Diamond Jubilee Hockey Tournament takes off to a flying start at PAU

Ludhiana, September 18, 2023: With the participation of more than eight renowned hockey academies and the presence of Olympian Dr Ashok Kumar as the Chief Guest, The Diamond Jubilee Hockey Tournament opened to a colourful start at Punjab Agricultural University today. The Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, PAU, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, presided over the event.

In his remarks, the Chief Guest hailed sportsmen as the torch bearers and inspirational figures of progressive communities, laying a solid foundation for the coming generations. "With their strong sportsmanship spirit, they not only promote the sporting fervour but also instil nationalist virtues among citizens," Kumar opined. He lauded the organisers' efforts and called for more hockey tournaments to give a fillip to the game in future.

While addressing the audience, PAU VC, Dr Gosal, highlighted the university's fame in being called the 'hockey nursery' of the country and producing two Olympians. At the same time, two former varsity students shone at the World Cup by leading the tournament. He assured of frequent hockey tournaments in the future to inculcate sportsmanship spirit among the youth.

Comptroller Education and President PAU Sports Association, Dr Vishwajit Hans, while giving an overview of the tournament, informed that the winning team would receive a cash price of Rs 30,000/-, in addition to the Dr Arjun Singh Bhullar trophy, while the runners up team would get a cash price of Rs 15,000/-. He further divulged that special prizes would be given to the best player, best defender, best goalkeeper, and best half-back.

The second match of the day featured Olympians Hardeep Singh and Rajinder Singh. Secretary of Hockey Association, Dr Harpal Singh Bhullar, informed that the tournament would be played on the PAU Astroturf and the concluding day will honour Olympian Surinder Singh Sodhi as the Chief Guest. Jaskaran Singh of Dholan Academy, Sukhjeet Singh of Kila Raipur and Dalvir Singh of Rumi Academy were declared the Best Players of the day.

The event saw a heavy footfall of university faculty, staff, students and hockey aficionados across the city. Prominent among the dignitaries were former Director of Horticulture, Dr Lajwinder Singh Brar, PAU Registrar, Dr MIS Gill, Director of Research, Dr AS Dhatt, Director Students Welfare, Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students Welfare (GADVASU), Dr Satyaban Rampal, Dean College of Basic Sciences, PAU, Dr Shammi Kapoor, and Dean, College of Community Science, Dr Kiranjot Sidhu.