Youth World Boxing C'ships: Seven Indians confirm medals
New Delhi (PTI): Reigning youth Asian champions Ravina, Vishwanath Suresh and Vanshaj secured medals along with four other Indians by entering the semifinals of the Youth men's and women's World Boxing Championships in La Nucia, Spain.
Bhawna Sharma (48kg), Kunjarani Devi Thongam (60kg), Lashu Yadav (70kg) and Ashish (54kg) are the country's other boxers who are also assured of at least bronze medals after securing last four berths.
Extending their spectacular show at the prestigious tournament, all four women boxers marched ahead by scoring identical 5-0 victories in their respective quarterfinal bouts.
While Ravina thrashed Romania's Alexandra Cretu in the 63kg contest, Bhavana and Kunjarani out-punched Venezuela's Evimir Brito and Aigerim Kabdolda of Kazakhstan respectively. Lashu dominated Mexican boxer Zuzet Hernandez.
Griviya Devi Huidrom (54kg) was the lone Indian woman to end up on the losing side as she went down to Kazakhstan's Elina Bazarova by 0-5.
Meanwhile, it was a mixed day for India in the men's section as three of the five pugilists in action managed to progress into the medal rounds.
Vishwanath (48kg) and Vanshaj (63.5kg) posted unanimous wins over Australia's Jye Kerr and Omar Livaza of Kyrgyzstan respectively. Ashish, on the other hand, had to work hard against Scotland's Aaron Cullen as the result was declared 4-3 in the Indian's favour after the bout was reviewed.
Deepak (75kg) and Mohit (86kg) were the two Indian male pugilists to suffer defeats in the quarterfinals.
The ongoing event has been witnessing the participation of close to 600 boxers from 73 countries. 17 Indians qualifying for the last eight stage is the highest for any country at the event followed by Kazakhstan (16) and Uzbekistan (13).
With seven medals already confirmed, Tamanna (50kg), Preeti Dahiya (57kg), Devika Ghorpade (52kg), Muskan (75kg) and Kirti (+81kg) will look to extend India's medals tally as they fight in the women's quarter-finals on eighth day of the competition. Rhythm (+92) and Jadumani Singh Mandengbam (51kg) will also battle it out in the men's Last-8 stage.
The semifinals will take place on Wednesday while the finals on Friday and Saturday.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
