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Sports Correspondent
Ludhiana, June 8
The Punjab men’s basketball team that emerged champions in the 69th Senior National Basketball Championship held in the month of January this year at Bhavnagar in Gujarat, was felicitated by the Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Charitable Trust, Jarkhar village, near here.
Some members of the victorious team were present at the prize distribution function of the 9th Olympian Prithipal Singh Hockey Festival, during which they were honoured on winning the title for a record 11th time. In the finals, Punjab overpowered Services 74-65 to romp home champions.
Players were given 12 bicycles besides other prizes to acknowledge their outstanding achievement. Punjab lifted the winners’ trophy at Bhavnagar and in this title victory, international players namely Amritpal Singh, Gurwinder Singh Garry, Arshdeep Singh Bhullar, Anmol Sekhon, Prince Pal Singh, Saurav and Gourav played a major role to steer their side to come out triumphant.
Yurinder Singh Hayer, DIG, Additional Director, Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, and senior vice-president, Punjab Basketball Association along with Teja Singh Dhaliwal, general secretary of the association, advocate Harkamal Singh, Jagroop Singh Jarkhar, Jagdeep Singh Kahlon, inspector Balbir Singh, office-bearers of the organising trust, honoured the players.
Teja Singh Dhaliwal said: “Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Charitable Trust has been doing great services towards the development of sports. Not only hockey, but all other disciplines as well.” He expressed gratitude towards the organisers on the behalf of Rajdeepdeep Singh Gill, former DGP and president, Punjab Basketball Association for honouring the players, which would encourage youngsters throughout the state to take an active part in sports.
Dhaliwal also urged upon youths to take part in any game of their choice and keep themselves away from drugs. He suggested to hold sports events in every village, so that the young generation could channel its energies in a positive and constructive manner.
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