Anil Datt
Ludhiana, January 15
The three-day National Games for Visually Impaired, organised by the state unit of the National Federation for Blind, concluded at Guru Nanak Stadium here today.
Over 300 participants accompanied by their guardians from across the country, including far off places such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh and Assam, took part in approximately 114 track and field events held during the games.
Swami Shankranand Bhoori Wale, Talwandi Dham, and Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, an NGO, extended material assistance in organising the games.
They arranged meals and track suits for the visiting participants while boarding and lodging arrangements were made by the Vocational Rehabilitation and Training Centre (VRTC) for Blind under the supervision of Sara Johnson and Ravinderan, director and deputy director, respectively, of the facility.
The district administration made transportation arrangements whereas the Punjab Sports Department allowed the organisers to use the stadium free of cost, besides deputing its coaches and other staff to assist them in conducting the games.
All visitors expressed satisfaction over arrangements made for them during their stay in the city. “We will remember the hospitality of the organisers and miss it while back at home,” said players from Delhi and Assam.
Ravneet Singh Bittu, Member of Parliament (MP) from Ludhiana, was the chief guest on the concluding day of the games. Speaking on this occasion, Bittu said he was emotionally moved to watch young boys and girls vying for honours despite their limitations.
Amrik Singh Dhillon, MLA from Samrala constituency, Ludhiana district, was guest of honour on the occasion.
Gurpreet Singh Chahal, chief organiser of these games, thanked guests for visiting the stadium to encourage special athletes.
Bittu spent some time with Inderjit, vice-president of the National Federation for the Blind. The MP got the first hand knowledge about these games from Inderjit and also assured him to take their cause with the authorities concerned at an appropriate platform so that special athletes do not feel neglected at any stage of their lives. The MP was also apprised about achievements of physically challenged players from Ludhiana, who had brought fame to the state during different Para-Olympics and other international competitions.
Final day results (Women)
Final day results (Men)
2
7
9
10