Haryana Steelers go down 27-30 against Patna Pirates, campaign ends in PKL

  

BENGALURU, FEB 20

Haryana Steelers' campaign at the Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 came to an end after going down 27-30 against Patna Pirates on Saturday. Rising allrounder Ashish Narwal and defender Jaideep were the star performers for Haryana Steelers as they continued to put on a brave fight till the final whistle in the match. But Patna Pirates' defence managed to catch Vikash Kandola and Ashish Narwal in the final minute and turned the match in their favour.
Haryana Steelers got off to a slow start in the match as Patna Pirates picked up a 3-0 lead by the third minute. Vinay opened the scoring for Haryana Steelers picking a bonus point on his second raid of the match. In the 10th minute, Patna Pirates inflicted an All Out on Haryana Steelers to extend their lead to 12-4. But with three minutes left in the first half, Haryana Steelers inflicted an All out on Patna Pirates to reduce the gap to 13 -15. Meetu earned a bonus point as Haryana Steelers went into halftime trailing 14-17.
Vikash Kandola earned a raid point at the start of the second half. Three minutes later, the Haryana Steelers captain Vikash Kandola earned a tackle point to reduce the gap to 16-18. Ashish Narwal picked up a bonus point in the 26th minute, and moments later Surender Nada earned a tackle point as Haryana Steelers reduced the gap to just one point, trailing 20-21.
In the 32nd minute, Patna Pirates earned a two-point raid to increase their lead by four points to 26-22. With four minutes left in the match, Jaideep inflicted a Super Tackle to reduce the gap to 24-27. Moments later, Ashish Narwal earned two raid points, and the gap was again reduced to just one point. In the 39th minute, Surender Nada earned a tackle point to level the score at 27-27. But with just 40 seconds left, Patna Pirates inflicted a Super Tackle to get two points, and Haryana Steelers went down 27-30.

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Haryana Steelers go down 24-46 against Bengaluru Bulls

 

BENGALURU, FEB 17

Haryana Steelers went down 24-46 against Bengaluru Bulls in Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 on Thursday. It was a solid effort from Haryana Steelers' defensive unit as Jaideep, Mohit and Surender Nada showed tremendous fighting spirit till the final whistle. But in the end, the deficit proved to be too wide for Haryana Steelers to cover and they were unable to pick up the win.

The combination of Mohit and Jaideep earned a tackle point in the 3rd minute to open the scoring for Haryana Steelers. Moments later, veteran defender Surender Nada earned two quick tackle points to decrease the gap to 3-5. In the 14th minute, Mohit earned a Super Tackle reducing the gap to 7-10 for Haryana Steelers.

In the 17th minute, Ashish Narwal earned a tremendous Super Raid to bridge the gap to 13-14. But Bengaluru Bulls inflicted an All Out in the final minute and first half ended with Haryana Steelers trailing 20-14.

Meetu started well for Haryana Steelers at the start of the second half, earning two quick raid points. Defensive errors from Haryana Steelers saw Bengaluru Bulls extending their lead to 24-16 by the 25th minute. In the 27th minute, Bengaluru Bulls inflicted another All Out on Haryana Steelers to extend their lead by 29-18.

Haryana Steelers' raiding department showcased grit and determination in the final ten minutes as they attempted to bridge the gap.

In the 30th minute, Ravi Kumar earned a tackle point to get a point back for Haryana Steelers. Moments later, Ashish Narwal earned another raid point. Surender Nada picked up a quick raid point in the 33rd minute bridging the gap to 23-33.

But in the final minute, Bengaluru Bulls inflicted another All out on Haryana Steelers and picked up a 46-24 win.

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Dr. SS Chahal joins Khalsa University as VC

AMRITSAR, AUG 25 

Renowned Agriculture scientists and former vice chancellor of Maharana Partap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan), Dr.SS Chahal has been appointed as vice chancellor of newly established Khalsa University, Amritsar. He joined his office in the presence of Khalsa University office bearers here today at Khalsa College of Education (KCE) building. 

Chahal who also served as vice chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, was presently the national fellow of University Grants Commission at Panjab University, Chandigarh> He has earlier worked as Director, Research, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. 

Basically a plant pathologist, his work has been published in the international journals and he has worked as scientists in the number of universities in Europe and North America. He has penned 8 books on agriculture and is considered authority in the plant pathology. 

Having been retired as Professor from PAU, Ludhiana, he has also served as Registrar (Officiating) two times of the PAU, apart from being Chairman of various advisory boards of Centre and State governments. KU’s pro-chancellor and Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honouarry secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina congratulated Dr. Chahal on joining the office and said the new varsity would be benefitted by his experience and expertise to emerge as world class professional university. 

The state government had recently approved the setting up of the Khalsa University Amritsar. The Governor Punjab VP Singh Badnore is the Visitor of the university while KCGC Chief Satyajit Singh Majithia is the Chancellor of the this multi-faculty varsity that has vowed to become a research-oriented seat of higher learning. The varsity has opened Ph.D, M.Phil and select other post graduate courses from the current session. 

Dr.Chahal said he was happy to be associated with the historic KCGC and would work to the best of his abilities to contribute to make the university one of the best in the country. He said his priorities would be setting up of the administration, research in diverse fields and chalking out job-oriented courses to produce best of the human resource in the country. 

Former vice chancellor PAU, Dr.KS Aulakh, KCGC Vice president Charanjit Singh Chadha, additional honourary secretary Swinder Singh Kathunangal, finance secretary Gunbir Singh, building secretary Nirmal Singh, Sukhdev Singh Abdal, Rajbir Singh, SS Mannan, Principal Dr.Mehal Singh, Principal Dr. JS Dhillon, Dr.Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, Dr.RK Dhawan, Dr.Amarpal Singh, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Neelam Hans, Dr.Sukhdev Singh were present

Big increase in teams for U-18 and U-16 football competitions

AIFF’s Executive Committee. Photo AIFF

NEW DELHI, JULY 28
All India Football Federation (AIFF) Praful Patel has attributed a sizable increase in number of teams for the U-18 League and the U-16 Youth League is because the federation has been working extensively on the Grassroots and Youth Development. Mr Patel said: "This is a huge positive step."
The AIFF’s Executive Committee meeting which was held today under the chairmanship of Mr Patel, at the Constitution Club of India was apprised about the approval of the participation of 40 odd teams in the U-18 League (post inspections). This is a significant increase as in 2015-16, there was a participation of 28 teams in the League.
Besides, the U-16 Youth League has also witnessed a massive increase in teams. While in 2015-16, 39 teams had participated, the forthcoming edition will see over 50 teams battling for the top honours.
Mr. Patel said "It highlights the interest about the game among the younger generation. AIFF has been working extensively on the Grassroots and Youth Development, the results of which are beginning to show", he added.
The first edition of the U-13 League is scheduled to kick-off in 2017-18 season.
The draft for the proposed restructuring of Indian Club Football was put forward to the Executive Committee for the members along with the comments received from I-League and 2nd Division Clubs. The members of the Committee have been asked to come back with their suggestions.
Furthermore, the President suggested the formation of a working committee to initiate an extensive dialogue involving all stakeholders for the best possible path including discussion with AFC and FIFA.
The Committee also ratified the proposal of providing a time span of one year to 2nd division Clubs to complete their I-League Club licensing criteria instead of the prevailing three-month span.
The fee of the Central Registration system (CRS) was reduced from Rs. 15000 to Rs. 5000 for foreign Players and to Rs. 5000 to Rs. 2000 for Indian Players. In addition, Women Players playing in the proposed Women’s League will have to pay a CRS fee of Rs. 1000 while all other Women Players need to play an amount of Rs. 100.
The AIFF regulations on working with the intermediaries were approved by the committee.
Meanwhile, the Committee congratulated the Indian National Team for an authoritative display against Laos in the play-offs for the 2019 UAE Asian Cup Qualifiers where India won 7-1 on aggregate.
Javier Ceppi also briefed the Committee about the organistion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
The proposed new logo of the AIFF was presented to the Committee and approved. The launch date of the logo will be decided soon by the president.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das; Vice Presidents Subrata Dutta, KMI Mather, Shrinivas Dempo, Subhash Chopra, Larsing Ming; Treasurer ZA Thakur; Sara Pilot; and all other members except AR Khaleel and Jesiah Villavarayar attended the meeting.
AIFF Technical Director Scott O’Donnell, Bhaichung Bhutia, Chairman, Technical Committee, AIFF; Javier Ceppi, Tournament Director, FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and Joy Bhattacharya, Project Director, FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Chirag Tanna and Mr. Rochak Langer representing FSDL attended the meeting.

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Badal sees end of Navjot Sidhu's political career

TAPA (BARNALA), JULY 28
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that former MP Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu would meet the same fate as that of former Chief Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala and former Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, who were sent to political oblivion by people for ditching their mother party. 

Addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan in Bhadaur assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said bereft of any ideologies both these leaders have back stabbed their mother parties adding that Mr. Sidhu was not an exception to it. He said that though Mr. Sidhu had deceived his party in the hope of ‘bright future’ but people of state would not forgive him and teach him a lesson for treachery because they have a strong disliking for people who deceive their parties. “Opportunists and fugitive political leaders like Sidhu have no place in Punjab politics and people will teach him a befitting lesson”, added Mr Badal. 

The Chief Minister said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was proving to be a haven for all the fugitives and unprincipled politicians, who hardly have any base amongst people. He said that in fact AAP was a band of opportunists and fugitives who have joined hands for looting the people of state. “These people don’t have any ideological bonding but have joined hands in false hope of assuming power in the state” added Mr. Badal.

Making a scathing attack on state Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh, the Chief Minister said that the Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar has a proven anti-farmer track record. Citing the examples, he said that on one hand SAD-BJP alliance had been providing free power to farmers but on the other during his regime Amarinder had discontinued this thereby putting enormous burden on farmers. Likewise, Mr Badal said that the state Congress Chief was a part and parcel of the conspiracy to rob waters of state by constructing Satluj Yamuna Link canal. “It is on record that Amarinder had welcomed the then Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi to lay foundation stone of this canal”, he added.

Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshans, the Chief Minister said that it was the flagship program of SAD-BJP alliance government aimed at ensuring the well being of every strata of society. He said that this was a pro-people exercise being conducted thoroughly in a transparent manner. However, Mr. Badal said that envy of development and welfare of people the Congress leaders have always opposed this move.

Meanwhile during Sangat Darshan at Tapa, the Chief Minister announced that the work to complete under construction Tehsil complex and Bus Stand at Tapa Mandi would be completed soon. Likewise, he said that a team headed by Director Local Government and Chief Engineer would soon visit the town for preparing a master plan to give facelift to it.

Later on interacting with the media persons at village Dhilwan, the Chief Minister, while lauding the announcement of Union Cabinet to set up All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda, said that it would prove to be a big boon for residents of Malwa hinterland. Mr. Badal said that it would help in imparting world class health infrastructure and services to the people of this region at affordable rates. He said that by approving AIIMS at Bathinda the Union Cabinet has given a much awaited gift to people of Malwa region.

Slamming the entire opposition for defaming the Punjabis by labeling them as drug addicts, the Chief Minister reiterated that magnitude of drug problem was much less than that in many other states of the country. He said that forces inimical to state were hell bent upon branding the Punjabis as drug addicts just to present a wrong picture of the state before the country. Mr. Badal said that these political parties were just defaming state for the sake of vested political interests whereas the hard working people of state were fighting nation’s war against drug.

Earlier welcoming Chief Minister, his former Principal Secretary and senior Akali leader Mr. Darbara Singh Guru thanked him for sparing his valuable time to hold Sangat Darshan in Bhadaur assembly segment to give boost to its overall development.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, senior Akali leader Mr. Darbara Singh Guru, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Bhupinder Singh Rai and Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Gurpreet Singh Toor.

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One year Gatka Diploma Course at Khalsa College

AMRITSAR, JULY 6

 With a view to preserve and promote martial art `Gatka’, historic Khalsa College and Dubai based NGO, Sarbat Da Bhalla (SDB) today signed an MoU to start One year Diploma Course at College campus `free of cost’. The major portion of fee of students opting to adopt the course, starting from current academic session, would be sponsored by the SDB and remaining part to be born by College.

 The aim of the academic program is to encourage traditional martial art which is otherwise vanishing. The MoU was signed by Principal of Khalsa College Dr.Mehal Singh and SDB Managing Trustee and a well known philanthropist SP Singh Oberio in presence of Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) honorary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, who was the brain behind the whole move.

 The Diploma would cover the one year academic and sports program and would be opened to students who have passed 10+2 examination and even degree students. Chhina said that it was historic day that such an initiative has been taken to promote the art that is being forgotten in the modern times. ``The art form Gatka has great religious and military significance in the Indian and Punjabi traditions. The Sikh Gurus took the martial practice to its zenith’’, said Chhina.

 Mr.Oberoi said they wanted to help the students who want to study and practice Gatka. He said there are ample opportunities of career choice after completion of the course as the Gatka Instructors are in demand world over.  Principal Dr.Mehal Singh said the new course is open for admissions students will be immensely benefitted from the Diploma course academically and in sports arena. He said so far only Nihangs’ (baptized martial Sikhs) are preserving the art.

 ``The martial art form is virtually getting extinct which is a matter of grave concern. This is an attempt to provide academic base to the traditional art’’, said Chhina adding that the KCGC is committed to preserve and promote the history and culture of Punjab.

 

The Dalai Lama on pilgrimage of compassion

KP Singh with HH Dalai Lama in Indianapolis.

 By  Kanwal Prakash Singh

INDIANAPOLIS: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet. He exudes love, kindness, grace and compassion without limit; exhibits moral authority; shares friendliness and invites an amazing response. The Dalai Lama envelopes us in his charming aura.

For nearly 2 hours during his Public Talk on June 25th, with more than hour devoted to audience questions and exchange, at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, part of the sprawling Indiana State Fair Grounds in Indianapolis, the Dalai Lama of Tibet kept his audience of 6,400 spellbound with his enlightened and all-embracing spirit; spiritually-engaging message and vision that to accomplish “Compassion as the Pillar of World Peace” all of us have a responsibility to end violence since man created it and a few in society among the 7 billion human beings indulge in mischief. The Dalai Lama emphasized: a terrorist is a terrorist - whether the terrorist is a Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or Jewish (Jew). For the most part, these faiths get along under the secular Constitution of India.

The Dalai Lama reminded the audience that the message of all faiths is love and compassion, harmony and peace, service and our shared humanity. The Dalai Lama saw education and action, not just prayer and hope to transform society, to uplift humanity, to assure justice and human dignity to bring about a change of heart and spirit toward peace and harmony.

The Dalai Lama said that science and scientist confirm this and asked that we must analyze our ideas and beliefs to give them practical shape and improve human condition, advance our individual and collective well-being.  As always, he was thoughtful and personable; at moments light-hearted; he laughed mostly at his own expense; he was serious as an ancient teacher; disciplined in his own routine. The Dalai Lama saw himself not special, but as one of the 7 billion human beings that inhabit this earth that we share as a human family.

A PRAYERFUL PERSONAL REFLECTION

I thought this time and all the previous times as I listened to his illuminating words, witnessed his radiating persona and scholarship of Buddhist scripture, respect and knowledge of other world religions, I felt that I was in the presence of not just one of the most admired men of our times, but a messenger carrying a living light of all the ancient wisdom sent by a Higher Spirit, not just for the Tibetan Buddhists, but for all faiths, cultures, and communities. The Dalai Lama spoke of India being the birthplace of Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, and home to followers of Islam, Christianity, Baha’i, 100,000 Parsis (Zoroastrian faith) and others. He mentioned Guru Nanak, the Founder of the Sikh faith travelling to Mecca. The Dalai Lama saw a transcendent message reverberating in all scriptures and diverse religious traditions.

The Dalai Lama asked us to work through our differences and make a difference to life, liberty, freedom, and dignity of our brothers and sisters in faith; to end the culture of violence, human suffering, hunger, and violations of human rights in all nations. We should safeguard the environment, protect human health; dispel fear, unproductive divisiveness, and work for mutual harmony. We are in this together as One God’s Children. Education, compassion, and kindness are our sacred anchors to build trust. All else will fall in place.
I saw, as millions across the world have seen, god-light in the Dalai Lama’s message and testimony. I have followed the events since the Dalai Lama’s flight from his beloved Tibet in 1959 and living in exile in India and emerging as the noble conscience of humanity. Today he is honored around the world, not just a great humanitarian, but as an interfaith global spiritual rattna (a rare and precious jewel).

Thank you Your Holiness, for giving millions the much-needed inspiration, in these difficult times, to serve others for the good of us all. You make it real; you embody and manifest what you teach. We pray for your long life and continued guidance to humanity as man struggles to find his way through the maze of challenges, fog of uncertainty, and pockets of heart-breaking deprivation amidst incredible abundance and promising future. You have called us to embrace our better angels, serve and honor God and His Creation.

The Dalai Lama’s transcendent message in his eloquent and spirited remarks in “Compassion as the Pillar of World Peace” and his personal stature and deep conviction took us on a pilgrimage of conscience and personal responsibility to translate the lessons of our faith to make this world a more just and hopeful place for all beings and as our legacy for future generations.

“With a boundless mind, one should cherish all life; Radiating friendliness over the entire world- above, below, all around without limit.” (Meta Sutra, Buddhist Scriptures). We find echoes of this unifying spirit and lesson in every sacred text.

REFLECTING ON THE DALAI LAMA’S LIFE, SPIRIT, AND CHALLENGE

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet has visited Indiana seven times since 1989. His late elder brother, Dr. Thubten Norbu, settled in Bloomington, Indiana in 1950's and taught at Indiana University for a number of years and founded the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center.
The Dalai Lama is regarded as the Buddha of Compassion to his Tibetan followers; a venerable spiritual, humanitarian interfaith leader, and a champion of non-violence, justice, and human dignity for all God's Children. The Dalai Lama understands and sees human struggle and devastating problems through the lens of peace, our intertwined humanity, and our shared destiny, and guided by a kinder spirit. He prays and advocates that we should make the 21st as a "Century of Compassion." Towards that end, sponsors of the Dalai Lama’s visit have challenged Indiana Hoosiers to work towards 100,000 Acts of Compassion before the end of the year. Now imagine if the whole world got involved, we could achieve making the 21st as the “Century of Compassion” much sooner.

This is no small challenge. Man has struggled from the beginning of Life to wrap his heart and spirit around this profound and challenging, yet liberating and emancipating wisdom. The Sikh and other sacred scriptures remind us, that it is with God's Grace and blessings of an Enlightened Teacher our transition to a kinder spirit is possible. The Dalai Lama is among the most venerable teachers and interfaith leaders of our times.
I have had the honor and blessing of being in his presence during each of his seven Indiana visits including his 2016 visit and the 2013 visit to Louisville. In 2003 and 2007, I participated in Interfaith Prayer Services in honor of the visit of His Holiness. The Dalai Lama’s 2016 visit to Indianapolis was sponsored by the Indiana Buddhist Center (IBC), Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC), and Compassionate Indy and made possible by generous friends and many dedicated volunteers.

====Photos supplied by KP Singh.