Pak wrestlers for Khalsa sports

CHANDIGARH, April 8: The Pakistan Wrestling Federation is sending a 15-member team for the Tercentenarary International Khalsa Sports Fes...

CHANDIGARH, April 8: The Pakistan Wrestling Federation is sending a 15-member team for the Tercentenarary International Khalsa Sports Festival to be held at Charanganga Stadium in Anandpur Sahib from April 9 to 13. Giving this information here today, Kartar Singh, president of the Punjab Wrestling Association said that the Pakistan wrestlers would reach Wagha Border tomorrow.

The Pakistan team: Haroon Khan, Zahid Khan, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Usman, Mohammad Umar, Abdul Majid, Dosh Mohammad, Shoukat Hussain, Ch Mohammed Arif, Mohd Anwar, Mohammad Shabhaz, Rana Mohammad Ajmal Khan, Shaukat Hussain, Mohammad Shafique and Khalid Mahmood.

Internationals Tejinderpal (Canada), Joginder Pal Singh and Gurcharan Singh (both UK) are the other foreign entries for the Vishav Khalsa) title.

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According to Kartar Singh 70 top wrestlers would compete in the competitions to be organised in six weight categories. Panj Pyaras’ and Vishwa Khalsa’ would be adjudged. The winner in each categories would be given a cash award of Rs 1 lakh each. Runner-up will be richer by Rs 50,000 while third and fourth place winners will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 each.

International Organisation of Indian Wrestling president Kanwarjeet Singh Sandhu is sponsoring the wrestling competitions. Asian Games gold medallist Kartar Singh will be honoured on April 12. Dara Singh and Union Sports Minister Uma Bharati will be present on the occasion.

Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, general secretary of the Punjab Wrestling Association, said that weighing-in in 54 kg, 69 kg and 85 kg would be held on April 9 between 6 to 6.30 p.m. and the finals are scheduled for April 12.

Weighing-in in 63 kg, 76 kg and plus 85 kg will be held on April 10 between 6 to 6.30 p.m. and finals on April 13.

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Sunit Mann is the main contender from Chandigarh while Delhi have sent a list of six wrestlers and five officials and referees.

Delhi squad: Rakesh Kumar (54 kg), Jagbir Singh (63 kg), Ramesh Kumar (69 kg), Dharam Chand (76 kg), Nishant (85 kg) and Sandeep Rathi (97 kg).
Officials: Jasram Singh (manager), Yashvir Singh, Puran Mal (coaches).
Referees: Vinod Kumar and Ajit Singh.
Punjab team: Jagdish Bhola, Shamsher Singh (plus 85), Randhir Singh Dheera (85 kg), Gurbinder Singh, Mukesh Kumar (63 kg), Raajesh Sharma, Mandip Singh (54 kg), Pawan Kumar, Ranbir Singh (76 kg), Ramphal and Rakesh Kumar (69 kg).