Brig (Dr) M.L. Kataria (retd), said following the news report, an ambulance was despatched to fetch Kulwant Singh from his residence in Mohali to the polyclinic, where he was thoroughly examined by specialists. All necessary investigations were also carried out.

Brigadier Kataria said Kulwant was suffering from depression, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, visual impairment and locomotive disabilities due to gunshot injuries. He is not entitled to treatment in military hospitals as his disability pension was not released. Brigadier Kataria said that Kulwant’s treatment, who was in a bad shape, was being taken up as a goodwill measure as the aim of the polyclinic was established for the welfare of defence veterans.

Kulwant Singh had served as a technical assistant with the 2nd SP Field Regiment of the Royal Indian Artillery from October, 1947, to December, 1949. During active service in the Chhamb sector. He received bullet injuries in his left shoulder and both legs.

“I had made a lot of efforts to get my disability pension, but nothing came through,” Kulwant Singh told The Tribune today. He worked in the Military Engineer Service for some time and then as a motor vehicle mechanic for a few years.

“I do not receive any kind of pension or monetary support from the government, which makes life difficult,” he said. He is presently staying with his son who works in Canara Bank.

SPORTS

Indian team played well in Australia, says Yuvraj
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, February 18
Yuvraj Singh, the local cricket sensation, is excited to pay his maiden visit to Pakistan in near future.

Speaking to newspersons here today at the Forest Hill resort, near Karoran village, he said it was good that the Government of India had cleared the tour of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan.

On the performance in Australia, he said though the Indian batting order could not perform as per expectations in the last two matches, it should not be assumed that the team did not play well there. “In initial matches, both Tests and ODIs, our players did exceedingly well and became a scare for the home team,” he said.

Yuvraj, who was accompanied by his mother, Shabnam Singh, at the venue, said he would like to concentrate on cricket only and marriage would come afterwards. Yuvraj reached the city today after attending the marriage of his colleague, V.V.S. Laxman, in Hyderabad.

Earlier, honorary membership of the Forest Hill Club was conferred upon him by Col B.S. Sandhu.

Kabaddi match

Thousands of spectators watch the India-Pakistan kabaddi match held at Chakwal Stadium, Kurali, on Wednesday. — Tribune photo by Parvesh Chauhan

It was a treat to watch more than 20,000 persons, mostly ruralities, who sat glued to witness a friendly kabaddi match played between two club teams from Pakistan and India. The venue was Chakwal National Senior Secondary School, Kurali, about 28 km from here.

Till half time, Indians were leading, 32-16. They won the match 32-18.

For visitors, Shahbaz Dhillon, Tahid and Shahbaz Alio performed well, while Palli, the skipper, stole the show for Indians. He was accompanied in the feat by Soma, Balwinder Singh and Manjit Singh.

Mr Jagmohan Singh Kang, Sports Minister, Punjab, was the chief guest. He gave away the prizes. Various other local dignitaries were also present to witness the match.

Football tourney

The 15th All-India Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Football Tournament got off to a colourful start on Wednesday at the railway grounds, Kalka.

The District Football Association, Nahan, overpowered the Diamond Football Club, Kalka, 4-1; The Coaching Centre, Ambala, defeated the Youngsters Club, Yamunanagar, 1-0; and the Coaching Centre, Chandigarh, got the better of the Haryana Police, 2-1.

Cricket tournament

SPICE XI moved into the final of the CRY Cadence Corporate Cricket Challenge Tournament played here at the Sector 3 cricket stadium, Panchkula, on Wednesday.

In the semifinal, SPICE XI defeated Infosys Technologies by six wickets. Earlier, HFCL XI made it to the final to be held on February 21 at the same venue.

Brief scores: Infosys:113 all out in 19.5 overs (Vijay Gupta 24, Amit Garg 14, Manan 3 for 20, Rajeev Goyal 2 for 22).

SPICE XI: 116 in 19.5 overs (Rajesh 36, Hemant 31 n.o.,Vijay 2 for16).

Rajeev Goyal was declared the man of the match.

Sports meet

Harish was declared best athlete in the two-day 46th Annual Sports meet of the DAV College, Sector 10, which concluded here this evening on the college premises.

Mr Charanjit Singh Bajwa, former international athlete, was the chief guest. He appreciated the achievements of college students.

He told them that they were the luckiest being in the one of the best colleges.

He said a sportsperson rules the minds of the majority of the community thus enjoys more value then others.

Earlier the Principal, Mr Satish Marriya, welcomed the chief guest. He gave a brief account of the achievements of students in the field sports. Results are as follows:

100 metre:Harmal Singh 1, Harish Singh 2, and Harkirat Singh 3; 200 metres:Harish Singh 1, Harvinder Singh 2, and Akashdeep Singh 3; 800 metres: Harish Singh 1, Sukhvinder Singh 2, and Indermohan Singh 3; 5,000 metres: Harmal Singh 1, Sukhvinder Singh 2, and Satvinder Singh 3; long jump: Harvinder Singh1, Harkirat Singh 2, and Deepak 3.

Visually impaired cricketers for more Indo-Pak matches
Our Correspondent

Fatehgarh Sahib, February 18
Cricket and hockey matches between the teams of India and Pakistan are always keenly contested. These also helped in improving relations between the two countries. More matches should be organised between the teams of two countries and the apprehension of security should not hinder the process.

This was stated by Mr George Ibrahim, Chairman of the World Blind Cricket Association. He was talking to Chandigarh Tribune at the Floating Restaurant here today. He was leading the 16-member Indian team of visually impaired players. The team halted here for refreshment on its way to Pakistan for five-match series.

The team was accorded a warm reception by the district administration and the Punjab Sports Association for Blinds. Mr Gurpreet Singh from Punjab is the lone member of the team from northern states, except Delhi. Mr Ibrahim said the team was going to Pakistan for the first time and the players were thrilled.

He said even their family members and children have boosted their morale and urged them to go and play in Pakistan. He said they had no terror in their minds.

He said the senior cricket team should also not be afraid of anything and must undertake Pakistan tour. “No one has any enmity with players,” he said. Earlier Mr Parminder Singh, Chairman of the Punjab Sports Association for Blind, welcomed the team.