Chandigarh, 8 September 2025: Governor Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria today graced the Scholarship Felicitation Ceremony as the Chief Guest along with Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary Chandigarh as the Guest of Honour and encouraged the large number of sportspersons and coaches present. On the occasion, he disbursed scholarships worth ₹7.12 crore to 1,630 sportspersons and cash prize money of ₹7.22 lakh to 12 coaches.

In his address, Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria said that these scholarships and awards are not only a symbol of financial support but are a true recognition of the hard work, discipline and dedication of the sportspersons and coaches. While congratulating the players, he said that their achievements will continue to inspire generations to come.

On this occasion, Sh. Kataria particularly mentioned the historic victory of the Indian Hockey Team in the Asia Cup. India has won the title for the fourth time by defeating Korea 4-1 in the final match. He proudly said that the contribution of 10 players of Punjab in this victory is a matter of pride for the entire state and the country.

Administrator Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria also elaborated on the new steps being taken by the Chandigarh Administration in the field of sports. He informed that recently dedicated chess centers have been established in Sector-8 and Sector-39, while modern billiards and snooker halls have been inaugurated in the sports complex located in Sector-42.

He also announced that the Chandigarh Administration will organize the first International Chandigarh Marathon on 2nd November 2025. For which a dedicated portal has been launched. Through this, participants from the country and abroad will join and attractive prizes will be given to the winners.Along with this, an online cash award portal was also launched, which will benefit the players with transparent and quick prize distribution.

The Governor appreciated the efforts being made by the Abhinav Bindra Foundation in the field of volleyball and said that such institutions are helpful in making sports more strong.

Sh. Kataria also reiterated that we all have to realize the resolution of "Drug Free Chandigarh" and "Every child should join sports". He said that sports are not just competition but the basis of discipline, leadership, team spirit and determination in life and these qualities will help India reach the goal of "Developed India 2047".

At the end of the program, the Governor congratulated all the players and coaches and wished them a bright future. He also thanked the parents and trainers and said that these achievements would not have been possible without their inspiration and cooperation.

Smt. Prerna Puri, Secretary Sports, Sh. Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports Department, Sh. Sanjay Tandon President UTCA and other officers of the Sports Department were also present during the event.