Seechewal water sports team bags multiple medals
At the 14th National Dragon Boat Championship held in Bhopal, the Punjab team delivered an outstanding performance, winning silver and bronze medals and bringing pride to the state. The national championship was held from January 6 to January 9 and featured competitions for boys and girls in both junior and senior categories.
Upon their return, the victorious athletes were felicitated on the banks of the sacred Kali Bein by Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal. Congratulating the players, Sant Seechewal said that the medals are the result of continuous hard work and dedicated preparation carried out in extremely cold conditions.
He praised the determination and spirit of the athletes and encouraged them to aim for even greater achievements in the future.
It is noteworthy that due to certain administrative reasons, the Punjab team was initially not selected to participate in the championship. Sant Seechewal immediately brought this serious issue to the attention of Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann by writing a letter, following which the Punjab team was allowed to take part in the competition. Sant Seechewal also expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his timely intervention.
Team coach Amandeep Singh Khehra stated that had the Punjab team was sent with full preparation. He explained that teamwork plays a crucial role in dragon boat racing, where 10 athletes compete together in the junior category and 20 athletes in the senior category, coordinating closely to propel the boat forward.
Coach Khehra added that due to the absence of trials, the players remained under some mental pressure; however, despite this, they delivered an impressive performance. He further informed that a total of 36 athletes from the Sant Seechewal Water Sports Centre participated in the national championship and collectively won 28 silver and bronze medals, thereby enhancing the prestige of the centre and the state of Punjab.
