Hosts Punjab embark on hockey campaign in style

Ludhiana, April 7

Hosts Punjab began their campaign in hockey in the boys and girls sections in style on the opening day of the 64th National Schools Championship, which began at the Punjab Agricultural University ground here on Sunday.

In the girls’ section, Punjab blanked Maharashtra 11-0, whereas in the boy’s section, hosts outperformed Chandigarh 7-3.

Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Pardeep Aggarwal declared the championship open in which competition in hockey, golf and sqay martial arts (boys and girls) will be held. The chief guest wished the participants good luck and a comfortable stay here.

The championship, being organised by the Punjab Education Department under the supervision of Rupinder Singh Ravi, state organiser (sports), and Swaranjit Kaur, District Education Officer (Secondary), Ludhiana, will conclude on April 12.

Hockey matches were played at four grounds, including the Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium.

In the girl’s category, Haryana drubbed Chandigarh 10-0; Punjab beat Maharashtra 11-0; Uttar Pradesh routed Kendriya Vidayala Organisation 7-0; Orissa outclassed Himachal Pradesh 5-0; Andhra Pradesh beat Telengana 6-1; Delhi overwhelmed Navodya Vidyalaya Samiti 8-0 and Kerala prevailed over Bihar 3-2.

Similarly, in the boy’s group, Haryana outplayed Andhra Pradesh 6-0; Punjab beat Chandigarh 7-3; Bihar got the better of CICE 4-2; Orissa recorded 5-1 victory over Himachal Pradesh; Jammu and Kashmir swarmed Uttrakhand 9-0 and Uttar Pradesh pipped Chhattisgarh 7-0.

Sanjay Gautam and Manpreet Singh (observers), besides international umpire Harinder Singh Sangha, Gurwinder Singh (Kila Raipur) and Kulvir Singh Salodhi were present there on the occasion. — OC