Manoj Godara,Chandigarh, 2 Dec : Punjab Police Lawn Tennis Team has once again been confirmed invincible by its winning stint at the 9th All India Police Lawn Tennis Tournament-2008, held at D. D. A. Sports Complex, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi for the impressive fifth time in a row.
This tournament was organized by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from 26th to 29th November 2008 at New Delhi. The opening ceremony was held at the S. D. G. Tennis Courts in the old J. N. U. Campus. The ceremony was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of New Delhi Sh. Tejinder Khanna (IAS Retd.) former Chief Secretary of Punjab. Twenty one teams, comprising of State Police and C.P.M.F. participated in this tournament. The team championship was won by the Punjab Police Team, who beat the CRPF-A Team, NSG, Karnataka police and finally the CRPF in the finals. Sh. Ashish Kapoor, PPS, DSP/Hqr. Patiala defeated Jai Kumar of CRPF in the I singles of the finals in straight sets and coalescing with Sh. S. M. Sharma, IPS, ADGP C&T defeated Jai Kumar and Dr. Kenzom of CRPF in the doubles, thus winning the finals 2-0, straightway.
In the open events, Ashish Kapoor won the single title by defeating Dr. Kenzom of CRPF. The veteran Doubles (above 50 years) was won by Sh. S. M. Sharma partnernering with Sh. B.N.S. Reddy of Karnataka Police. Ashish Kapoor and Sh. S. M. Sharma, IPS were declared runners-up in the open doubles and Sh. S. M. Sharma was runner-up in the veteran singles event. The prizes were given away, in the closing ceremony of the tournament, on the 29th of November at the S.D.G.Campus by the Chief guest Sh. P.C.Haldar, Director, IB.
The Punjab Police Team comprised of the following officers:-
1. Sh. S. M. Sharma, IPS, ADGP C&T, Punjab. (Team Captain)
2. Dr. Arun Kumar Oraon, IPS, DIG VB FS.I & EOW, Punjab, Chandigarh.
3. Sh. M. F. Farooqui, IPS, Dy. Director PPA Phillaur.
4. Sh. Yurinder Singh, PPS, Dy. Director PPA Phillaur
5. Sh. Rakesh Kaushal, PPS, AC.75th Bn.PAP
6. Sh. Ashish Kapoor, PPS, DSP/Hqrs.Patiala.
7. Dr. Arun Sharma, S. M. O. PAP Jalandhar.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Punjab Police has won the All India Police Lawn Tennis Championship seven times out of nine championships held so far under the commendable leadership of Sh. S. M. Sharma, IPS, ADGP.
The practice sessions of the team were held at Chandigarh Club Tennis Academy (CCTA) under proficient guidance of Mr. Robin Kumar, Director CCTA and Mr. Birbal Wadhera, Chief Coach CCTA.