Chandigarh, July 13
Dr Vijay Naik, Consulting Prosthetist and Orthotost from the USA has brought smiles to many faces. A renowned researcher who has invented the world famous Cross Leg Prosthesis "Prabha Foot" and "Miracle" electronic upper limb prosthesis, Dr Naik is credited with bringing relief to poor patients of osteoarthritis who can't afford a surgery.

In Chandigarh today, the founder of the technique called 'Poly Centric Knee Brace' for osteoarthritis spoke about the importance of research and development in the area. His talk was relevant considering osteoarthritis is one of the commonest forms of arthritis and one third of India's population suffers from it.

"This is a common problem resulting from the breakdown of the cartilage inside the knee joints which is a rough, rubbery tissue protecting the bones from friction. It mainly occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage and is more common in persons over the age of fifty. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) is one surgical method to get relief from this problem. But a common man cannot afford this costly surgery," said Dr Naik, who will hold a three day corrective camp, beginning tomorrow on the premises of Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Sector 26.

During the camp, Dr Naik will examine patients and develop knee braces for them. Dr Naik has been practicing his technique for a long time at the PNR Society for Relief and Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Bhavnagar, Gujarat.

On a tour of India with his mobile team meant for purposeful outreach, Dr Naik promises to solve the problems of those who come to see him at Sector 26. The idea is to offer Poly Centric Knee Brace to anyone in need of it.

Chandigarh, July 13
Maintaining oral hygiene is the only way to keep oral cancers and diseases at bay, said Prof S.G. Tamble, national president, Indian Dental Association, in Chandigarh today on a visit of the state branch.

“Of the total number of body cancers, 38 to 42 per cent are made up by oropharyngal cancer, which is caused by various factors, including smoking and chewing of tobacco, which is a nuisance in any form,” Professor Tamble said, adding that India was infamous across the world for high incidence of oral cancer.

Blaming “gutka paan masala” as another powerful agent of oral diseases and infections, Professor Tamble said the only way to maintain oral health was to avoid the consumption of products like gutka paan masala.

Chandigarh, July 13
Riding high on 11 goals by striker Gurpreet Kaur, Punjab thrashed Gujarat by 28-0 in a totally one-sided affair in the Cluster H qualifying round match of the third Junior Girls Under-17 National Football Championship being held at the Punjab Engineering College grounds here today.

Punjab not even gave a single chance to Gujarat players and dominated throughout the match, scoring 28 goals.

Gurpreet, who seemed in her finest touch today, struck in the 12th minute of the game. After that, she took full advantage of the pressure and scored 10 more goals (22nd, 27th, 34th, 35th, 54th, 55th, 62nd, 69th, 70th and 77th minutes).

Sukhdeep, who drew first brace in the 36th second of the match, netted seven goals (3rd, 28th, 50th, 51st, 65th and 68th minutes) followed by five goals through Amandeep (18th, 20th, 32nd, 57th and 76th minutes). Vimandeep Kaur contributed four goals (38th, 39th, 48th and 67th minutes) while Harpreet Kaur scored one goal in the 72nd minute.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh moved into the quarter-final league after beating Kerala with a solitary goal. With its second successive triumph and securing six points in Cluster G, the UP team has become the first team to qualify for the Group B quarter-final league. The lone goal was scored by Pinky Sharma in the 43rd minute.

The other match, between Delhi and Maharashtra, was won by Maharashtra 6-0. The second successive defeat made Delhi exit from the championship.

Maharashtra owed their triumph to their team work. Lubna Lobbo scored three goals in the 28th, 31st and 43rd minutes. Akanksha Singh scored two goals.

Rajasthan, who lost to West Bengal by 16-0 in their first Cluster E match, got a surprise walkover from Himachal Pradesh. 

Chandigarh, July 13
A fine knock of 93 runs by Karan Khosla helped MCM Blues Academy, Sector 36, to defeat Mohali Cricket Academy by 50 runs in the Alchemist Four-Team Invitational Cricket Tournament for Under-12 being organised by DP Azad Cricket Academy at the St Stephen's School ground in Sector 45 here today.

Batting first MCM Blues Academy scored 146 for 5 in their stipulated 20 overs. Besides Karan, Lucky (14) and Harpreet (16) were the other main scorers for MCM Blues. MCA's Mayank (2 for 23) and Mayank Sood (2 for 34) were the most successful bowlers.

Brief scores: MCM Blues Academy-36: 146 for 5 in 20 overs (Karan Khosla 93, Lucky 14, Harpreet 16, Mayank 2 for 23, Mayank Sood 2 for 34).

MC Academy: 96 for 9 in 20 overs (Shine 27, Pranav 12, Khusinder 2 for 13, Angad 1 for 14, Arush 1 for 10, Harry 1 for 16). —TNS