Shillong Golf Festival ends
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Golf Festival, a new event in North East, saw more than 110 golf enthusiasts competing for the Gross trophy at the Shillong Golf Course on June 7-8. Gaurav Bajaj lifted the main trophy, which was conducted on the Gross format. Speaking on the occasion local MLA AL Hek saidm “Shillong is an important section in the golf tourism circuit of the North East and a number of initiatives are being taken to promote the same. In October it is planned to bring the Professional Golf Tour of India to Shillong with the prize money of Rs 40 lakh. It is important that we realise the heritage value of the golf course, which is a magnificent golf facility comparable to many top golf courses.” Winners: 0-15 handicap (overall winner) – Gaurav Bajaj (79); 16-24 handicap – Lt Col Ashok Kumar (65); Ladies (Gross) – Neha Bajaj (103); Kids (Gross) – Kevin (26); Longest drive – Prakash Pathaw (325 yards); Closest to the pin – AL Hek (12 ft 4 inches); Straightest drive – Rajesh Singh (8 inches); Highest scorer – Anmol Sodhi (126)
Pune FC appoint Bencherifa as coach
Pune: Pune FC have appointed experienced Moroccan Karim Bencherifa as coach for a two-year term ahead of the 2014-15 season. A former I-League and Federation Cup winning coach, Bencherifa becomes Pune FC’s fourth foreign coach since its inception in 2007. Pune FC owner Nandan Piramal said: “I would like to welcome Karim to Pune FC and would like to wish him the very best of luck.” Having coached twelve different teams in five different countries from three continents in a career spanning over two decades, Bencherifa brings along a wealth of experience. He last coached Mohun Bagan but had limited success with the Kolkatans. (PTI)
Bembem, Lako sign for Maldives champs
NEW DELHI: In a development that could boost women’s football in the country, Maldives champions New Radiant SC announced the signing of India senior women’s national team players Oinam Bembem Devi and Lako Phuti Bhutia ahead of their Women’s Championship set to begin on Monday. Bembem, the 2013 AIFF Women’s Player of the Year is a midfielder and the longest serving female player. She has scored 11 goals for her country in 18 appearances, while Lako, has one to her name from eight caps. The duo is likely to join the squad for the third match of the season. (Agencies)