Not forgetting its roots and traditional sport, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) opened its “Dr Gulzar Pehlwan Uchhi Rurki Wala Kushti Akhara” for the students in the University campus today. Inaugurating the akhara, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, lauded the Directorate of Students’ Welfare for this well-thought off decision as wrestling has been a prominent traditional sport of Punjab and favourite of Punjabis. Earlier, several sportspersons have been participating in wrestling competitions at PAU, said he, while making a mention of a noted Canada-based PAU alumnus Dr Gulzar Singh Pehlwan, who had carved a unique place for himself in bodybuilding and wrestling at the national level as student. Further, Dr Gosal hailed Dr Gulzar’s philanthropic nature, who has donated a sum of Rs 20 lakh to the PAU for the promotion of wrestling in the University. Out of this, Rs 5 lakh has been spent on the establishment of akhara and the interest of rest of Rs 15 lakh will be given as prize to the winners, he informed.
The Director of Students’ Welfare Dr Nirmal Jaura applauded Dr Gulzar’s far-sightedness and his deep attachment to his roots – PAU, while residing in foreign land. He inspired the students to keep this traditional sport of Punjab alive by practicing and participating in the national wrestling events.
The District Sports Office Mr Kuldeep Chugh congratulated the students and assured full support to PAU in the advancement of wrestling.
The Deputy Director (Sports) Mrs Kanwaljit Kaur proposed a vote of thanks.
The Director of Research Dr AS Dhatt; Director of Extension Education Dr MS Bhullar, Estate Officer and Dean of College of Horticulture and Forestry Dr RIS Gill, Additional Director of Extension Education Dr PS Sandhu, Chief Engineer Dr VS Hans, Librarian Dr Yogita Sharma, Chief Warden Dr Parminder Singh, Associate Director (Institutional Linkages Dr Vishal Bector, Hockey Coach Mr Gurteg Singh and athletic coach Mr Gurmeet Singh were also present on the occasion.