JALANDHAR
The Indian Oil District Badminton Championship being organized by the DBA at Raizada Hansraj Stadium was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal (IAS) on Thursday. On this occasion, the state-of-the-art air-conditioned gymnasium and synthetic court were also dedicated to the players. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aggarwal said that playing builds personality in children and players learn to live life in a better way. He said Sports teach us good values, morals, and life skills. The District Collector congratulated the interim committee for the development work done in the stadium. He further assured that more development work will be done in Hansraj Stadium in the coming time.
Disclosing details about the championship, DBA Secretary said more than 600 players are participating in 35 events. Competitions are being held in different age groups starting from Under-11 to Veteran categories. A total of 500 matches will be played in the next 4 days. The finals will be played on 11th August. Live streaming of matches will be done along with the provision of free refreshments during the championship.
During the inauguration ceremony today, international players Manya Ralhan, Abhinav Thakur, and Ram Lakhan were honored with cash prizes by DBA. It is worth mentioning that Former Sports Minister Sh. Meet Hayer had given a grant of Rs 23.16 lakhs for the upgrade of the stadium. Apart from this, cricketer and MP Harbhajan Singh had also given Rs 15.60 lakhs for the machinery of the gymnasium. With these funds, a new air-conditioned gymnasium, a new synthetic court, and hostel rooms were renovated in the stadium, which were dedicated to the players today.