Day 2: RCF, Shahbad Markanda girls set up hockey title clash

Our Sports Correspondent

Ludhiana, January 27

Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, and Shahbad Markanda Hockey Centre, Haryana, wrapped up their matches to set up a title clash in hockey in women’s section during the 32nd Jarkhar Sports Festival being organised by the Mata Sahib Kaur Sports and Charitable Trust at Jarkhar village, near here, on Saturday.

RCF drubbed Amargarh Hockey Centre, Sangrur (5-0), while Shahbad Markanda Centre prevailed over Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, (2-0) to settle for the summit clash.

In men’s section, BSF, Jalandhar, and Ferzino Jarkhar Hockey Academy came out triumphant in their matches to secure berths in the final. BSF men warded off a stiff resistance from Punjab Urja Wing, Patiala, before romping home victorious (2-1), whereas Ferzino Jarkhar Academy quelled a strong challenge from EME, Jalandhar, before stitching up the victory (3-2) to book places in the final.

In kabaddi (75-kg weight), 16 teams vied for top honours and in the final, Baddowal defeated Bhadson (15-9) to lift the Dharam Singh Memorial Cup. The losing finalists were awarded with Chamkaur Singh Mohi Cup.

In volleyball (shooting), Khajarwal beat Shimlapuri 21-14; Ghangas defeated Alamgir 21-17; Adampur outperformed Gill 21-10 and Ferozeshah outnumbered Ahmedpura 21-19 to advance into the next round.

In hockey (junior boys), Ferzino Academy, USA, besides Shahbad Markanda Hockey Centre, Haryana, and Kila Raipur registered victories to enter the semi-finals.

Ferzino Academy outplayed Baghria 3-2; Shahbad Markanda overpowered Jarkhar Academy 3-2 and Kila Raipur outclassed Rampur 4-2.

In another league match, Ghawadi XI was held by Rampur Chhanna XI to a 1-1 draw.

Former Union Minister, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Preetam Singh Grewal, former Mayor, Hounslow (UK), were the chief guest on the second day. Ajmer Kaur, councillor, London, Narinder Pal Singh Sidhu, AIG, Feroze and chairman, Mata Sahib Kaur Sports and Charitable Trust, Daljeet Singh Grewal, chairman, Mohinder Partp Singh Grewal Sports Trust and former DGM, RCF, Kapurthala, Daljeet Singh Grewal, former MLA, Ranjit Singh Dhillon and president of Punjab Sports Kabaddi Cup, Seattle (USA), were the guests of honour.

Chief organizer Jagroop Singh Jarkhar along with president Harkamal Singh and general secretary Jagdeep Singh Kahlon welcomed the dignitaries.