Haryana Governor pays tribute to Bhagwan Parshuram

  

Haryana Governor  pays tribute to Bhagwan Parshuram 

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29

Haryana Governor  Bandaru Dattatraya, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti, paid his heartfelt tributes to the revered sage at a solemn ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday.

Shri Dattatraya highlighted the timeless teachings and values embodied by Bhagwan Parshuram – valour, righteousness, dedication to dharma, and service to society. He urged the people of Haryana and the nation to draw inspiration from the life and ideals of Bhagwan Parshuram in building a stronger, more inclusive, and equitable India.

“Bhagwan Parshuram’s life is a guiding light for generations. His unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the upliftment of society holds great relevance in today’s times. Let us resolve to follow his path and contribute to national unity, social harmony, and collective progress,” said Shri Dattatraya.

 Governor Dattatraya also emphasized the importance of preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage while working together across communities for a prosperous future. Senior officials and staff of Raj Bhavan were present during the tribute ceremony.

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USPC honors coaches and support staff for 2024

 

USPC honors coaches and support staff for 2024  COLORADO SPRINGS, APRIL 29   The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee today announced its annual award recipients for eight coaches and support staff members of the year for 2024. The recipients include three winter and five summer coaches, spanning seven different sports.    The award recipients include USA Fencing’s Ralf Bissdorf as Olympic Coach of the Year and USA Volleyball’s Bill Hamiter as Paralympic Coach of the Year. The summer award recipients are USA Softball’s Patty Gasso as College Coach of the Year, Linda "Dee" Mahoney as Service Provider of the Year and USA Archery’s Phil "Chad" Jones as Volunteer Coach of the Year. The winter award recipients include U.S. Figure Skating’s Steffany Hanlen as the Doc Counsilman Science and Technology Award winner, USA Hockey’s Heather Mannix as Coach Educator of the Year and U.S. Speedskating’s Tom Anderson as Developmental Coach of the Year.    “Team USA's success is built on the dedication of our coaches and support staff, whose impact extends from youth development to highest levels of sport on the world’s biggest stages," said Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. "Their unwavering commitment not only empowers our athletes but also strengthens each National Governing Bodies and Team USA as a whole. As we celebrate the outstanding achievements of 2024, we proudly recognize the eight individual award winners for their relentless pursuit of excellence in their sport and beyond.”    National Governing Bodies nominated their 2024 coaches as part of the USOPC Coach of the Year Recognition Program, with winners selected by a USOPC panel. The program recognizes and celebrates the work of outstanding coaches and support providers who make a significant impact within their sport and National Governing Body throughout the year.    Olympic Coach of the Year – Ralf Bissdorf (USA Fencing)  Ralf Bissdorf made history as the coach of the first U.S. fencing team to win Olympic gold, as he guided Jackie Dubrovich, Lee Kiefer, Lauren Scruggs and Maia Weintraub to victory at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Bissdorf’s strategic decision-making played a pivotal role in securing gold. Under his leadership, Team USA maintained a consistently strong presence on the international stage in 2024, earning multiple podium finishes. Beyond competition, Bissdorf has fostered a culture of inclusivity, supportiveness and development, helping strengthen the future of women’s foil fencing in the United States. His innovative training methods and emphasis on teamwork have left a lasting impact on the fencing community, solidifying his legacy in the sport.  Paralympic Coach of the Year – Bill Hamiter (USA Volleyball)  Bill Hamiter has built the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team into a dominant force, leading them to a historic third-consecutive Paralympic gold medal at Paris 2024. Since taking over in 2009, Hamiter has transformed the team into an international powerhouse. His preparation was evident in Paris, where the U.S. rebounded from a pool play loss to defeat China, 3-1, in the final. Hamiter’s athletes earned top individual honors, including MVP and Best Attacker for Heather Erickson, Best Blocker for Lora Webster, and Best Setter for Kaleo Kanahele Maclay. A pioneer in data-driven coaching, Hamiter has implemented advanced analytics, match video review and load-monitoring technologies to optimize training and performance. His emphasis on individualized development has created a sustainable pipeline of elite athletes, ensuring continued success for Team USA. With his unmatched record of achievement and impact on Paralympic sport, Hamiter stands as a model of coaching excellence.    Developmental Coach of the Year - Tom Anderson (U.S. Speedskating)  Coach Tom Anderson has grown the Northbrook Speed Skating Club into a thriving program, increasing membership by 22% and expanding training opportunities for skaters of all ages. Prioritizing character development alongside athletic performance, Anderson holds individual goal-setting meetings and fosters open communication between skaters and parents. His emphasis on mental resilience and teamwork is reinforced through weekly team-building sessions that focus on life skills and camaraderie. Anderson's impact extends beyond competition, as many of his former athletes remain connected and credit him as a major influence on their careers. In 2024, his skaters excelled nationally, with 14 qualifying for USS Short Track Age Group Nationals and multiple records set. Through his innovative coaching, personal mentorship and commitment to athlete development, Anderson continues to shape the future of speedskating in the U.S..    College Coach of the Year – Patty Gasso (USA Softball)  This year, Patty Gasso solidified her place as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA softball history, leading University of Oklahoma softball to an unmatched fourth consecutive national championship in 2024. In her 31st season, Gasso has accumulated eight NCAA Division I National Championships and guided the Sooners to 17 Women's College World Series appearances. As Oklahoma transitions to the SEC, she concludes her Big 12 tenure as the conference’s all-time winningest coach, having earned 15 conference titles and 15 regular season Big 12 titles and nine Big 12 tournament titles. Under her leadership, 85 players have earned All-American recognition, and her teams have thrived both on the field and in the classroom. Beyond championships, Gasso fosters a culture of excellence, trust and personal growth. With a coaching philosophy that blends technical mastery and emotional intelligence, she continues to mold the future of collegiate softball and pave the way for women’s sports.    Volunteer Coach of the Year – Phil “Chad” Jones (USA Archery)  Phil “Chad” Jones has played a pivotal role in athlete development at In-Range Archery, promoting an environment that consistently produces top-tier competitors at the state, national, and international levels. His expert coaching, tailored to each athlete’s abilities, has led to significant achievements, including multiple archers earning spots on the USAT team and coaching a U21 archer to the World Archery Field Championships. Beyond competitive success, Jones is committed to continuous self-improvement, integrating modern coaching methodologies from USA Archery courses into his training. His dedication is further underscored by his volunteerism—coaching both individual athletes and his Junior Olympic Archery Development team free of charge. By prioritizing personal growth, mental training and community-building, Jones has created a structured, supportive environment that enables archers to excel and grow both on and off the range.    Service Provider of the Year – Linda “Dee” Mahoney (USA Softball)  Linda “Dee” Mahoney has been a cornerstone of athlete care, bringing decades of expertise to Team USA as she began her national team career with USA Track & Field in 1989. Over the years, she has traveled with and provided services to our athletes with USA Track & Field, U.S. women’s soccer, men’s and women’s diving and Para track and field, before joining USA Softball in 2021. She spent 25 years as an athletic trainer at Westfield High School in Indiana where she was inducted into the IATA Hall of Fame in 2019. She has become an integral part of USA Softball’s success. Her contributions were key to the U.S. Women’s National Team’s silver medal finish at the 2024 WBSC Women’s World Cup Finals and the U-18 Women’s World Cup Group C Event, where the Eagles went undefeated to qualify for the 2025 World Cup Finals. Mahoney is known for her holistic approach to athlete care, emphasizing both physical recovery and mental well-being. As a passionate advocate in the dugout, she ensures athletes have the resources they need to perform at their best. Her commitment extends beyond competition, as she dedicates time to individualized recovery plans, furthering a supportive environment that prioritizes long-term athlete health and success.    Coach Educator of the Year – Heather Mannix (USA Hockey)  As USA Hockey’s Manager of Education and Player Development, Heather Mannix has revolutionized coaching education, enhancing how over 30,000 youth hockey coaches are trained annually. She pioneered train-the-trainer programs, elevating the effectiveness of 150+ volunteer coach developers and fostering a culture of excellence. Her creation of facilitation materials has standardized high-quality instruction across all four levels of USA Hockey’s coaching curriculum. Recognized internationally, she has trained coach developers for the International Ice Hockey Federation and International Council for Coaching Excellence, working with top hockey nations. Additionally, she has led efforts to modernize USA Hockey’s Officiating Education Program, aligning it with best practices in learner-centered delivery. Through her innovation and leadership, Mannix has set a new standard for coaching education, making a lasting impact on the future of hockey.    Doc Counsilman Science & Technology Award – Steffany Hanlen (U.S. Figure Skating)    Steffany Hanlen, the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Sport Science Coach of the Year, has made groundbreaking contributions to athlete development through sport science. She created The Champion’s Journey – From Purpose to Podium, a program designed to help athletes integrate research, technology and personal values into long-term success. Hanlen specializes in developing customized systems to support emotional, physical, social and mental well-being, ensuring athletes gain lifelong skills both in and beyond sport. Her approach blends visualization, journaling, neuro-linguistic programming and performance psychology with cutting-edge technology to enhance training. As co-founder of the Ice Academy of Montreal, she played a crucial role in shaping elite skaters and launched the I.AM Holistic Isolation Bootcamp in 2020 to provide athletes with training and mental support. Additionally, she pioneered proprietary power skating techniques and continues to train skating coaches in advanced methodologies, further elevating the sport’s development.

India fined for slow over-rate in first match

  India fined for slow over-rate in first match 

COLOMBO, APRIL 29

India have been fined five per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Sri Lanka in the first match of the Women’s Tri-series in Colombo on Sunday.

Vanessa de Silva of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur pleaded'guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Anna Harris and Nimali Perera, third umpire Lyndon Hannibal and fourth umpire Dedunu de Silva leveled the charge.

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12 teams for US Junior T20 League from July 15-21

12 teams for US Junior T20 League 2025

CALIFORNIA, APRIL 29

The US Junior League (USJL), a T20 professional cricket competition for players aged 14–23, is gearing up for its second season in 2025, expanding from six to twelve teams. 

The league’s growth from 6 to 12 teams reflects increasing interest with the franchise owners and players’ participation. Teams from the 2025 season included Austin Blaze, Baltimore BlueJays, California Astros, Columbus Falcons, Dallas Thunders, Denver Dynamites, Knight Riders United, MyGO Chicago Kings, Northwest Renegades, Raiders Unlimited, Seattle Seals, and Washington Royals.

Advisory Board: The USJL established an advisory board, including former Indian international player M.S.K. Prasad, to enhance strategic planning and talent development. Jatin Patel, a Cricket Hall of Famer with Lifetime Achievement Award and USA Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, is a multi-sport coach, mentor, administrator and Professional Performance Analyst. Lastly, we are honored to have the support of a world-renowned power-hitting coach Julian Wood, respected for his work with top cricket franchises around the world. This signals a commitment to professionalizing the league and improving competition quality.

Objectives: The USJL emphasizes nationwide reach, skill development, and providing a pathway to professional cricket, such as Minor League Cricket (MiLC), Major League Cricket (MLC) or USA national age-group teams. Organizers are planning new initiatives, including all-star teams and high-performance training programs, to nurture talent.

Leadership: Prithivi Raj Logan, founder and CEO of USJL, has highlighted the league’s goal to foster future cricket stars in the USA, with 2025 expected to bring more excitement and opportunities.

USJL player draft for 2.0 edition is scheduled to take place on April 27 at 7:30 PM CST

Each franchise team will comprise of 13 players in the combination of 3 - Under-23, 5 - Under-19 and 5 - Under 16 age group players. 

The US Junior League is proud to announce that all 12 team franchise owners have been officially finalized ahead of the league’s 2nd season. This marks a major milestone in the league’s journey to develop and showcase emerging talent across the country.

Over 350 players across the country and several international players have registered for the second edition. The highly anticipated Player Draft will allow the franchise teams to select from a registered pool of top junior talent.

Six franchise teams that participated in the first edition will be able to retain three players from each age category i.e. one each from Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 age groups and the new six franchise teams will be able to pre-draft one player from the registered pool. US Junior League 2.0 edition is scheduled for July 15 to 21 2025 at Houston Prairie View cricket complex (Address: Houston, Prairie View, TX 77445). The event is expected to set the stage for a competitive and exciting season, bringing fresh energy and passion to the sport.

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ICC welcomes announcement of cricket venue for LA28

 

ICC welcomes announcement of cricket venue for LA28 DUBAI, APRIL 29 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has welcomed the announcement of Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, as the venue for cricket at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). The cricket competition at LA28 will feature six teams each in the men’s and women’s competition as the sport makes a return to the Games after 128 years. The ICC Chair, Mr. Jay Shah, has welcomed the confirmation of the venue and is looking forward to working in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ensure cricket’s success at the Games. Jay Shah: “We welcome the announcement of the venue for cricket at Los Angeles 2028 as it is a significant step towards the preparation for our sport’s return to the Olympics. “Although cricket is a hugely popular sport, it will be a fantastic opportunity to expand traditional boundaries when it features in the Olympics in the fast-paced, exciting T20 format that should appeal to new audiences. “On behalf of the ICC, I want to express my gratitude to LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their support and look forward to collaborating with them and ICC Members in preparing for LA28 and making cricket a huge success there.” Cricket, which made its only appearance in the Olympics at the Paris Games in 1900, was included in the Los Angeles Olympics after an IOC meeting in Mumbai in October 2023. Cricket joins five new sports at LA28 – baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash. The T20 format, which is recognized as the vehicle for the growth of the game by the ICC, has also featured in other multi-sport events in recent years. The Asian Games in 2010, 2014 and 2023 featured both men’s and women’s T20 competitions while the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games staged a women’s competition.

Swaaraj/Neev and Nainika/Riya/win doubles titles

Swaaraj/Neev and Nainika/Riya/win doubles titles

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 24

Top seed Swaaraj and his partner Neev Kothari lifted the boys under-18 doubles title after beating Shreyas Dogial / Dhruv Ghanghas 2-6, 7-6(  6), 10-7. in the doubles final in the CLTA-AITA National Series Tennis Tournament for Boys and Girls under-18 at the Sector 10 Tennis Stadium here today. 

In the girls under-18 doubles final Nainika Reddy and Riya Sachdeva defeated Afreen and Ranjan 6-2,7-6 (2),

Fifth seed Armaan Walia and Ribhav Saroha advanced into semifinals in the boys under-18 singles.  Armaan Walia outplayed Dhruv Ghangas of Haryana 6-4, 6-0 in straight set. Armaan Walia played in a top form and won the first set 6-4. 

In the second set Armaan maintained his momentum and raised his level of game, finally Armaan closed the second set and match 6-0 without conceding a single game.

 In the another quarter final Ribhav Saroha upset 10th seed Anuj Tehsildar of Maharashtra 6-2,6-2 in straight set. Top seed Swaaraj and Nithin also advanced into semi- finals

In girls singles ninth seed Sherry Sharma and third seed Nainika moved into semi-finals. Sherry Sharma upset 2^nd seed Riya Sachdeva of Delhi in three setter marathon match 6-4,4-6,6-3. In the another quarter finals Nainika Bendram of Maharashtra won from Iha Joshi 6-3,6-2 in straight set. Other girls who move into semi-finals are 4^th seed Shagun Kumari and Ranjana Sangram.

Dr. Indra Rattan distributed the prizes to the winners and runners-ups of Boy’s and Girl’s doubles events

Results: Boys under-18 singles (q-finals):  Swaraaj Shailendra Dhamdhere (MH) [1] bt. Vivaan Bidasaria (MP) (Q) 6-3, 6-2,   Armaan Walia (PB) [5] bt. Dhruv Ghanghas (HR) [4] 6-4, 6-0,  Ribhav Saroha (CH) bt. Anuj Tashildar (MH) [10] 6-2, 6-2,   Nithin Barath KS (KR) bt. Megh Maulik Patel (GJ) 6-2, 1-6, 6-2.  

Girls under-18 singles (q-finals):   Ranjhana Sangram (PB) (Q) bt. Manshi Singh (DL) [11] 6-4, 6-4,  Shagun Kumari (UP) [4] bt. Pal Vipulkumar Upadhyay (GJ) [8] 7-6(5), 6-2,   Nainika Naren Bendram (MH) [3] bt. Iha Joshi (HR) 6-3, 6-2,  Sherry Sharma (HR) [9] bt. Riya Sachdeva (DL) [2] 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Doubles (finals): Boys Under-18: Swaraj Dhamdhere / Neev Kothari [1] bt. Shreyas Dogial / Dhruv Ghanghas 2-6, 7-6(6), 10-7. 

Girls Under-18: Nainika Reddy Bendram / Riya Sachdeva [1] bt. Afreen Rahil / Ranjana Sangram 6-2, 7-6 (2).

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Gaurav Pratap Singh fires course record of 63, takes first-round lead

 

(L – R) Mr. Vinod Chandiok, PGTI President, tournament host and Indian cricket legend Mr. Kapil Dev, leading Indian professionals Gaganjeet Bhullar and Tvesa Malik, former Indian cricketer Mr. Ajit Agarkar and Grant Thornton Bharat CEO Mr. Vishesh C Chandiok, seen unveiling the trophy on Thursday

 Gaurav Pratap Singh fires course record of 63, takes first-round lead 

BENGALURU, APRIL 24

Gaurav Pratap Singh of Noida fired a course record score of nine-under 63 to take the first-round lead at the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational 2025 being played at the Prestige Golfshire Club in Bengaluru.

Gaurav’s flawless round broke the previous course record of five-under 67 set by Rashid Khan in 2012.

Gaurav Pratap Singh

Delhi’s Arjun Prasad, fresh from his runner-up finish in Delhi last week, continued his fine form with an eight-under 64 as he held second position on day one.

Bengaluru’s Khalin Joshi struck a 65 to be placed third at the first-of-its-kind PGTI event with a mixed field of men and lady professionals.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, Om Prakash Chouhan and Yuvraj Sandhu were among the prominent names bunched in tied sixth with scores of 67.

Hitaashee Bakshi had the best score among the lady golfers after she returned a 69 to be tied 19th.

Gaurav Pratap Singh began his day with a tap-in birdie on the first and followed that up with a 20-feet eagle conversion on the fifth. Some outstanding tee shots with the 3-wood and great wedge-play helped Gaurav, a winner of four pro titles including two on the PGTI main tour, collect five more birdies between the eighth and the 16^th. The 40-year-old finally drained a 15-footer for birdie on the 17^th to close the day with a phenomenal 63.

“Everything came together well today as far as my game is concerned. I was nursing a couple of injuries in my knee and wrist in the previous weeks but right now the body is in good shape and I’m injury-free.

“This course is in peach condition and requires a lot of planning. I’m playing with a clear plan and using my 3-wood more often than the driver because I’m looking to place the ball well off the tee. The plan seemed to work for me today. The eagle early on in my round gave me a lot of momentum and was one of the highlights of my round.

“It’s great to play this new format where the lady professionals are also competing for the main prize. I’m also looking forward to playing alongside the amateurs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank PGTI President Mr. Kapil Dev and Grant Thornton for getting this event back on the PGTI schedule.”

Arjun Prasad, currently placed second on the PGTI Order of Merit with five top-10s this season, posted nine birdies and a bogey on Thursday. He landed it within five feet on five occasions and knocked in three birdie putts from a range of 10 to 12 feet.

Arjun said, “The game is in great shape and that is evident from the fact that this is my second straight round of eight-under. I fired an eight-under in the last round of last week’s event in Delhi. So, it feels like I resumed from where I left off the previous week.”

Earlier in the day, the tournament was inaugurated with the unveiling of the trophy and ceremonial tee-offs by PGTI President, tournament host and Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, Grant Thornton Bharat CEO Vishesh C Chandiok, Vinod Chandiok, leading Indian professionals Gaganjeet Bhullar and Tvesa Malik as well as former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar.

The tournament combines the Professional Championship with a thrilling Pro-Am component, bringing together professionals and amateurs in a dynamic and engaging way. The three-day, 54-hole championship features 60 men and 12 women professionals competing for the same prize purse. The event will also feature three Pro-Am rounds in a rotational format, with 48 professionals teeing off in the morning, while the remaining 24 pair up with 72 amateurs in the afternoon session. Each Pro-Am team will comprise one professional and three amateurs, with scores combining the pro’s stroke play and the amateurs’ scramble format. Prize money will be awarded to the top three professionals in the Pro-Am standings.

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MoU signed between KCW and Laurentian University

 

MoU signed between KCW and Laurentian University

 AMRITSAR, APRIL 4

 

Khalsa College for Women (KCW) and Laurentian University (LU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic collaboration and provide better educational opportunities for students. Laurentian University, located in Sudbury, Ontario, is a leading bilingual institution in Canada, recognized for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Laurentian University fosters a dynamic learning environment and plays a crucial role in regional development while making a global impact through its academic and research contributions. The signing ceremony took place at the office of Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Honorary Secretary, Khalsa College Charitable Society, Amritsar, in the presence of dignitaries from both institutions.

 

The MOU was signed in the presence of Dr. Parvinder Arora, Faculty Dean of Business, Aarti Ravat, Global Official Representative and Viren Singal, Global Strategy and Recruitment Partner Head, who came from Laurentian University, Sudbury, Canada, and RMS Chhina, Dr. Surinder Kaur, Principal/Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr. Khushwinder Kumar, Registrar, Khalsa University, and Dr. Suman Nayyar, Head Department of Commerce and Management.

 

The MoU focuses on the BBA program and includes student and faculty exchange programs, industry collaborations, joint research, and skill development initiatives. It will also provide students with opportunities for internships, entrepreneurship training, and exposure to digital business strategies. This partnership is especially beneficial for students seeking international exposure and global learning experiences. The curriculum of the programme is designed as per New Education Policy-2020. The ceremony concluded with an exchange of mementos and a vote of thanks by Dr. Ritu Dhawan.

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Saptak Talwar bags maiden title at Adani Invitational Golf Championship

 

 Saptak Talwar (centre) receives the trophy from Mr. Pranav Adani, Director, Adani Enterprises Limited (right) and Mr. Kapil Dev, President, PGTI (left)

 Saptak Talwar bags maiden title at Adani Invitational Golf Championship  

 GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 4

Saptak Talwar of Greater Noida ended a long wait for his maiden title after he outshined his nearest rivals at his home course with a flawless final round of five-under 67 at the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

The 26-year-old Saptak’s (67-72-69-67) superb last round effort lifted him two spots from his overnight third position. Talwar, who had previously posted two runner-up finishes on the PGTI since turning pro in 2021, ended the week with a winning total of 13-under 275 and a one-stroke victory margin.

Talwar, who studied at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, USA, prior to turning professional, picked up the winning cheque worth INR 22,50,000 that propelled him from seventh to fourth position in the PGTI Order of Merit.

Overnight joint leaders Arjun Prasad (68-69-69-70) of Delhi and Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu (70-67-69-71) finished second and third at 12-under 276 and 11-under 277 respectively.

Saptak Talwar, who was two off the lead at the start of round four, enjoyed a hot start on Friday as he capitalized with birdies on the first two par-5s, the second and fourth holes. Saptak then added two more birdies on the fifth and 10^th using his wedges to great effect. He narrowly missed a five-feet eagle putt on the par-5 12^th where he picked up his fifth birdie of the day.

Talwar, who had made three three-putts for bogeys earlier in the week, then saw it home with pars on the last six holes. He made a crucial par save from eight feet on the 16^th that helped keep his card bogey-free and gave him the momentum towards the end.

Saptak said, “It’s great to win at my home course in the presence of my family and friends. This is my fifth straight week of competition and my endurance was my biggest asset this week. The fact that it was a relatively stress-free week because I was playing in home conditions and there was not much preparation needed also helped.

“At the start of the day, my approach was to just be patient and keep myself in the mix as long as possible as I knew the course well and was aware that I will have my opportunities at some stage. After the good start, the eight-feet par putt on the 16^th I feel was a pivotal moment for me today. It helped me keep my card clean and gave me the confidence to finish well.”

Arjun Prasad, also searching for his first title, produced five birdies and three bogeys during his fourth round of 70. Arjun had the opportunity to take the match into a playoff before he bogeyed the final hole.

Yuvraj Sandhu, a two-time winner on the PGTI this season, sank five birdies on the last day but an early double-bogey and two bogeys on the back-nine put him out of contention as he signed for a 71.

There was a hole-in-one by Sri Lankan N Thangaraja on the 14^th during his fourth round of 71. He secured tied 17^th place at two-under 286.

Nineteen-year-old Sukhman Singh of Greater Noida, the lone amateur to make the cut, won the prize for the best performance by an amateur. Sukhman totaled six-over 294 for the week to finish tied 46th. 

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Arjun Prasad and Yuvraj Sandhu continue in the joint lead

  Arjun Prasad and Yuvraj Sandhu continue in the joint lead   

Yuvraj Sandhu

GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 3

Delhi-based Arjun Prasad and Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu continued in the joint lead after shooting scores of three-under 69 on day three of the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 being played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

Overnight joint leaders Arjun (68-69-69) and Yuvraj (70-67-69), who happen to be close friends and are also often roommates during tournaments, took their total score to 10-under 206 on Thursday as they extended their lead over the rest of the field to two strokes.

Greater Noida’s Saptak Talwar (67-72-69) climbed two spots to third position at eight-under 208 following his third round of 69.

Delhi’s Honey Baisoya and Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta carded scores of 72 to end the day in tied fourth place at six-under 210.

Arjun Sharma (68) was the other player from Greater Noida in the top-10 as he closed the day in tied sixth place at five-under 211. Arjun sank two eagles during his 68 on Thursday.

Arjun Prasad

Noida-based teenager Sukhman Singh, the lone amateur to make the cut, returned a 73 to be placed tied 39^th at three-over 219.

On a day when the swirling wind switched directions and was causing trouble to most of the field, Arjun Prasad made a hot start with three birdies on the first five holes where he had a couple of 10-feet conversions.

After a bogey on the eighth, the 26-year-old Arjun, searching for his maiden title, came back strong with birdies on the 10^th and 17th (par-3) where he came up with a terrific bunker shot and an equally good tee shot respectively. Prasad, currently sixth on the PGTI Order of Merit, remained on top of the leaderboard despite dropping a bogey on the closing 18th.

Arjun said, “With the wind switching direction today, quite a few holes were playing differently. So, one had to accordingly make the changes in the tee shots and the lines. Making these adjustments was critical today and I managed to do that well.

“It’s always fun playing in the same group as my good friend and regular roommate Yuvraj. We play a lot of practice rounds together so we always enjoy each other’s company. Even today, we were pushing each other to do better by making those birdies and par saves. I look forward to playing in the leader group with Yuvraj once again in the final round.”

Unlike the second round, Yuvraj Sandhu had a comparatively slower start on day three as he bogeyed the first hole. The 28-year-old Yuvraj, a winner of 11 titles including two on the PGTI this year, came roaring back with three birdies between the second and fifth holes.

Sandhu, currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit, then added three more birdies and two bogeys on his back-nine where he had mixed fortunes.

Yuvraj said, “It was an up and down day for me as the putter went cold especially on the back-nine. But I’m glad that it was topsy-turvy today as I can now expect a much better final round.

“I’m excited about playing alongside my friend Arjun in the leader group on the final day for the second time this season. He’s been working really hard on his game so I’m looking forward to the contest.

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Yuvraj Sandhu and Arjun Prasad rise to the top in round two

  Yuvraj Sandhu and Arjun Prasad rise to the top in round two  

 GREATER NOIDA, APRIL 2

Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu and Delhi’s Arjun Prasad climbed atop the leaderboard with totals of seven-under 137 after round two of the INR 1.5 crore Adani Invitational Golf Championship 2025 being played at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

Arjun Prasad 

Yuvraj Sandhu 

While Yuvraj (70-67), a two-time winner on the PGTI this season, came up with a 67 on Wednesday to rise nine spots from his overnight tied 10^th, Arjun (68-69) delivered a 69 to gain two spots from his overnight tied third place.

Chandigarh golfer Harendra Gupta shot the day’s best score of 66 to end up in tied third place at six-under 138 along with Honey Baisoya of Delhi who sank two eagles during his round of 68.  

Saptak Talwar, the first-round joint leader, carded a 72 to close the day as the best-placed professional from Greater Noida as he occupied fifth position at five-under 139.

The halfway cut came down at three-over 147. Sixty professionals and one amateur made the cut.

The lone amateur to make the cut was 19-year-old Sukhman Singh (71) of Noida who was tied 31^st at two-over 146.

Yuvraj Sandhu came out all guns blazing on day two making seven birdies on the first 10 holes where he hit his irons and wedges to perfection. On this stretch, 28-year-old Yuvraj narrowly missed a hole-in-one on the third, chipped-in on the 10^th and produced some exceptional chips and a terrific bunker shot to leave himself easy birdie conversions.

Yuvraj said, “This is my fourth straight week of competition so there was a little shoulder pain at the start of this event. But the physio here at the tournament, Ravinder Sir helped me get rid of the pain. A big thanks to him.

“As there was no wind in the morning, I pressed the pedal to take advantage of the conditions. But once the wind started swirling in the afternoon, I lost a shot or two in that transition.

“I’m playing at Jaypee after a long time, in fact this is my first professional event at this venue. I last played here as an amateur. But the course is quite challenging now and has its own teeth.”

Twenty-six-year-old Arjun Prasad, still searching for his maiden victory, made four birdies and a bogey in round two. Three of Arjun’s birdies came on the par-5s as a result of two outstanding up and downs and a great bunker shot.

Arjun said, “I’ve had a decent start to the season thanks to all the work that I’ve put in with my coach and my team. I’ve had two solid days so far and am now looking forward to playing in the leader group with my good friend Yuvraj for the second time this season.”

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Odisha Day celebrated at Haryana Raj Bhawan

 Odisha Day celebrated at Haryana Raj Bhawan

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya lauds Odisha’s contribution to national and Haryana development 

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 1

The Haryana Raj Bhawan witnessed a grand celebration of Odisha Day on Tuesday, commemorating the formation of Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936. The event was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, who lauded the invaluable contributions of the people of Odisha towards the development of Haryana and the nation at large.

Governor Shri Dattatraya highlighted the rich cultural and historical legacy of Odisha, emphasizing its profound impact on India’s heritage. He said: “Odisha is not just a land of ancient temples and rich traditions but also a state that has significantly contributed to India’s economic and social progress. The industrious and skilled workforce from Odisha has played a crucial role in Haryana’s growth across various sectors as well.”

Distinguished members of the Odia community residing in Haryana, along with dignitaries from various sectors, attended the celebration. Shri Atul Dwivedi, Secretary to Governor, Shri Amit Yashvardhan, ADC to Governor, and senior officials of the Raj Bhawan were also present on the occasion.       

The Governor reiterated the importance of unity in diversity, stating that Odisha’s cultural richness strengthens India’s pluralistic ethos. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Odia community in preserving and promoting their traditions while integrating seamlessly with Haryana’s progressive environment.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Padma Shri Dr D Behera, Director, Pulmonary Medicine, Fortis Healthcare, Mohali, Dr RK Ratho, Prof and Head of Dept of Virology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Surya Narayan Panda, Pro VC, Chitkara University Punjab, Dr Sushant Sahoo, Additional Prof, Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Dr Raghunath Sahoo, Superintendent Physiotherapist, PGIMER, and Bhabagrahi Patra, Joint Secretary, Utkal Sanskrutik Sangh, Chandigarh.