Punjab, Haryana CMs fete ace shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh

Chandigarh, August 9

The toast of the nation and double Olympics bronze medallist Manu Bhaker and her teammate Sarabjot Singh today arrived in the city to a grand welcome in the power corridors of Punjab and Haryana. Dressed in India jerseys and accompanied by their parents, the duo met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini in the morning and shared their experiences in Paris. They also visited Panjab University, their educational institution, and met Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig.

Both Manu and Sarabjot are pursuing second year of MA (Public Administration) from DAV College, Chandigarh, said Assistant Professor Amanendra Mann.

After meeting the Punjab CM, Manu said, “It feels great to be felicitated by the authorities. We shared our experiences and they apprised us of Punjab’s sports policy. Punjab and Haryana joined forces to do well for the country. I hope we continue doing well the same way in the coming years.”

Mann’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur was also there to congratulate the athletes.

The 10m air pistol shooter said she discussed with the Punjab CM about the progress made by Punjab hockey players in the recent years.

Manu said she was fortunate to have got support from her family. “I hope that families in our society give equal support to boys and girls,” she added. On her meeting with Saini, she said, “He offered his congratulations and best wishes as he expressed his vision for the future of Indian sports and the development of sports in the state.”

The Jhajjar girl lauded the sports culture of Haryana and congratulated the families of Haryana for taking their kids to the ground from early age.

Talking about her future plans, the 22-year-old shooter said now she wanted to focus on her studies also. The Haryana CM said three boys from the state contributed in India’s bronze medal finish in hockey.

Prof Vig felicitated Manu and Ambala lad Sarabjot. — TNS