Baldev Singh honoured, given two-year extension

Chandigarh, June 4 (UNI) Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today honoured renowned Deputy Director (hockey) coach Baldev Singh with a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for his outstanding contribution in promoting hockey, especially women hockey.

Baldev is running a coaching centre in Sahabad, which is considered a nursery of Indian women hockey.

Speaking at a function organised at the Haryan Raj Bhawan, here today, to confer state's prestigious "Bhim Award" upon six outstanding sportspersons and State Sports Awards upon 10 other sportspersons, the Chief Minister also announced two years' extension in service to Baldev Singh for significant contribution in imparting training to women hockey players.

His trainees were part of the Indian team which won gold medal at 18th Commonwealth Games at Melborne in 2006 and also excelled in other international hockey tournaments.

A sum of Rs Rs 24.75 lakh was disbursed among sportspersons today.

When asked about his comments on getting extension in service, Baldev Singh thanked the Chief Minister and Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary for giving this honour. However, he said he had yet to decide to accept the offer before his retirement in November this year.

Sports Minister Kiran Chaudhary told newsmen that Baldev's case for extension in service was recommended for five years. His extension is for initial two years.

Mr Hooda also complimented those Haryana players who have qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics. They included boxers namely Akhilesh, Dinesh, Vijender and Jitender. In addition, shooter Sanjeev Rajput, athlete Krishna Punia and rower Devender Singh have also qualified for Beijing. He hoped that they would bring laurels to the state and the country.

UNI XC PS MMS1803