Bengaluru (Press Release): P Ravi Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka, the chief guest for the Cyclothon 2022 Bengaluru Chapter, along with Shri A K Tripathi, Executive Director (Southern Region), GAIL (India) Limited flagged off Saksham Cyclothon from Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on 17th April 2022 (Sunday). The event witnessed participation of around 300 cyclists who pedalled their way round the Cubbon park for over 5 Km distance before finishing back at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Before flagging off the cyclists, the chief guest administered the pledge in Kannada to all the participants for practising the measures for ensuring optimal utilization of the fossil fuels and take steps for its conservation for our future generations.

The Cyclothon was organised by GAIL (India) Limited as a part of an awakening campaign, “Saksham 2022”, an initiative of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The objective of this cyclothon is to create awareness amongst the people about the fuel conservation, environment protection and promote the use of cycle for short distances, which will not only save fuel but also help in creating a cleaner, greener & healthier environment. The theme for the event for year-2022 is: “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav through Green and clean Energy”.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest of the event, P Ravi Kumar, IAS and A K Tripathi, Executive Director (Southern Region), GAIL emphasised that even small measures by individuals to substitute and reduce the usage of petroleum products like commuting through walking or cycling, using public transport, car-pooling, mindful usage of energy efficient equipment and machinery can contribute in a big way towards Oil & Gas conservation. P Ravi Kumar further added that such measures will also decongest our city roads and will provide supplementary benefits to individuals for maintaining healthy life due to exercise. He appealed to the people of the state to use the alternate green and economical fuel i.e. Natural Gas for the domestic households, vehicles, commercial and industrial establishments for the protection of the environment. 

Further, GAIL (India) Limited, the pioneer company in Natural Gas across the country has been keen on ensuring a reduced carbon footprint by promoting the usage of a greener and cleaner fuel, the Natural Gas and with this motive has reached out to various corners of the state to provide access through its Piped Natural Gas connections for the kitchens and Compressed Natural Gas filling stations for the fuel for the vehicles, that not just eco-friendly but also light on the pocket. A K Tripathi explained about various projects of national importance that GAIL has undertaken for the promotion of ‘Green and Clean Energy’, including KKBMPL project to bring the natural gas grid to the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu. To promote the Cyclothon awareness drive on fuel conservation, A K Tripathi also highlighted various other activities being carried out by GAIL (India) Ltd. in partnership with other Oil PSUs like CNG auto rally and various competitions in schools and colleges on the theme of “Oil and Natural Gas conservation” to spread the message of efficient use of the fuels.

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Bhopal (PTI): Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia from May 15 to 20.

The four-match series, to be played at SAI Bhopal, is a critical part of the teams' preparations for the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup to be held at Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.

The squad members were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation during the national coaching camp, where the initial group of 42 players was narrowed down based on match fitness and tactical adaptability.

Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men’s team, while the Indian U-18 women’s side will be led by Sweety Kujur.

"After a productive week in the camp, we have identified the 24 players whom we believe are ready for international exposure. These matches against Australia are not just practice games as they are a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline.

“Ketan is a natural leader, and I am keen to see how this group handles the pace and pressure of the Australian style before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan," said Sardar Singh, coach of men’s side.

“We have pruned the squad to 24 players who have shown the greatest consistency and growth during the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision required to lead this young side effectively.

“Playing four matches against a top-tier side like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas that need adjustment. This series is the ultimate dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asia Cup,” said Rani Rampal, women team’s head coach. 

U-18 Men’s Squad

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Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada; Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk; Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri; Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna

U-18 Women’s Squad

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Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari; Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani; Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde; Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.