NEIGHBOURHOOD

Ghaggar pollution
Authorities wake up to the crisis

Dera Bassi, July 7
A woman who was injured in a road accident on a national highway near Chandigarh on Tuesday died today. The deceased has been identified as Gurmail Kaur of Pandwala village. 

She was riding pillion on a motorcycle, when a vehicle hit it. Her son was riding the bike. The woman was admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, for treatment. A case has been registered. — OC

Kalka, July 7
More than 25,000 visitors from the region thronged the two-day Mango Mela at Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, on the concluding day today. It was organised by the Haryana Horticulture Separtment, in association with the Haryana Tourism Department.

Jagannath Pahadia, Governor, Haryana, drew the curtains on the 22nd Mango Mela at Pinjore Gardens, which left a sweet lingering taste among the thousands of visitors, who thronged the venue. The Governor presided on the award presentation-cum-closing ceremony on Sunday evening. While addressing the crowd, the Governor appreciated the efforts of the Haryana Tourism and Horticulture Department for organising the event. The mela should be organised for three days, said the Governor.

The final day of the mela kept its date with the senior citizens from Chandigarh and Panchkula. The senior citizens were special invitees of the Haryana Tourism and an “antakshari” programme was especially organised for them. The senior citizens entertained the visitors by singing melodies of the bygone era and also shaking a leg on Hindi numbers.

Later in the day, the much-awaited mango-eating competition was held. The participants were adjudged on the basis of maximum mangoes properly eaten in one minute. Magician SK Sharma also held the stage effectively with his tricks that left the audience dumbfounded. Even the day performers at the mela were the centre of attraction, as visitors not only watched their acts enthusiastically but also clicked photographs with them.

To enthrall the tourists and to make the mela more attractive, various competitions like, mehandi competition, mango-eating competition were held. The various street dance and cultural events like, puppet show (Jaipur), “dhol nagara hodel banchari been sapera” (Rajasthan), long man bamboo walker (Delhi) and bioscope (Delhi) were called to give a comfort zone to all age groups.

The mela left the visitors thrilled and amused. Heavy rush of visitors from Chandigarh and Panchkula, Mohali and other adjoining cities of the region was witnessed at the mela. The seven step gardens wore a festive look on the occasion. The magnificent lighting and illumination of the gardens was so attractive that tourists passing through Pinjore en-route to Himachal were compelled to stop over for a while to have a look at the glory of the ancient gardens.

results of contests at a glance

Mango growers of other states also participated

Fancy dress

Kanak Hooda, Little Flower School, Sector 14, Panchkula. (first)

Jyoti, G.S.S.S., Baraulan, Pinjore. (second)

Rachit Ahuja, Bhawan Vidyalaya, Sector 15, Panchkula. (third)

Mehandi
Junior category

Anjali by Pooja: Arya Girls School, Kalka (first)

Shonti by Muskan: Noble High School, Pinjore (second)

Bharti by Preeti: New India Smart High School, Pinjore (third)

Senior category

Minkal by Mamta-Hindu Girls Sr. Secondary School, Kalka (first)

Kiran by Himanshi- DAV Senior Public School, Surajpur (second)

Kavya by Bhawna- DAV Senior Public School, Surajpur (third)

Antakshri (senior citizen)

JK Devesar and OK Kalia (first)

SN Jairath and Raj Arora (second)

Shashi Chadha and Shashi Khanna (third)

Mango eating

Manpreet (first round)

Anjal (second round)

Prize winners of category ‘D’

Mango display

Different variety of mango

(Aam Kesri)

Name & address of prize winner

Usman Khan, R/o Raipur, Saharanpur district (UP) (first)

Different variety of mango

(Aam Kesri)

Name & address of prize winner

Pardhuman Kumar Jain R/o Behat, Saharanpur district (UP) (second)

Different variety of mango

(Aam Kesri)

Name & address of prize winner

Noman Khan, Suraj Pur, Dehradun (Uttrakhand) (consolation Prize)

Prize winners of category ‘E’

Best mango grower

Best mango grower of other state

Achhar Mal S/o Hari Ram, Ghiala village, Gurdaspur district (Punjab)

Best mango grower of Haryana

Raman Saluja R/o Hathni Kund, Faizpur, Yamuna Nagar

Best district of the state

DHO, Yamuna Nagar

Mohali, July 7
In the case of firing between two groups of Akali Dal at Mauli Baidwan village, the two accused - Gurdip Singh and Gurjinder Singh, who were arrested last night - were sent to a one-day remand by the court today.

So far, seven out of 15 accused named in the FIR, have been arrested by the Sohana police.

Ranjit Singh, alias Rode, one of the main accused who had fled from the Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, to evade his arrest, is still absconding.

Certain residents of the village including the sarpanch, Kulwinder Kaur, and a former sarpanch, Avtar Singh, alleged that the police was giving him time to strengthen his case by not arresting him.

Superintendent of Police, Mohali, Swarndeep Singh, said they have recovered the weapons used in the crime and investigation is on to nab the accused.

The arrested accused include, Baljit Singh alias Jeet, Sukhwinder Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Gurdip Singh and Gurjinder Singh and his namesake.

At least six persons including Kulwinder Kaur and her three brothers-in-law, Satnam Singh, Gursewak Singh and Gurwinder Singh, and an international kabaddi player Harjot Singh Gabbar, besides the village panch Bhupinder Singh were injured in the firing incident.

A case under Sections 307, 336, 451, 148 and 149 of the IPC and Section 25/27 of the Arms Act has been registered against 15 persons at the Sohana police station.

Panchkula, July 7
Two unidentified miscreants robbed a resident of Sector 18, Panchkula, of cash and valuables last evening after thrashing him with rods. The incident took place when Lalit Katyal (32) was returning from his shop. A passerby saw him lying in a pool of blood and rushed him to the General Hospital, from where doctors referred him to the GMCH-32, Chandigarh.

Katyal is into a hardware business in Maheshpur. He was on his motorcycle when the miscreants stopped him. Sachin, the victim’s brother, said Katyal was carrying Rs 27,000, a laptop and other valuables.

“Before the victim fall unconscious, he told us that the assailants stopped his bike and started beating him up with rods. After assaulting him, they fled with case and valuables,” a police official said. Before Katyal could divulge details, he fell unconscious, he said.

The victim suffered injuries on his face and jaw. He was discharged from the GMCH 32 this evening. “Doctors have advised him a one-month bed rest,” said Sachin, the victim’s brother.

The police rounded up the miscreants in this evening. However, the victim’s brother alleged that the police was not registering a case against them under relevant sections of the IPC.

Commissioner of Police Rajbir Deswal spoke to the victim’s brother. “I have asked the SHO to contact the victim’s brother. I will ensure justice,” he said.

Chandigarh, July 7
The body of a 25-year-old man was found at Ramdarbar here this morning. The deceased was a resident of the same area and the police suspects that an old enmity was the reason behind the murder.

The police said the deceased had been identified as Pardeep Kumar, alias Master, and he was working as a bookbinder in Ramdarbar. The murder came to light at around 11.30 am when a passerby spotted the body and he called up the Police Control Room (PCR).

“The victim was rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, where the doctors declared him brought dead. His throat was badly slit,” said a police official.

There were signs of a struggle and the police is recording the statements of the deceased's friends, colleagues and family members. Sources said the call details of the deceased mobile phone were also scrutinised. — TNS

Chandigarh, July 7
Age is no deterrent if one has stamina to win gold medals. Seventy five-year-old brisk-walker, Madan Lal, is among those athletes, who are hungry to win medals at any cost.

(Left) Madan Lal flashes the victory sign; and (right) GS Saunkhla of Panchkula, who won medals in the National Masters Athletics Meet held in Bangalore. tribune photographs

It's his dedication that led the veteran athlete win 2 gold medals during the 34th National Masters Athletics Meet held at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore, recently. Madan not only bagged a gold medal in the brisk-walking events but also secured the top place in the 1500m race.

For keeping his track-record update, the veteran athlete hardly skips his daily practice session. "Leaving the lethargic approach is one of the real mantras of life. If I will skip a day of my daily practice, I will be losing stamina of 10 days. Because at my age, keeping in touch with the regular routine is what all I have to concentrate on. I am not fit to compete with all these young legs. But I am confident of defeating people of my age and this confidence is only built purely on the basis of my dedication towards my routine. I was not the only one to participate and win medals. There were thousands of odd athletes and trust me, it was very difficult to compete with them. But, practice makes a man perfect," said Madan.

A resident of Sector 46 and a retired employee, Madan is also looking forward to marking his name in the international athletics meet. "I will continue to work on the athletics track of Sports Complex, Sector 46. After winning laurels for my city, my next aim is to bring medal for my nation. For that, I will participate in the Asian Masters Athletics Championship to be held in Japan. I want to beat my rivals at the international level to make my country proud," said Lal.

Veterans of Panchkula bring laurels for region

The recently concluded 34th National Masters Athletic Championship also witnessed a winning spree of veteran runners from Panchkula. GS Saunkhla of Panchkula won three gold medals (triple jump, 4X 100m and 4X400m relay) events in Bangalore. "It's a great feeling to win medals at this age. I can say that, like my grandson, I can also bring medals. The recent event went good and hopefully, I will carry out my performance, in upcoming events also," said Saunkhla. The veteran athlete is now eyeing on attaining a position in the forthcoming 20th World Masters Athletic Championships to be held in Brazil in October, later this year. At this age, he won a total of 22 medals, including 12 gold, 7 silver and 3 bronze in various championships.

Dharam Pal (2 gold medals), Amarjit Singh (2 silver medals), Paramjit Singh (1 silver and 1 bronze) Col CP Vij (1 sliver, 1 bronze), RK Sharma (1 silver), Jaspinder Singh (1 bronze) and Geeta Yadav (1 bronze) are the other athletes, who won the medals at the masters national athletic championship. Reportedly, as many as 134 veteran players from Haryana (113 men and 21 women) took part in the championship and bagged 29 gold, 25 silver and 20 bronze medals in different events.

This coach eyes gold

Swarn Singh Bajwa, a coach of athletics at Kendriya Vidalya School, Sector 47, besides guiding his students becomes a perfect example of real sportsmanship. The 60-year-old Chandigarh veteran runner bagged a gold medal in the 300 m hurdle race events and also secured third place in the 100 m hurdle race. With his achievement, he will also represent the city and this nation in the 20th World Masters Athletic Championships to be held in Brazil.

"I am happy with my performance in this recent competition and looking forward for the world championship. The competition in Brazil is expected to a high pitch affair and hopefully, I will get something from my participation. I will try to live up to the expectations of my principal and my students," said Swarn Singh.

Chandigarh, July 7
Chess player Arunima Goyal, continuing her winning streak, won the 2013’s edition of Women’s Chess Championship, here today.

A student of Sacred Heart School, Sector 26, won the Chandigarh Women’s Chess Championship by making a cut of 3 out of 3 points, at St Xaviers Senior Secondary School, Sector 44, here today.

Her sister, Tarini Goyal, also scored 3 points to secure the first runners-up berth while Shweta finished at the third spot with 2 points. Kashish Kaushal managed to end her campaign on the fourth spot.

A total of 4 international players participated in this championship and all the top position holders (Arunima Goyal, Tarini Goyal, Shewta and Kashish) have been selected to represent Chandigarh in the forthcoming National Women Challengers Chess Championship-2013 which will be held in West Bengal from August 25 to September 5. AP Saksena, president of the Chandigarh Chess Association, distributed the prizes among the winners.

Point position at the end of the third and final round-3 points-Arunima Goyal, Tarini Goyal; 2 point-Shweta; 1.5 points-Kashish; 1 point-Arshjot Kaur, Inayat, Mitali Saini, Surbhi Singh; 0.5 point: Khushboo; Point position at the end of the second round-2 points: Tarini Goyal, Shweta, Arunima Goyal; 1 point-Surbhi Singh, Kashish, Mitali Saini; 0.5 points: Khushboo Garg, Inayat; 0 point-Arshjot Kaur.

Mohali, July 7
A four-day long O-level coaches’ course organised by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), concluded at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, here today.

Thirty five coaches, including one female, from 18 districts participated in the course. The course was organised under the guidance of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Academy coaches, Amit Asawa, Yoginder Puri and Munish Bali. Fitness expert, Nishant Thakur, (trainer), Dr Satbir Singh (physiotherapist) and Amit Kumar (video analyst) were the other members from the BCCI, to look after participants’ performance during the camp.

On the last day of the camp, Sushil Kapoor, spokesperson of the PCA, said a written test was also conducted by Daljit Singh, director of the PCA Academy, along with Arun Bedi and Sandeep Singh.

MP Pandove, honorary secretary of the PCA Stadium, while addressing the participants and the district secretaries, stated that the cricket coaching is a full-time profession and with changing time, the role of coaches is increasing in a player’s performance.

“The coaches guide and frame a positive future of the players. They should try to learn latest techniques of coaching and update their knowledge to ensure grooming of the young learners. To ensure positive results, the coaches should also adopt the policy of working hard honestly and passionately,” said Pandove.

He also recalled his meeting with Don Bradman during his visit to Australia, where the legendary cricketer had stated that the correct fundamentals of the game allow one to play for a longer term. Pandove also emphasised on using latest techniques at coaching centres in the form of video analysis. He, in consultation with other district secretaries, announced that a district that has extra players to train, in a particular department (bowling, batting, wicket keeping, fielding) can locate their players to the Punjab Cricket Association pools. So that a player would get an extra chance to showcase his talent. 

Chandigarh, July 7
The UT Sports Department will organise Sub-Junior and Junior Level Swimming Competition, at the All Weather Swimming Pool (Yoga Centre), Sector 23, here. The competition will be organised in both, boys and girls category, from July 16 to 18. Top three position holders will be awarded with cash prizes. There is no entry fee for the participants. The interested swimmers can register with their age proof certificates with Jasjit Kaur, swimming coach at the All-Weather Swimming Pool, Sector 23. The players are advised to confirm their entries before July 15, till 5 pm.

Categories (age-wise) and events of competition

Sub-Junior or Junior (Boys and Girls): U-8 i.e January 1, 2005 and below; Events-50 m free style; 25 m free style; 25 m back stroke; 25 m breast stroke. U-10 i.e January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004; Events-50 m free style; 100 m free style; 50 m breast stroke; 50 m back stroke; 50 m butter fly. U-12 i.e January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002; Events-50 m free style; 100 m free style; 50 m breast stroke; 100 m breast stroke; 50 m back stroke; 100 m back stroke; 50 m butterfly stroke. U-14 i.e January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000; Events-50 m free style; 100 m free style; 50 m back stroke; 100 m back stroke; 50 m breast stroke; 100 m breast stroke; 50 m butterfly stroke; 200 m individual medley. U-17 i.e January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1998; Events-50 m free style; 100 m free style; 200 m free style; 50 m back stroke; 100 m back stroke; 50 m breast stroke; 100 m breast stroke; 50 m butter fly; 200 m individual medley.

Mohali, July 7
Rishab Sharda outclassed her rival Ramanjot Dhindhsa, in a final qualifying round match of the ongoing AITA Paragon Total Tennis Tournament, being held at Paragon School, here. Rishab defeated Ramanjot Dhindhsa at 8-5 while Digvijay Partap beat Rahul Kumar Verma by 8-0.

In the second round matches, Parmeet Deol defeated Gajan Singh by 8-6 while Kabir Manrai routed Jaideep Singh at 8-0.

Results: Siddarth beat Ajay Kumar 8-7(7-2), Calvin Golmaei beat Neeraj Yashpaul 8-2, Siddhant Mahala beat Zorawar Sandhu 8-1, Parav beat Navjot 8-2, Parmeet beat Gajan 8-6, Kabir Manrai beat Jaideep Singh 8-0, Nischay beat Akashdeep 8-7 (8-6), Abhimanyu walk over against Mayank, Jagdeep beat Rupesh 8-6, Final Qualifying Round-Digvijay Partap beat Rahul Kumar Verma 8-0, Rishabh Sharda beat Ramanjot Dhindhsa 8-5, Amit beat Aditya Partap 8-5. — TNS

Chandigarh, July 7
The Chandigarh Cricket Association (CCA), affiliated to the Punjab Cricket Association, has selected a 34-member squad to prepare for the upcoming Katoch Shield Tournament, to be held next month.

The 34-member probable squad will report to Harish Sharma (coach) and manger RP Singh on July 10 at the Cricket Stadium, Sector 16, here.

Team members:

Vishwas Bhalla, Amit Prashar, Jaskaran Veer Singh, Gurkirat, Gaurav Gambhir, Gurinder Singh, Manan Vohra, Gaurav Puri, Gurjot Singh, Deepak Kaith, Aman Bharti, Uday Kaul, Udit Hari Mehta, Arpit Singh, Arjit Singh, Shivam Bhambri, Bhagminder Singh, Akhilesh, Karanveer Goel, Sameer Navi, Anshul Tripathi, Simranjeet Singh, Nirmal, Lakhwinder Singh, Ajay Dalal, Nirvair Singh, Karan Punj, Rakesh, Hemank, Anil, Vaibhav, Rohit, Sidharth, Srichan. — TNS