Work hit as panchayat officials go on strike
Our Correspondent

Dera Bassi, December 3
The functioning of village panchayats has been badly affected due to strike of officials of the panchayat department for the past 10 days in the state. Village panchayats are not able to conduct development works in villages in the absence of their officials.

Notably, block development and panchayat officers, district development and panchyat officers, deputy directors and the ADC of the department have been organising strike at the district headquarters in the state on the call of the Rural Development Association for last 10 days.

They have been demanding revised salaries. After visiting the block development and panchyat office, Dera Bassi, it was found that sarpanchs of various village panchayats returned disheartened in the absence of BDPO. Nirmail Singh Malkpur, block president of the Panchayat Union, Dera Bassi, said that development works in all villages were lying incomplete due to the strike of officials of the department concerned. He demanded that the government should accept the genuine demands of the panchayat department officials to end the strike.

Fatehgarh Sahib to be Shri Fatehgarh Sahib soon
Surinder Bhardwaj

Fatehgarh Sahib, December 3
The state government has decided to rename district Fatehgarh Sahib as " Shri Fatehgarh Sahib" Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has approved the proposal and a formal decision in this regard will be taken in the next cabinet meeting, said Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, secretary general, SAD(B), and an aspirant for SAD(B) ticket from the Fatehgarh Sahib seat.

He said that the decision had been taken keeping in view the religious sentiments of the people towards the great martyrs Baba Zorawar Singh, Baba Fateh Singh and Mata Gujri Ji, who were bricked alive at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib. Chandumajra was interacting with the people during his tour of the constituency. He sought suggestions from residents for the development of the area. Whereas the people in various villages and towns have urged Chandumajra that only adding word " Shri" would not serve the purpose rather he should take initiative to declare Fatehgarh Sahib as the " Holy City". Chandumajra assured to take up the issue with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Robbers decamp with jewellery, cash, pistol
Suman Bhatnagar

Ambala, December 3
Robbers decamped with jewellery, cash and a pistol from the house of an ex- Army Captain at Ambala City last late evening. They also took away the passport and other important documents of his daughter who had come from the US to attend the marriage of her brother.

AJS Bhuttar, who runs a cooking gas agency and resides in the Model Town area, had gone to Patiala along with his family members to purchase some articles for the marriage of his son fixed for December 26.

When he came back in the evening he noticed that the main door of his house was opened. When he entered the house he found that the locks of cupboards were broken and valuable articles were missing. He immediately informed the matter to the police.

The police said besides jewellery worth lakhs of rupees, the robbers took away Rs. 4.5 lakh cash and a pistol from there. The police summoned a team of finger experts and dog squad yet no clue was found.

The police said that the robbers were aware that the owner of the house was away. The police has registered a case against the unknown robbers.

700 participate in athletics meet
Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 3
As many as 700 players from 71 affiliated colleges of Punjabi University, Patiala, are taking part in the three-day athletics meet that began at the university campus this morning.

IG Jagdish Mittal was the chief guest on the occasion whereas advocate Jatinder Nath was the guest of honour.

In the half marathon, Ratan Lal stood first whereas Parmod Singh and Pratap Singh were second and third, respectively.

CRIME

Thieves strike at 4 shops in Sec 15
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
Thieves broke locks and shutters of four shops at the Sector-15 market in the wee hours today. The images of two thieves were captured in a CCTV installed at a sweetmeat shop, where thieves decamped with Rs 14,000.

The two thieves entering Gagan Sweets were captured on CCTV. They entered in the shop at 3:25 am.

While one of them, with his face covered, climbed the cash counter and started searching the drawers, the other, his head covered with the hood of his jacket, stood at the entrance.

According to the recording, the accused stayed at the shop for around one minute and 25 seconds. Sweetshop owner Gurpreet Singh said two employees were sleeping inside, but they failed to know about the theft.

The thieves also targeted a hardware store close by, from where they reportedly decamped with Rs 36,000. The owner of the shop, Jagdish Singh, said thieves only took the cash.

The thieves targeted a departmental store next to the hardware shop, where Rs 25,000, dry fruit and juices were missing. The shop owner, Darshan Lal, said the thieves must have taken a round of the shop.

The thieves also decamped with Rs 6,000 from a liquor vend. ASP Des Raj said CCTV footage of the accused had been taken. A forensic team also lifted fingerprints from the shops.

SPORTS

Arunam scripts Kings XI Mohali win
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
A fine batting performance by Arunam (68 not out) helped Kings XI Mohali to defeat Mohali Super Kings by 54 runs in the First Sardar Amar Singh Memorial U-16 Cricket Tournament held at MCA cricket ground here today.

After winning the toss Kings XI Mohali decided to bat first and piled up 234 for the loss of 7 wickets in their stipulated 40 overs. Arunam 68 notout and Taranpreet 47 were the main scorers. For Mohali Super Kings, Sachin and Gurkerit took two wickets each giving away 21 and 37 runs, respectively.

In reply Mohali Super Kings failed to achieve the target and were all out for 180 runs in 38.3 overs. Jannat 44 not out and Lakhwinder 28 were the main scorers. For Kings XI Harpreet was pick of the bowlers as he scalped three wickets giving away 31 runs. Harman was the other wicket taker who took one wicket for 28 runs.

Brief scores:

Kings XI: 234 for 7 wickets in 40 overs (arunam 68 not out, Taranpreet 47, sachin 2 for 21, gurkerit 2 for 37).

Mohali Super Kings: 180 all out in 38.3 overs (jannat 44 not out, lakhwinder 28, harpreet 3 for 31, Harman 1 for 28)

Tomorrow’s fixture: Second match in MCA Cricket Academy at 8 am.

DP Azad Cricket
Akash wields APJ into semifinals
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
APJ, Kharar, is set to clash with DP Azad Cricket Academy in the semifinals of the second St Stephen Junior Championship for Under-12. APJ defeated DAV Cricket Academy, Sector 8, by 2 wickets here today.

After winning the toss, DAV-8 decided to bat first and scored 100 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their stipulated 20 overs.

In reply APJ Kharar achieved the target of 101 runs in 19.4 overs losing 8 wickets in the process.

Brief scores

DAV 8: 100 for 4 in 20 overs (Prashant Tomar 47, Vishwajeet 14 Abhinash Singh 2 for 19)

APJ Kharar: 101 for 8 in 19.4 overs (Akash Bisht 26, Inderpreet Singh 12, Ayush verma 3 for 32, Dharamveer 1 for 18).

They are no ordinary kids
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
Where there is a will there is a way, and these special children epitomise the saying to the fullest. They might not be technically sound in the game of cricket or play as quick as normal players, but these special children have the capability to give them a tough fight.

Cricket players of the Regional Institute of Medical Handicap (RIMH) were seen displaying their batting, bowling and fielding skills during a match organised to celebrate the World Disability Day at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32, here today.

Proving their mettle and exhibiting their courage, the mentally challenged children of the institute have shown real dedication towards the sports and also brought many laurels not only at the state level but also at the national-level games.

“These players are not less than normal kids; they love to play the game and practice hard. We have a 12-member team and everyone is confident of their skills. The players also played in the recently held National Games for the mentally challenged children,” said Kumud Giri, coach of the team.

On the other hand, the players were seen converting their fine stokes into runs, while playing in-field.

“We like playing cricket and will continue to play. We received support from our teachers and my favourite shot is straight drive,” said Pappu, a left-handed opener of the team.

Interestingly, the players undergo a daily routine practice session of two hours in the morning and also play matches on weekends.

“I have been coaching them for the past 12 years. They regularly attend the morning practice session everyday where they learn all aspect of the game. They at times play better than normal children and deserve great appreciation for it. To boost their moral, I usually call them by famous names in the cricketing world,” said the coach.

CLTA to host international matches
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
The Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association will host ITF Junior Circuit Grade-3 for Boys and Girls followed by ITF Men’s Future US $ 10,000 Tennis Tournament in January and February next year.

Stating this in a press note to the media here today, the CLTA spokesman said that the International Tennis Federation (ITF) had allotted two international tennis tournaments to CLTA. The first tournament will be the ITF Junior Circuit Grade-3 for Boys and Girls from January 9 to 14, followed by ITF Men’s Future US $ 10,000 Tennis Tournament from February 20 to 25 next year.

At a meeting of the steering committee of the tournaments held at CLTA Tennis Stadium, Sector 10, Rajan Kashyap, chief patron, CLTA, apprised VK Singh, UT Finance and Sports Secretary, and chairman of the steering committee for the tournaments about the formation of various sub-committees to look after the arrangements for the upcoming international tennis tournaments. He further informed the house that top players from about 20 countries, including India will be participating in the ITF Junior Grade-3 Tennis Tournaments. Leander Paes and his father Dr. Vece Paes will be visiting CLTA during ITF Men’s Future US $ 10, 0000 Tennis Tournament to be held in February, he added.

Inter-department cricket
ITI, Medical Health Officer XI outclass rivals
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
ITI, UT, Chandigarh, defeated Chandigarh Hospitality Department by nine wickets in the Chandigarh Inter-Department Cricket Tournament held at Government Model Senior Secondary School Ground in Sector 26 here today.

ITI won the toss and elected to field first. Hospitality Department were bundled out for 37 runs in 10 overs. Rajpal remained not out on six. For ITI, Inderpreet (4 for 12) and Charanjeet Singh (4 for 9) were the main wicket takers.

In reply, ITI scored the required 38 runs in 5.5 overs by losing only one wicket. Charanjeet Singh and Rajesh remained not out on 15 and 12, respectively.

In the second match at the same venue, Medical Health Officer XI outclassed CITCO by six wickets. They won the toss and elected to field. Batting first, CITCO posted 120 for 6 in allotted 20 overs. All-rounder Narinder Kawatra scored 58 runs while Daniel Banerjee scored 15 runs. For Medical Officer Health XI Subhash, Vinay and Satpal took one wicket each for 27, 12 and 7 runs, respectively.

Chasing a victory target of 121, Medical Officer Health XI achieved the target in 19 overs by scoring 122 for 4. Joginder scored 25 and Monu 42 runs. For CITCO Shiv Kumar bagged 2 for 26. while MS Rana took 1 wicket for 16 runs.

Uday Kaul to lead Punjab
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 3
Uday Kaul has been retained as the captain of Punjab team for the remaining league matches of the Ranji Trophy as Harbhajan Singh, was ruled out for four weeks due to shin injury.

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the senior selection committee of Punjab convened by MP Pandove, PCA, honorary secretary, and chaired by Chaman Lal Malhotra at PCA Stadium Mohali here today.

The selectors after due deliberations and considering the performance of the team so far selected the following team to represent Punjab in the next three league games against Rajasthan in Jaipur against Karnataka at Bangalore and last encounter against Mumbai in Mumbai.

Uday kaul (captain), Sarul Kanwar, Karan Goel, Mandeep Singh, Mayank Sidana, Bipul Sharma, Manpreet Singh Gony, Barinder Singh, Rajwinder Singh, Vishwas Bhalla, Gitansh Khera, Ravi Inder Singh, Harmeet Singh Bansal and Rahul Singla.

Khanna (Chandigarh) Pankaj Dharmani (Patiala) and Harjinder Singh (Jalandhar) Vikram Rathore, cricket manager, Punjab Team, were among those present at the meeting. The Punjab team, which has so far logged 9 points from their four matches, will leave for Jaipur tomorrow.