Tennis Ball Cricket introduced for first time in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan: Dr Chabbewal
Phagwara, September 16
Member Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal on Wednesday inaugurated the block-level Tennis Ball Cricket competitions under the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan at Rampur Sunran village, providing young sportspersons an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete at the grassroots level.
Addressing the gathering after meeting the players, Dr Chabbewal said that Tennis Ball Cricket had been introduced for the first time this year as part of the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan sporting extravaganza. He said that the competitions were being organized across all five blocks of Kapurthala district and were open to men and women aged 14 years and above. He said that the Tennis Ball Cricket competitions in Kapurthala block were being held on September 16 and 17 at the School of Eminence, Kapurthala. In Phagwara Block, the matches were being organized at Rampur Sunran, while in Sultanpur Lodhi Block, the competitions were being held at Akal Academy School, Sultanpur Lodhi. Similarly, matches in Nadala Block were being held at G.H.S School, Khassan, and in Dhilwan Block at G.S.S School, Dhilwan.
The MP said that the matches were being played in a six-over format on a points basis, with top-performing players being considered for selection at the district level. He said that the minimum age for participation was 14 years, with participants required to be born on or before January 1, 2012. He added that the LBW rule would not apply in these competitions.
Dr Chabbewal said Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan has emerged as a major grassroots sporting platform in Punjab, providing players from villages, towns and cities opportunities to participate in competitive sports. He said that lakhs of players had participated in the games over successive editions, helping identify, encourage and nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level. He called upon youngsters to make the most of the opportunities provided through the sporting event and pursue sports with dedication, discipline and a competitive spirit. He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was making concerted efforts to ensure that youngsters got adequate opportunities, facilities and encouragement to excel in sports.
Dr Chabbewal said that the Punjab Government had been laying special emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting sporting talent across the state. He said that increased investment in sports, development of playgrounds and sports facilities, and opportunities for athletes to compete at the block, district and state levels were helping create a stronger sporting ecosystem in Punjab.
