Sukhbir felicitates hockey stars Raghav and Gurjot before leaving for France

Chandigarh, July 8, 2014: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated Raghav Sood and Gurjot Singh, young Hockey stars of Punjab who will play in Indian team in World Inline Hockey Championship at France and informed that massive transformation was in the cards to bring massive transformation in Hockey to bring back the lost glory of this national sport.
Congratulating Raghav and Gurjot for getting acclaim for the state, Badal said Hockey was the most important sports, which needed to be monitored, highlighted and encouraged with availability of required infrastructure and facilities to players. Badal, who is also Sports Minister, said the Punjab Government was working on a strategy to promote this game at grass root level by involving teenagers to build their interest in Hockey.
Praying success for Indian Team, Badal said Raghav and Gurjot will definitely play an extraordinary sport vis-à-vis outstanding performance of team, which will bring India to victory. He said it was also matter of pride that both hockey stars have been selected by Roler Hockey Federation of India for this World Inline Senior Hockey Championship (Men), which would conclude on July 13. Both players apprised Deputy CM that as many 24 nations will play in the championship including USA, Canada, France and Germany.
Badal also patted both stars since Punjab players have secured their place in the team for this championship first time. Raghav, who is hailing from Khanna and Gurjot from Patiala were also clinched national medals many a time.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Jatinder Kapur, National President Youth Organisation India, Secretary Hardeep Singh Bhamra and Vinod Sood.