Chandigarh,:- The Five days long National softball championship came to an end at Punjab University wherein 22 states participated in the championship. Chandigarh team boys team emerged victorious in a nail-biting finale against Madhya Pradesh to lift the 43rd Junior National Softball Championship hosted by the Chandigarh Softball Association at Panjab University. In a thrilling match played on Monday, the home team defeated Madhya Pradesh 4-2 to claim the national title.
The award distribution ceremony was presided over by former Advisor to UT Administration and President, Chandigarh Softball Association Dharampal (IAS). Chief Guest of the occassion Rajeev Verma (IAS) Chief Secretary, UT Administration and Prerna Puri (IAS), Sports Secretary felicitated the winning and runner-up teams. The event also witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Arun Raghav, Head Mahindra & Mahindra Swaraj Division, Mohali, Deepak Bhatt, General Manager, SBI and senior officials from Panjab University and the Chandigarh Softball Association.
The match witnessed a performance by pitcher Chaitanya whose precision proved pivotal in holding off the MP attack. Runners Swastik and Aman played key roles in advancing the scoreboard for Chandigarh. On the other side, Madhya Pradesh's Sakalp and Vickey put up a valiant effort to stage a comeback but fell short in the final innings. Chandigarh top the chart while MP ranked runner up followed by Maharashtra on the third spot.
Earlier in the tournament, Chandigarh secured a spot in the finals with a high-intensity 8-7 win over Maharashtra in the eliminator. In the Girls’ category, Madhya Pradesh outplayed Haryana 3-2 in a competitive final to lift the girls’ title. Chhattisgarh finished third in the tournament. While addressing the players, Cheif guest said that chandigarh is goin to host national or internation level championship every month. He said that we have excellent sports policy for the budding players. Dr. Dharampal said that with the support of all, we have this game to the new heights and will continue to work for sports fraternity. He remembered his tenure as Advisor to the administrator during which new sports policy was announced. He urged the players to take maximum benefit out of it.