Sports Correspondent
Ludhiana, July 15

Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy Jarkhar honoured para-athlete, former trainee Akash Mehra, who lost his legs in a train accident a few years ago. He was felicitated at a function organised at the main stadium of Jarkhar village on Thursday.

A promising hockey player, Akash met with an accident and both his legs were amputated. However, he did not lose heart and continued taking parts in sports. Now, he has been playing with artificial limbs. He won two silver medals in the Para Youth Athletics Championship held at Dubai.

For his achievement at an international competition, Akash was selected under the Khelo India Youth Games programme of the Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports. Currently, he has been preparing for the upcoming Para-Olympics.

The academy organisers acknowledged his dedication and passion for sports and honoured him by presenting a hi-tech bicycle and track suit.

Besides, Simranjot Makkar, a senior journalist and an upcoming hockey player were also honoured on the occasion. Makkar was honoured with “Patarkari Da Maan” award and Gurjot received a bicycle.

Makkar urged the

state government to give financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh to Akash as the player required artificial legs to prepare for the Para-Olympics.

Narinder Pal Singh Sidhu and Jagroop Singh Jarkhar, chairman and chief organiser, respectively, of Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Welfare Trust, welcomed and thanked the guests and players.

Advocate Harkamal Singh, president of the trust, pehalwan Harmail Singh Kala, coach Gursatinder Singh Pargat, Yadvinder Singh Toor, Tajinder Singh Jarkhar, Sandeep Singh, Sumeet Singh, kabaddi player Manjeet Singh Mohla Khadoor, Nihang Singh Jathedar Ramanjit Saian Kalan and former national hockey player Gurmeet Singh Ghawaddi were among others present there.