Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 17: The visiting side of Gymkhana Club Ludhiana lifted the title trophy of Open Night Handball Tournament which was organised by Arun Sharma Sports and Social Welfare Trust in collaboration with University of Jammu (JU) on JU Campus, here today.
The event was dedicated to former international Handball players from J&K, Ajay Sharma (SSP) and Rakesh Dogra for being inspiration to the youngsters.
In the title clash, Gymkhana Club trounced equally good Arun Sharma Handball Academy (ASHA) 36-32.
Earlier, in the semifinals, decided today morning, the visiting side of Gymkhana Club defeated fighting Kargil Martyrs Club Udhampur 29-27 while ASHA trounced Diamond Club Hyderabad 33-25.
The best player of the tournament trophy went to Neeraj of ASHA while Sahil Padha (ASHA) clinched highest scorer trophy. The best goalkeeper trophy went to Paramjit of Gymkhana Club Ludhiana.
In the final and valedictory function, the winners and runners-up trophies given away jointly by Dr Kaushal Sharma (SSP PCR Jammu) and Sandeep Wazir (SSP ACB), who were chief guest of the day. Member J&K Sports Council, Ranjit Kalra was guest of honour.
“It was a beginning of inviting teams from outside J&K. The local teams got the opportunity to play against better opponents and get the much needed exposure. There is much more in store for local talent in near future,” said member trustee of Arun Sharma Sports and Social Welfare Trust, Ashutosh Sharma.
Among other prominent present were Dr Kishore Sharma and Neeraj Sharma. The members of the organising committee felicitated for their efforts included Vipal Photra, Kapil Sagotra, Jyoti Sharma, Karun Magotra, Gourav Sharma, Sachin Vij, Anil Dogra, Vicky Kuar, Bachan Dogra, Anshu Khanna, Arun Kumar, Abhishek Baru, Sonia Jain and Harinder Sharma.
In total, six teams, including from outside J&K, took part in this first of its kind event in Jammu by an NGO.