SPORTS

Dashmesh clubs of Nakodar, Kalakh
enter kabaddi semis
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, January 3
The Dashmesh Club of Nakodar, the Harjit Club of Moga and the Dashmesh Club of Kalakh won their respective matches to advance into the semi-finals of the first International Canada Kabaddi Tournament being organised by the Malwa Sports Association of Canada at Guru Nanak Stadium here today. In the inaugural match, the Dashmesh Club of Nakodar outplayed the Baba Ishar Singh Sports Academy of Rara Sahib 48-37.

Dulla of Surkhapur, Jassa of Sidhwan and Pamma Dhaju were the best raiders for the winners while Harjit, Mika of Pasla and Sandeep came out as best stoppers. For the losers, the best performers were Nikka, Amarjit and Sheela (raiders) and Rimpy, Manu and Dimpy (stoppers).

In another match, the Harjit Club of Moga got the better of the Guru Gobind Singh Club of Jalandhar whom they pipped 45-41 after locking 22-22 at the breather.

In a keenly contested match, the Dashmesh Club of Kalakh outnumbered the Harjit Club of Bajakhana 55-46 to secure a berth in the last four stage.

Earlier, in the girl’s section, Punjab made mincemeat of Haryana whom they drubbed 26-9 with main contributions coming from Navjeet, Manjeet Kaur and Baljeet Kaur. For Haryana, Krishna and Raj fought valiantly but in vain.

An exhibition match was also held between the veterans’ teams in which Ludhiana beat Moga 39-30. The winners were leading 19-17 at half time.

The main attraction of the day was a six-year-old boy, Pargat Singh from Bhambian Kalan village. He gave an astonishing performance by lifting 20 kg and received applause from the crowd. The world famous wrestler, Dara Singh, who witnessed the boy’s performance, patted the lifter.

In wrestling, Rajinder of Ludhiana beat Harcharan of Jalandhar by a fall; Sukhchain of the Punjab Police defeated Om Parkash of Jalandhar by a fall; Balwinder of Jalandhar outclassed Rinku of Haryana 8-3; Harbhajan of Jalandhar beat Randhir of Faridkot by a fall; Gursharan Singh of the Punjab Police beat Rajbir Singh of Faridkot by a fall. In the women’s section, Renu Bala of Faridkot beat Deepti Kairaman of Haryana 8-0.

Earlier, Mr D.R. Bhatti, ADGP, PAP, Jalandhar, inaugurated the tournament. Mr Kartar Singh, Director, Sports, Punjab, and Mr Dara Singh were among those who attended the inaugural function.

Groom players from school, says Dara Singh
Our Sports Reporter

Ludhiana, January 3
It was a walk down the memory lane for wrestler-turned-actor-turned-politician, Dara Singh, who was in the city here today. It was at Gymkhana Grounds (now Guru Nanak Stadium ) here in 1954 that he had defeated King Kong and many other well-known wrestlers.

Dara Singh, former world champion, was in the city to attend a function organised by Apna Punjab Home, where he was felicitated for his contribution in sports, particularly wrestling.

He was given a gold coin, weighing 8 tolas, to mark the occasion. Prof Gurbhajan Gill on behalf of Mr Agya Pal Singh, president, Apna Punjab Home, presented a medal to the legendary wrestler.

While talking to the mediapersons after the function, Dara Singh said players should be groomed from their schools if we intend to perform well at the international tournaments. The best available infrastructure should be provided to them, he opined.

When asked that after becoming a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) what would he do for the betterment of sports, Dara Singh replied that he had just joined politics and attended the Parliament session only once.

He would do his best for the upliftment of sports in the country, he asserted.

Lack of sponsorship coupled with the casual approach of the government are the main reasons for the poor show by Indian sportspersons abroad. The government should chalk out a sports policy which would definitely go in a long way in producing star players, he further said.

He urged boys and girls that if they wanted to take part in international competitions they should practice on synthetic mats. Wrestling in the akharas would not help them, he suggested.

Despite his old age, Dara Singh still keeps himself active by acting in many serials — “Kehta Hai Dil”, “Angan Teda” and “Bapu Ban Gaya Hero”. He said nowadays he was busy with a Marathi serial based on former wrestlers.

Powerlifting championship

Samrala, January 3
The Samrala Powerlifting Association, in collaboration with the local Lions Club, will organise Ludhiana District Powerlifting Championship (men and women) at Government Senior Secondary School tomorrow.

This was stated by Mr Nav Marg Safar, Director of the Power Health Club, here today. Mr Naib Singh Neelon will inaugurate the function for men’s event, while Ms Asha Thukral will inaugurate the one for women. OC