Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh gets extension

BALBIR SINGH

Thursday, 27 August 2009

HANDIGARH: Keeping in view the outstanding performance as Sports Director since his joining the Punjab Sports Directorate in 2005, thPunjab Government has given extension to Padam Shree and Arjuna Awardee Pargat Singh, up to September 19, 2010. The extension order has been issued by Secretary Sports P S Aujla, on August 26, 2009. During his four-year tenure as Sports Director, Olympian Pargat Singh has achieved many firsts. The most creditable achievement is manifold increase in budget of the Punjab Sports Department. Under Plan, the budget has been hiked to Rs 23 crore from Rs one crore. Under the Non-Plan, it has been raised to Rs 25.45 crore from Rs 9.12 crore. Organization of the first-ever Four-Nation Punjab Gold Cup Hockey Tournament featuring the top hockey playing countries is another important achievement of the Punjab Government. With paucity of coaches and supporting staff due to retirement and no replacements, Pargat Singh took the initiative and convinced the Punjab Government the need for appointment of coaches, ministerial and supporting staff. Out of 245 new appointments, 169 coaches have been recruited. It became more significant since creation of more districts. Born on March 5, 1965, at Mithapur near Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh, who captained Indian hockey teams in 1992 Barcelona Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Olympics has efficiently strengthened the base at grass root level by paying special attention to the sports wing scheme. On his initiative and full government support, strength of sports wing seats has been increased to 4,000 from a meager 300. The trainees are recruited after proper spotting and various trials. The number of centres has gone up to 250 from just three. On deputation from the Punjab Police, Pargat Singh’s another appreciable achievement is revival of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh award. In 2006, 124 outstanding sportspersons of Punjab were awarded the highest state sports award. The Punjab Government also felicitated Punjab sportspersons who brought glory to the country and the state by winning medals in the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Asia Cup, Melbourne Commonwealth Games and World Cup Shooting Championship Thanking the Punjab Government for recognizing and appreciating his services as a Sports Director by giving him extension, a modest Pargat Singh said “I am committed to sincerely implement the progressive sports schemes of the Punjab Government. I am getting full supports from all.”