Ludhiana, October 24
Five persons, including the owner of a dyeing unit, were injured seriously when a newly installed boiler allegedly illegally, blew up in the unit at Bahadurke road here today.

The injured have been identified as Jatinder Kumar, owner of the dyeing unit, and workers Lallan, Pappu, Manpreet and Pintu.

The incident took place this afternoon when workers of Ranbir dyeing unit situated on Bahadurke road were having a lunch sitting near the boiler that was on a furnace.

The injured were rushed to CMC Hospital. The condition of the victims is stated to be critical. They sustained both burn and other injuries as due to the blast, machine parts as well as boiling water hit the victims.

Panic spread in the area as soon as neighbours heard a loud explosion, resembling that of a bomb. They thought a bomb had exploded and started running out of their houses to a safe place. Then they realised that a boiler had blown off and the victims of the incident needed their help.

Area residents then acted and rushed the victims to the hospital. According to the police, during the incident Pintu, Lallan and Pappu were sitting close to the boiler and sustained the major impact of the blast. While Jatinder and Manpreet sustained less impact as they were standing at a distance from the boiler.

It is learnt that the boiler machine, which was recently installed, blew up due to overheating.

Ludhiana, October 24
Municipal Commissioner A.K. Sinha today convened a meeting of officials of the O&M cell, along with sewermen, to chalk out plan for maintenance of sewerage system in the city.

In the open-platform discussion where sewermen and officials aired their grievances to the officer, it was finally decided that every SDO in 13 subdivisions of the corporation would be given 12 sewermen each.

In case the officers were unable to find workforce, they could hire it from the market and plan out a system to start cleaning sewers.

Besides, it was also decided that the corporation would purchase material and equipment so that work could be taken on a priority level.

He exhorted the officials and the sewermen to perform their duties with vigour and honesty and in case they faced any problem, he was always there for them. His focus was on results and was ready to lend men and material to the officials with a warning that dereliction of duty on part of them would not be tolerated by him.

Talking to The Tribune, the Municipal Commissioner said, "The major aim of the discussion with the employees and the sewermen is to act a bridge between them and get him apprised of the real situation of sewer system in the city. Since, it's a vast network, it will surely take time for a change, but difference will be witnessed by the residents."

Ludhiana, October 24
The man, who disappeared on October 13, was allegedly murdered by his wife and her paramour.

In a major breakthrough, the police cracked the sensational murder by arresting victim Ashok Chaudhary's 30-year-old wife, Rani, a resident of Rajjewal village.

Ashok was clubbed to death and his body was buried in a farm in Rajjewal village. The police exhumed the body today and sent it for post-mortem. Both Rani and Kamal have allegedly confessed to their crime.

According to the police, Rani allegedly had an illicit relations with Kamal even before the couple's marriage. He used to visit Rani in Ashok's absence when he used to be away on his work. Ashok used to take agricultural land on contract to eke out a living.

Ashok came to know about Kamal's visit to his house on October 13 when he went back home in the evening. The couple had a heated exchange of words after which Rani called up her paramour and both connived to eliminate him that night.

When Ashok went to sleep, Kamal came to her house. Kamal hit Ashok on the head with a blunt weapon and he died on the spot. Shockingly, when they killed Ashok, the couple's three children were asleep with their father. They did not come to know about the incident.

After murdering Ashok in cold blood, his wife allegedly mopped the floor. They took the body to a farm and buried it a few yards away from their house.

Kamal then disappeared. The next morning, Rani complained to the police that her husband had gone missing. The police registered a missing report.

The police was able to crack the case only after observing Rani, who did not seem to be shaken by her husband's disappearance, said SHO, Laddowal, Devinder Kumar.

He said when he probed the matter, he found out that the two were involved. When he interrogated Rani, she spilled the beans and narrated the entire murder story.

The police has booked both for murder. 

Ludhiana, October 24
Industrialists and farmers of the region seem to be at loggerheads over the burning of paddy straw out in the open.

The industrialists feel that they are the ones who always have to face the wrath of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) for polluting the environment, whereas the pollution created by farmers through burning of straw goes unnoticed.

The farmers, on the other hand, maintain that unless they are provided with some viable solution by the government, the practice of burning of straw in fields will continue.

Jagjit Sood, general secretary of the Brick-Kiln Association, Punjab, says though an ordinance preventing the burning of paddy straw in the open has been passed, the practice still goes unabated in fields.

“Are farmers not contributing to pollution? Why is the industry, be it brick-kiln, dyeing, electroplating, etc. always held responsible for creating pollution,” asks Sood, adding that various methods/techniques have been introduced by scientists through which waste can be recycled.

“People suffering from respiratory ailments are the worst affected. They are allergic to changes in environment and burning of straw adds to their miseries. If the government takes stronger action against those indulging in the practice, things can surely get better,” he adds.

He says farmers have started burning paddy straw in the open around Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Jagraon and Moga.

Balbir Singh Rajewal, general secretary of the Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), says the practice will continue till the government provides some viable solution to farmers.

He says though farmers are aware of the health hazards, they are helpless. They are being misguided by the government/other agencies that a machine has been introduced to deal with the remains of paddy in fields.

“Some of them have suggested that if farmers pay Rs 2,000 per acre, the machine can do the entire work of digging and managing the remains. I am ready to pay even Rs 5,000 for the same work but I know that it is not possible. We have inherited agriculture from our forefathers, we know the reality better. Those sitting in AC rooms cannot find the solution. The practice of burning straw in the open will continue unless the government gives a serious thought and provides a solution,” said Rajewal.

Khanna, October 24
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg today visited various grain markets of Koomkalan and Khasi Kalan to oversee the procurement process.

He was accompanied by chairman of Punjab Agro Industry Corporation Sharanjit Singh Dhillon.

Dhillon said elaborate arrangements had been made in all 1,600 grain markets of the state to ensure smooth procurement of paddy. He said 60,000 metric tonne paddy was arriving in the grain markets of Ludhiana everyday.

He said officials of all procuring agencies had been told to make the process of procurement hassle free for farmers and if any official found to be acting against the interests of farmer would be dealt with iron hand.

He also said farmers had been told to contact him or the district administration and official of procurement agency for any complaints.

Dhillon appealed to the farmers that they should not burn paddy straw which created pollution. He said paddy straw could be converted into useful manure. Useful nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorous and sulphur, got damaged in the fire which could otherwise prove helpful for crops, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg said a target of 15 lakh MT paddy purchase had been set for the current season, which would be achieved in coming days. He pointed out that about 5 lakh MT paddy had been purchased by government agencies till today in Ludhiana district.

Jagraon, October 24
SSP (Ludhiana Rural) Harinder Singh Chahal met with religious figures of the Nanaksar sect and sought their help in fighting drug menace here on Thursday.

He met with Baba Lakha Singh, Baba Ghala Singh and other religious figures at Nanaksar Thath, near here, and sought their co-operation in combating the menace.

There are lakhs of followers of the sect around the world.

The SSP said the habit of consuming drugs was on the rise among the youth and that there was a need for a concerted effort to fight the menace.

He also sought the co-operation of people in this regard. He urged political, religious, social organisations to come forward against the menace.

The police administration also organised a rally against drug menace here. Police officers, relegious and political figures of the area were present and extended their support to the police for the purpose.

Ludhiana, October 24
Having failed to take permission from the department of health and family welfare to conduct a free eye check-up camp, a city-based ophthalmologist in association with an NGO, has circulated pamphlets to invite people to attend the camp.

The advertisement reads that the camp will be held from 9 am to 2 pm at Rawel Ashram, Sheheed Karnail Singh Nagar on Pakhowal road on October 25, wherein Dr Ashok Kumar Gupta will conduct a free eye check-up of the people suffering from eye ailments.

The advertisement also reads that people with cataract problem will be registered during the camp followed by their operations with PHACO technique at Poly Eye Hospital in Jamalpur.

It is a common practice among some ophthalmologists to conduct free eye check-up camps and register the patients for operations in the name of charity. On the contrary, these patients at the time of operation are told that no fee will be charged for the procedure, but they will have to bear the cost of medicines and follow-up treatment.

Dharam Pal Verma, a PAU employee, who had suffered on account of his mother's operation followed by a similar free eye check-up camp in a nearby village by a Ludhiana-based doctor, stated, "It is a common practice of ophthalmologists to lure patients and then hand over hefty bills in the name of follow-up treatment. The health authorities must take action against such erring doctors".

Civil surgeon Maninderjeet Singh, on the other hand, stated that organisers had not taken permission from the department, which is a violation. I will send a team on the venue of the camp to conduct a check followed by a timely action against the organisers and the doctor. "I will also issue instructions to all NGOs organising free medical check-up camps to take permission from the department as it is mandatory to get the approval of the expert team in terms of hygiene," added Dr Singh.

Dr Ashok Kumar Gupta, running Poly Eye Hospital in Jamalpur colony, expressed ignorance on the matter, adding that, "I don't know anything about it as it is up to the organisers to do the same."

Ludhiana, October 24
After spending over two decades in films and television Neena Gupta fears her daughter joining the Bollywood bandwagon.

Like every mother she feels Tinsel town is not a good choice for her daughter, but if her daughter decides to go for it then she is sure to help her out. Neena Gupta was in the city for shooting of a Punjabi film “Cheevan Dariya”.

After the outdoor shooting in the city, the film crew went to Soiyan village, near Malerkotla, for the indoor shooting schedule. Neena was a part of serials like “Buniyaad” and “Saans”. Commenting upon the present serials, their storyline and plots, Neena said such serials were being made simply because they were liked by viewers.

“Change is the law of nature and we should accept it. No doubt meaningful serials are also made today and they also have their own audience. It is up to the actors to choose their serials,” she feels.

Neena also showed her interest to be a part of reality shows. “No interesting offer has come my way so far. If something good comes up, then I will definitely go for it,” she added.

This is the first time that Neena is doing a Punjabi film. “Since I belong to Delhi, I am well versed with the language and don’t find it difficulty to speak,” she adds.

The best thing she finds about Punjab is its food. “I love Punjabi food. Dal makhani, shahi paneer, palak, etc are my favourite.”

Ludhiana, October 24
Recession might have hit most economies across the globe, but not for city kids, as it is evident from the eighth edition of Cartoon Network’s research on kid’s lifestyle and choices.

The study was conducted across 14 cities, including Ludhiana, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengalaru, Indore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Madurai and Kochi, with a respondent profile of 3,253 children between seven and 18 years, besides 735 mothers.

On the pocket money front, Ludhiana tops the charts. Kids from Ludhiana receive maximum pocket money, the study reveals. Across all cities, over 63 per cent kids said they received pocket money once or more than once a week, and 73 per cent said they get less than Rs 100 a month as pocket money.

Ludhiana being the affluent industrial hub, and as children are the obsession of families, the city dwellers don’t mind spending any amount on their children.

Sandeep Jain, a student of the PSEB, said students got minimum Rs 2,500 per month and spent Rs 100-150 daily in the canteen. Boys here were crazy about cell phones, he added.

Amanpreet Kaur said boys carried Rs 5,000 in their wallets. Even the girl students from high-class families flaunted their riches by showing their branded watches and bags. The students bringing their cars and bikes were a common sight.

Rhythm and Megha, students of CBSE schools, feel that with pocket money one has cash in hand and becomes self-dependent.

Shubneet, Ashima and Somreet, students of Convent School from Jagroan, said people in Ludhiana were advanced and had more freedom. City girls wear branded clothes and diamond rings.

Some of the parents even feel that money should be given to children for petrol or diesel and even medical emergencies. “If we give them money, we also ask them about every penny spent. We don’t want our children to borrow money from others.”

Ludhiana, October 24
Devinder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (D), today said the district administration and the District Employment Generation Training Department will organise mass counselling in the form of Rozgar Mela in various towns and villages of the district to provide information regarding different schemes started by the government to help the unemployed youth start their own ventures.

During a meeting here this evening, Devinder Singh said all arrangements for organising these melas at the different part of the district were complete.

The Rojgar Mela will be organized at Government College Sidhsar (Payal) on October 26, Government College for Women Ludhiana on October 27, Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Jagroan on November 3, Government Senior Secondary School, Pakhowal on November 4, Government Girls Senior Secondary, Samrala, on November 5, Government Senior Secondary School, Machhiwara, on November 9, Swami Ganga Giri Senior Secondary School, Raikot, on November 10.

Similarly, the mela will be held at Government Senior Secondary School, Libra (Khanna), on November 11, GSSS, Katani Kalan, on November 13, GTB College, Doraha, on November 17, GSS School, Jandiali, on November 18, GSS, Dakha, on November 23, Government Science College, Jagroan, on November 26 and Khalsa College for Women, Sidhwan Khurd, on November 27.

At the meeting, Vishav Bandhu, general manager, District Industry Centre, Amarjit Kaur, DEO Secondary, Minakshi Sharma, District Rojgar Training Officer and all BDPOs were present at the meeting and discussed in detail how to organise these melas. He said loan would be provided to the entrepreneurs for setting up their own venture. 

Khamano, October 24
Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival of Panjab University, Zone B, started today at Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College for Women, Jhar Sahib, with the recitation of shabad singing. MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, came first in this competition and Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh, bagged the second position.

In group song competition, Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh, and Dev Samaj College, Chandigarh, came first and second, respectively. In rangoli competition, National College for Women, Macchiwara, came first while Home Science College, Chandigarh, took the second place. In crochet work, GGS Khalsa College, Jhar Sahib, and Dev Samaj College, Chandigarh, came first and second, respectively.

In knitting competition, National College, Macchiwara, and Mai Bhago College for Women, Ramgarh, came first and second, respectively. In mehandi competition, Mai Bhago College, Ramgarh, and Dev Samaj College, Chandigarh, bagged first and second positions, respectively.

In ‘pakhi’ making competition, GGS College, Jhar Sahib, and National College, Macchiwara, grabbed first and second positions, respectively. In phulkari competition, Dev Samaj College, Chandigarh, and MCM DAV College, Chandigarh, came first and second, respectvely. In dusuti competition, Mai Bhago College, Ramgarh, came first while National College, Macchiwara, stood second.

In classical vocal competition, Government College, Sector 11, Chandigarh, and MCM DAV College came first and second, respectively.

The programme was inaugurated by SGPC president Avtar Singh. In his address, he appealed to the students to work hard for a better future.

Ludhiana, October 24
The circular issued by the ministry of finance, Punjab, and financial commissioner, mandating filing of forms “C” and “H” at the time of claiming VAT refunds has caused panic in the industrial sector of the state.

The Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) has condemned the circular, describing it unjustified and unwarranted.

In a statement here today, Avtar Singh, CICU general secretary, said industrialists had been allowed to fill out form “C” annually at the close of the year.

Similarly, relaxation was also given for filing of form “H” to manufacturer-exporters.

The latest directive necessitating the filing of forms “C” and “H” along with every VAT refund application had not found favour with industrialists, as it was not viable. It could not be compiled under the circumstances cited above.

The CICU urged the Chief Minister to intervene in the matter and direct the excise and taxation department and ministry of finance to continue with the old practice of filing such forms at the close of year, withdrawing the present circular.

Ludhiana, October 24
The CIA- II police claimed to have busted a gang of motor cycle thieves with the arrest of three youths and recovery of seven vehicles from their possession.

The three have been identified as Kuldeep Kumar, alias Sunny, a resident of Neem Wala Chowk, Raman Kumar, alias Bawa, of Mochpura and Deep Jain, alias Motta, of Khud Mohalla.

The accused were nabbed from the Tibba road last night. Addressing a press conference, DSP (D) Varinder Brar said Kuldeep and Raman had earlier been arrested for similar offences.

The police said the two were released recently. After coming out of jail, they involved Deepak and formed a gang one month ago.

They had been active in the Feroze Gandhi Market, Ghumar Mandi and mini secretariat areas and had been planning to sell the vehicles to scrap dealers and secondhand scooter dealers in Khanna, Jagraon and Mullahpur Dakha at throwaway prices.

Kuldeep’s father is reportedly undergoing a jail term for murder.

According to the police, the three were unemployed. Interestingly, none of them was addicted to drugs.

The police said the accused had committed thefts to lead a life of extravagance.

The DSP said during interrogation, the three cracked and admitted to committing thefts.

The police further raided their residences and recovered six stolen motor cycles.

The accused were produced in court and were remanded in police custody.

Mullanpur Dakha, October 24
The police has busted a gang of two-wheelers thieves and recovered three stolen bikes from their possession.

According to the police, the two used to steal bikes from various localities of Ludhiana and sell these at throwaway prices after finding a suitable buyer.

SHO Prem Singh said ASI Gurmeet Singh got a tip-off that the accused — Sonu and Money, alias Jacob Masih, both of Chandan Nagar Bhaura, near Salim Tabri, Ludhiana — were riding a stolen motor cycle.

He intercepted the two and arrested them and recovered the stolen motor cycle (PB 10 BX 9986).

On investigation, the police seized another motor cycle (PB 10 CP 2474) near Radha Swami Satsang Ghar. The third motor cycle (PB 10 CB 2993) was found near a bridge on the canal near Chak Kalan village.

The police has booked the two under Sections 379 and 411 of the IPC and remanded them in judicial custody.

Jagraon, October 24
The Raikot police has booked a man and his mother for harassing and seeking dowry from his wife after the marriage and attempting to kill her by administrating poison.

Mukhtiar Singh of Raikot had stated that his daughter Harpinder Kaur was married to Harminder Singh of Kacha Malak Road Jagraon in 2004.

After some time, her in-laws started harassing her mentally and physically for bringing inadequate dowry and turned her out of their house.

She stayed with her parents at Raikot for one and half years. After the intervention of some prominent persons of the area, she was sent back to the house of her in-laws at Jagraon.

However, they again allegedly started harassing her for bringing inadequate dowry and tried to kill her on August 31 by making her consume pesticides.

She escaped from their clutches and reported the matter to her father.

He bought her home and complained to the DGP, Punjab, on September 12.

Balwinder Singh, in charge, women and children security cell, Jagraon, probed the matter and found the allegations true.

After consultation with the DA legal, the SSP (Ludhiana Rural) ordered the registration of a case against the accused.

The Raikot police booked Harminder Singh, husband, and his mother Karamjit Kaur under Sections 307, 498A and 34, IPC, and Sections 3 and 4, Dowry Prevention Act. No arrest has been made so far.

Ludhiana, October 24
Two men decamped with Rs 1 lakh from a scooter parked outside a bank at Cheema Chowk, after breaking open its glove compartment, here yesterday. The incident took place in the afternoon when Roshan Kumar, working as a computer operator, went inside a state-owned bank to deposit a cheque.

Narrating the incident, Roshan said he had withdrawn Rs 1 lakh from a private bank situated in Miller Gunj and put the cash in his scooter’s glove compartment. He then proceeded to drop a cheque in another bank.

According to Roshan, when he entered the bank, two men parked their motor cycle near his scooter. "Before I could react, the two broke open the glove compartment of my scooter, stole the cash and fled," he added.

The police arrived at the scene and began investigations.

Ludhiana, October 24
Gurbaz Singh of GGN Khalsa College, Ludhiana, clocked 1.12:62 seconds to create a new meet record in the 1000m time trial event (men) in the Panjab University Inter-College Cycling Championship and selection trials held at the cycling velodrome of Punjab Agricultural University. He bettered his previous record of 1.13.61 seconds set last year. Satbir Singh of the same college was the runner-up (1.15:64 seconds), Deepak Mehta from Guru Gobind Singh College for Boys, Sector 26, Chandigarh, came third (1.16:00 seconds).

In the women's section, Aashi of Government College for Women, Chandigarh, clinched the title in 1000m massed start event. Manvir Kaur of Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, and Nisha Rani of G N College for Women, Model Town, Ludhiana, secured the second and third positions.

In the 500m time trial, Amandeep Kaur of Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, won the title in 44.20 seconds. Nisha Rani of G N College for Women, Model Town, Ludhiana, (45.30 seconds) secured third position. Amandeep Kaur from Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, finished third (52.43 seconds).

The following cyclists were selected to represent Panjab University in the upcoming All-India Inter Varsity Cycling Championship. Men: Gurbaz Singh, Satbir Singh and Sandeep Singh (all from GGN Khalsa College College, Ludhiana), Deepak Mehta (Guru Gobind Singh, College, Chandigarh).

Women: Aashi (Government College, Chandigarh), Manvir Kaur and Amandeep Kaur (Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana), Nisha and Amandeep Kaur, (G N College for Women, Model Town, Ludhiana).

Ludhiana, October 24
Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar, along with Alpine International School, Machhiwara, came out triumphant in the boys’ under-14 and under-19 categories, respectively, to secure berths in the semifinal on the penultimate day of the XVIth CBSE Cluster Table Tennis Championship at MGM Public School, Dugri, here today.

Kundan Vidya Mandir, Ludhiana,, too, advanced into the last-four stage in the boys’ under-19 category.

Results: Boys u-14 (quarterfinal): Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar b Sacred Heart Convent School, Ludhiana, 3-2 (Naman lost to Shung, Jatin b Umed; Sparsh b Sumeet; Jatin lost to Shung and Naman b Umed); Alpine International School, Ludhiana, b Darshan Academy, Ludhiana, 3-0 (Raghav b Sharandeep; Saransh b Harnoor and Shubham b Rahul); AV Public School, Fazilka, b Ryan International School, Ludhiana, 3-0 (Prikshit b Mandeep; Raghav b Jasjot and Ishan b Chintan).

Boys’ u-16 (quarterfinal): DAV International School, Amritsar, b Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar, 3-0 (Vaibhav b Abhinav, Lotus b Parth and Dikshit b Ashin); Sacred Heart School, Ludhiana, b BCM School, Dugri, Ludhiana, 3-1 (Abhaydeep b Ankur, Sidharth b Kartikay, Rishabh lost to Dhruv and Abhaydeep b Kartikay); DAV School, Amritsar, b GPS, Gobindgarh 3-0 (Kushal b Tanjot Singh, Madhur b Dev Kumar and Varun b Mayur Gupta).

Girls’ u-14 (semifinal): DAV International School, Amritsar, b Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar, 3-1 and AV Public School, Fazilka, b Greena Land School, Ludhiana, 3-2.

Girls’ u-19 (semifinal): Green Land Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana b DAV Public School, Amritsar, 3-1 and Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar, b MGN School, Jalandhar, 3-2.

Boys’ u-19 (quarterfinal): Alpine International School, Ludhiana, b Spring Dale Senior Secondary School, Amritsar, 3-0; Apeejay Public School, Jalandhar, b Darshan Academy, Ludhiana, 3-0; Guru Amar Dass Public School b Green Land Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, 3-2 and Kundan Vidya Mandir, Ludhiana, b MGN Public School, Jalandhar, 3-1.

Ludhiana, October 24
Faulty design and absence of a coach has kept players from coming to a squash court constructed by the Ludhiana municipal corporation seven years ago.

The court was inaugurated in 2002 and has not been used by players even once.

Set up at a prime location adjacent to Rakh Bagh, where the price of land is in crores, the court lies abandoned, reflecting the apathetic attitude of the civic body, whose officials and area councillors have not bothered to initiate steps to make it playable.

Constructed with quality infrastructure like marble, plaster of Paris (POP), tiles and a fountain at the entrance, this state-of-the-art court has no caretaker, as a result of which switchboards and windowpanes of the doors have been plundered.

During a visit to the court, a Ludhiana Tribune team easily accessed the two-storey building as the door was not locked. The building was occupied by stray dogs.

The entrance to the building, constructed in marble, had wild growth and the POP on the roof of the building had come off. Investigations revealed that there were many technical flaws in the court due to which sportspersons had rejected the facility.

The length and width of the court was not according to the international standards. Also, there were no soundproof enclosures and two poles came in the view of the spectator gallery.

Neither politicians nor municipal officials had ever tried to rectify the flaws to put the court to use.

Harbans Singh, training in-charge, SAI coaching centre, and coordinator, Punjab, said: “Before constructing any sports facility, international standards are kept on priority because they form the foundation for players. It can be done by taking advice of experts from the sports department.”

If the corporation removes the technical flaws in the building and appoint a coach, the court can become an instant hit with players, he added.

Ludhiana, October 24
Local lad Pranav Chopra continues to make waves in the international arena with the shuttler today winning matches in the boys’ doubles category to enable India to book a place in the last-eight stage of the the Yonex Sunrise BWF World Junior Badminton Championship being held in Malaysia.

According to sources, Pranav, a trainee of the Ludhiana Badminton Academy, paired with Sai Praneet from Maharashtra, held his nerves and exhibited superb control to down the pair of Lam Timothy and Kadam Suharbi from Canada in straight sets 21-16 and 21-11.

India now take on Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinal.

Pranav Chopra and Sai Praneet are number one ranking players in India in junior doubles section and were bronze medalists in the Youth Common Wealth Games 2009.

Ludhiana, October 24
Nine girl students of SD Girls Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana, have been picked up by the Punjab Karate Federation to represent the state in the National Karate Championship slated to be held at Ghaziabad on November 7 and 8, according to Charanjit Kumar, general secretary of the federation.

These karatekas will attend an advanced training camp scheduled to be organised from October 26 to November 5, prior to their participation in the national meet. The selected girls are Chahat, Monika, Ruhani, Shweta, Neha, Priyanka, Komal, Pooja and Savita.

They were honoured at a function, organised at the school, today. Sunita Bhandari, principal of the school, congratulated the students on being selected to represent the state and wished them good luck. Former national karate players namely Rashim Sehgal, Sunita Kapoor and Anita Chopra were also present.