PU wins MAKA trophy second time in a row
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 21
Panjab University has won the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) trophy for the second consecutive time.
The institution has lifted the trophy for the second time in a row after a gap of 25 years. It was during the 1994-1996 session when the coveted trophy came here twice in a row.
The Ministry of Sports announced the awards today. The award function will be held on August 29, National Sports Day, and the President of India would present the honour, along with other national sporting awards. The university will be conferred with the trophy with a cash prize of Rs20 lakh.
However, this year’s ceremony will be virtual.
The award winners from the region are likely to be honoured at the UT Administration Complex in Sector 9. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has been given the responsibility of organising the ceremony. Sources said the trophies and other awards would be delivered at the venue on August 28.
Last week, a 12-member selection committee recommended the PU’s name for the trophy.
The university had claimed 11,582 points for its performance at inter-university competitions, Khelo India Youth/University Games and various international competitions for the year 2019-20. However, the final points are said to be reduced after assessments by the committee.
Shooting contributed a maximum of 2,443 points while swimming added 1,180 points, kayaking and canoeing boosted the tally by 1,090 points, followed by fencing (1,080 points), boxing (582 points), athletics (550 points) and sepaktakraw (500 points).
“It’s a matter of great proud that the university has won the coveted trophy for the second consecutive time. It’s all because of the efforts of our sportspersons and coaches. I congratulate all for their support,” said Dr Parminder Singh, Director, Sports, PU.
*Sandesh wins Arjuna Award
The Ministry of Sports has decided to confer the prestigious Arjuna Award on international footballer Sandesh Jhingan. Jhingan, 27, is from Chandigarh and has played a vital role in the Indian national football team. He is also one of the most sought-after defenders of the Indian football team. He was a part of the city’s team that won the Dr BC Roy Trophy (U-19) for the first time and thereafter, went on to represent India in many championships.
