Hema Malini becomes baseball federation chief patron

Chandigarh, Feb 3 (UNI) Film actress-turned-politician Hema Malini today extended her full support to Women Baseball Federation of India(WBFI) and accepted the post of chief patron of the federation.

The WBFI has branched out of the Baseball Federation of India (BFI).

The organisers are confident that with Hema Malini joining WBFI, the sport would give a boost to the sportspersons, especially women of all sports disciplines which have been neglected so far.

WBFI chairman Deepak Joshi echoed the sentiments of Hema Malini that there was a need to change the mindset of society towards women.

Main thrust of the WBFI is on rural area which is full of talent and just need to harness it. Joshis main motive behind sports promotion is to give every player a dignified living and giving carrier options.

His vision is to create Chandigarh 'A Sports Tourist Destination' which will be a boost to the country and Chandigarh in particular by bringing in international sports to India. The WBFI has started the first ever Baseball Academy for providing training to the players from March 14 here.

The WBFI and the BFI will be holding Baseball Nationals for men and women from Feburary 21 here. The WBFI will be holding World Women Baseball Championship in October in which about eight countries are participated to take part.

An Indian Baseball League (IBL) will begin on February 21 next year to promote baseball and Sports Tourism in Chandigarh in which 10 teams are scheduled to compete.

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