Jalandhar, October 31:
“In order to transform Punjab once again into a powerhouse of sports in the country and get the youth hooked to sports, we all would have to make collective efforts for which the veterans also need to come forward”. This was stated here today at Lyallpur Khalsa College by the Sports and Education Minister Pargat Singh during his address on the occasion of final match of 4th Baba G.S. Bodhi Veteran Hockey League.
The Minister, who is also former Olympian, played hockey with the veterans and showcased his dribbling skills. The younger players were much inspired and enthused by the former skipper and olympian and they clicked selfies with him. The occasion also saw the former olympians Harpreet Singh Mander and Sanjeev Kumar, who played in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics under the Captaincy of Pargat Singh, marking their presence. The trio reminisced about their old days.
The Minister also announced Rs. 5 lakh for astroturf at the Lyallpur Khalsa College and Rs. 2 lakh for Baba G.S. Bodhi club. The Minister also said that it feels great to see the players of yore participating in the league organized to commemorate the coach G.S. Bodhi who was much loved by all. “The players of yesteryear would have to come forward in order to create a congenial atmosphere for sports because these veterans are the role models of youth who would be inspired to take up sports to follow the examples set by these great players”, said Pargat Singh.
The Sports Minister further stated that the sports constitute an inseparable part of our society and we need to stay connected with the sports all our lives and not just during childhood or youth. He also mentioned that the happiness which is experienced by holding the hockey stick in hand is beyond words.
The Principal of Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar Dr. Gurpinder Singh Sapra while expressing heartfelt thanks to the Minister, said that it is the good fortune of the youth, sports, education and NRIs of Punjab that they are being headed by a competent and dynamic personality. On the occasion, the Chief Sponsor of the league Baldev Singh Kang (Prabal TMT Steel) assured that he would remain associated with the sport of hockey in future too. The President of the club Daljit Singh thanked all the guests and players.
In the final match of the league, Olympian Jagdev Singh Club, Jalandhar beat National Hockey Club, Kapurthala 2-0 to win the tournament.
Among others present on the occasion included hockey olympians Devinder Singh Garcha and Varinder Singh, Dronacharya Awardee Olympian Rajinder Singh Junior, Kuldeep Singh, Gurmeet Singh Meeta, Surinder Singh Bhapa, Harinder Singh Sangha, Hockey Coach Baljit Kaur, Jagjit Singh, Gurmit Singh, Sukhdarshan Kaur Kang and Satpal Singh Munshi.
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