‘Develop sports culture in country’

Jwala fetes city sportspersons



GOLD medal winning shuttler in Commonwealth Games 2010, Jwala Gutta has said that sports culture is the need of the hour in the country to produce more champions.
Jwala was speaking during annual awards function organised by Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) in association with Nagpur Municipal Corporation at Tilak Patrakar Bhavan, on Saturday.
Mayor Archana Dehankar presided over the function. Deputy Mayor Shekhar Sawarbandhe, NMC Standing Committee Chairman Sandeep Joshi, noted social worker Dinanath Dasture and SJAN President Naresh Shelke shared the dais.
Jwala, who was born in Wardha, recalled her special connection with the city saying that Nagpur has a special place in her life. She also appreciated SJAN for motivating sportspersons.
On the occasion, Jwala was felicitated with shawl and a memento at the hands of the Mayor.
Speaking on the occasion Dehankar said that NMC is committed for development of sports in the city. “SJAN has always come forward to encourage sportspersons,” she said adding that parents should encourage their wards to make a career in sports.
Joshi, Sawarbandhe and Dasture also spoke on the occasion.
During the function Vidarbha Ranji player Shrikant Wagh, handball player Radhika Raut (both Mayor’s Trophy), athlete Nagraj Khursane (WCL Trophy) and upcoming badminton player Rasika Raje (Baidyanath Trophy) were honoured along with noted football coach and referee Stanley Gregory (Meeradevi Dasture Memorial Trophy).
Apart from this Hindu Mulinchi Shala (Centre Point School Trophy) and Annasaheb Gundewar College (KC Bajaj Memorial Trophy) were also honoured at the hands of Jwala.
Earlier SJAN Vice-President Rahul Dixit introduced the guests while Secretary Kishor Bagde made introductory remarks. Dr Ram Thakur conducted the proceedings while Shelke proposed a vote of thanks.
(Report : The Hitavada)