Chandigarh, August 24: Punjab Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi today hailed the nominees of the Arjuna, Dhyan chand and Tenzing Norgay awards and MAKA trophy of the state. These awards will be held virtually on August 29, the National Sports Day, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press communiqué issued here, Rana Sodhi, while congratulating the sporting talent of the state, said that Hockey player Akashdeep Singh has been nominated for prestigious Arjuna award, while Kuldeep Singh Bhullar (Athletics), Ajit Singh (Hockey), Manpreet Singh (Kabaddi), Manjeet Singh (Rowing), Sukhwinder Singh Sandhu (Football) and Lakha Singh (Boxing) would be bestowed upon with Dhyan Chand Awards. Similarly, Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award to be conferred to Col. Sarfraz Singh son of Col. Balbir Singh Hockey Olympian in the land adventure category, while the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Maka) Trophy would be given to the Panjab University Chandigarh.
Punjab Sports Minister said that the revival of sports in Punjab is flourishing and it is apparent from the list announced for the coveted national sports awards. “With the concerted efforts and pro-active sports initiatives of the Captain Amarinder Singh led state government, the day is not far, when Punjab would reclaim its top position of the country”, added Rana Sodhi.
Sodhi also congratulated the nominees of the awards for their marvellous achievements in sports and assured all kinds of support from state government for the upcoming games, they are planning to compete.
