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PKL-6: Monu replaces injured Surender as Haryana Steelers captain
By Kaushik Kumar
New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) franchise Haryana Steelers on Thursday suffered a major blow when their captain and ace defender Surender Nada was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken elbow.
The franchise has now named star raider Monu Goyat as the skipper of the Haryana-based kabaddi team while 23-year-old raider Naveen Bajaj will replace Nada, who was injured during the Steeler’s campaign opener against Puneri Paltan on Monday in Chennai.
Talking to IANS, Monu expressed confidence to deliver in his new role and said there was no added pressure on him.
“No doubt, the responsibility has increased for me but I’m looking forward to deliver,” Monu said after taking over as captain of the Steelers.
“There is no added pressure on me. I will enjoy my game as I do as usual,” he added.
When asked about his strategy for the long season ahead, the 25-year-old raider said: “Every captain has his own style and strategy. However, our strategy will depend on the team we face. We usually take suggesstion of every player before going into a game.”
“As a captain, I will try to take the entire team as a unit, both on and off the field,” Monu explained.
Further speaking on Nada, the newly appointed captain termed it as a ‘major loss’ for the Steelers.
“It is a major loss for the entire team. He (Nada) is one of the best left-corner in the world and his catching technique at that position is simply outstanding,” Monu opined.
“The whole team will miss his (Nada) presence but now we are looking to all-rounder Kuldeep Singh, who is a player with immense potential,” the captain added.
Meanwhile, announcing the development, Steelers’ coach Rambir Singh Khokkar said: “Monu is one of our most experienced players on the squad and was the most obvious choice when we were looking for a new leader on the mat.”
“Surender and Monu have their own strengths and styles of leadership and I am confident that while Monu cannot replace Surender, he will surely deliver,” he added.
The Steelers began their Season 6 campaign on a disappointing note after losing to Puneri Paltan. They will now continue on to their home leg, where they will begin by playing Season 5 finalists Gujarat Fortunegiants on Friday.
That game will be followed by games against UMumba (Saturday), Puneri Paltan (Sunday), Jaipur Pink Panthers (October 16), UMumba again (October 17) and end their home leg against Dabang Delhi on October 18.
(Kaushik Kumar can be contacted at [email protected])
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.