Suresh, Ashwin clinch title

By MUNISH DHIMAN | CHANDIGARH | 16 April, 2016

Suresh Rana (left) and Ashwin Naik at the podium.

By registering his third win of this year, Manali lad Suresh Rana, better known as the motorsport champion of the hills, has yet again proved his mettle in this extreme motorsports category, by winning the the 14th edition of the coveted ‘Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm’ championship title trophy. Rana recorded this win with his champion navigator Ashwin Naik. The duo has also won the India Baja - 2016, recently.

Passionately pursuing a sport and ascending to number one position is a paradigm of abiding zeal, sheer grit and dogged determination. Steering his Grand Vitara with a skillful blending aggression and accuracy, Rana retained the number one slot to clinch the title of the 14th edition of the ‘Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm’ 2016.

Rana and Naik drove a Grand Vitara and were crowned champions in the X-Treme four wheeler (4W) category. The rally this year commenced from Delhi and while pasing from Hanumangarh, Bikaner and Jaiselmer culminated finally in Jodhpur.

This is Rana’s fourth title win. When asked about what had been more challenging this time around, Rana promptly replied with a smile writ large on his glowing face, “Undeniably, the stages were comparatively easier than those of the last editions, but the weather had in fact played spoil sport. The temperature was too high and indeed excruciating. Heat is never favourable, either for the machine or for the driver and navigator. But thankfully, we tried hard and our machine endured the heat and luck favoured us in accomplishing the chattered mission - to clinch the title.”

Rana’s navigator, Naik, has already participated in the round one of the Wales Stages rally 2016, held recently this year in Wales. Naik told The Sunday Guardian, “This edition of the Desert Storm had been a way more enduring and testing. Apart from this, the year 2016 has really been lucky for us as we registered the second win of the year. We are hopeful to do better still in the coming rallies. Right now, Rana and I are planning to part again for the enthralling Sajoba Rally 2016, to be held later.”

Cross-country marathon motorsport national champion Rana won the rally leaving behind a huge margin of more than 80 minutes. A four-time Raid de Himalaya winner, Rana minced no words about his and Ashwin’s amazing coordination, saying, “Steering through mountains or deserts and navigating through tricky and tortuous paths needs a lot of coordination and understanding between the driver and the navigator. A single miscommunication can cost you dearly.”

Echoing the same statement, Ashwin was quick to add, “I always give credit to our abiding chemistry and coordination as I am hard of conviction that we make the wonderful pair to handle a given situation. More important is to stay cool and composed inside the machine and come out without any mechanical misadventures in the racy machine. He strictly follows my navigation advisory with utmost caution and confidence, and that is what enhances our compatibility.”

Rana owed his victory to the team and his machine. He made a point in this regard, “It’s not at all my single-handed effort. It’s a team effort, which includes the quick-witted and cautious navigator, an efficient team, my mean machine and all associated with us, morally and otherwise.”

http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/sports/4163-suresh-ashwin-clinch-title

Aussie Pat Farmer on a unique mission in Chandigarh

By MUNISH DHIMAN | CHANDIGARH | 19 March, 2016

Pat Farmer holds the Indian flag during his run in Chandigarh.

Mutiple record holder is in India for his 4000km run to promote Spirit of India.

Legendary marathoner Pat Farmer (53), a former Australian Parliamentary Secretary and MP from Sydney, reached the city beautiful Chandigarh after starting his run from Ambala. This run is a part of his 4000-km ‘Spirit of India’ run with wife Tania Farmer and is supported jointly by the union ministries of external affairs and tourism and the state tourism departments. 

Farmer has already many achievements that include a multiple world record for endurance running. He had also ran from the North Pole to the South Pole, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Middle East and North America.

Pat and his team were given a rousing welcome by senior sports department officials and Bhupesh Chaudhary, Director, Sports UT at the city’s open hand entry from Zirakpur Chandigarh barrier.  The legendary Milkha Singh, could not make it to the event as he was out of town.

Briefing media persons at the UT Secretariat, UT Home Secretary Anurag Agarwal had earlier said, “It is a proud moment for us that Pat, who started his run from Ambala on the March 17 morning, will be running in Chandigarh as part of this 4000-km ‘Spirit of India’ run.” Pat ran across the city with his team moving right from Zirakpur towards Tribune Chowk, Transport Chowk, Mahatama Gandhi Institute, Golf Club, Punjab Raj Bhawan, before concluding it at the UT guest house.

Later, Farmer told The Sunday Guardian, “I am here to generate awareness for healthy life, encouraging tourism and to promote relations between Indian and Australia and I hope my endevour falls fruitful.”  

While speaking about his run and visit in India, Pat said, “Besides cementing relationships between the countries, I am here to support few causes and charities. We will raise charity for girl child in India. I had been waiting long to be here in the City Beautiful.” Pat commenced his run on the 26th of January to celebrate India’s Republic Day and Australia Day. During his halt in Chandigarh, Farmer  met the Governor.

Pat will cover 4000km, from Kanya Kumari to Kashmir, in 60 days. During his 20-year running career Pat productively raised millions of dollars for laudable causes.

http://www.sundayguardianlive.com/sports/3817-aussie-pat-farmer-unique-mission-chandigarh

Cyclists prove their mettle at MKCC

Cyclists prove their mettle at MKCC

MUNISH DHIMAN  Chandigarh | 22nd Aug 2015

Cyclists taking part in the 2015 Edition of MKCC. The second edition of the Manali-Khardungla Cycling Championship (MKCC) organised by Northern Escapes and Cycling 4 Change, at the world's highest motorable pass, Khardung La (18,380 ft) offered a plethora of challenges to the cyclists that proved futile in comparison to the commitment and passion of the cyclists. The rally, which was flagged off from Manali, put to test the endurance of 63 cyclists from all corners of the world. Cyclists competed against each other amid challenging weather conditions and tough terrains. Three-time women's Mountain Biking national champion of Nepal, Laxmi Magar, was adjudged the winner in the women's category. She won the overall title as well as four different titles in the championship. And army man Purn Bahadur Pradhan was adjudged the winner of the championship in the men's category. The 2015 Edition of MKCC offered two participation categories with varying levels of difficulty to suit every cyclist's temperament and skillset. Deliberately designed on a carefully charted route across tough terrains with varying gradients, exclusively for long-distance endurance cyclists MKCC is one of the ultimate cycling adventure tour for most of the participants. Stretching over 500 kilometres the Manali-Leh-Khardungla highway predominantly comprises of paved roads, with stretches of sand, gravel and rocky terrain thrown in for good measure and is one of the most testing highways. Laxmi after winning the title told The Sunday Guardian, "This has been one of the most challenging championships of my life as it offered the scenic beauty, challenging terrains, tough climates and the excitement of crossing the highest passes of the world on a bicycle. This championship also proved a fruitful training camp for me as it motivated me to take part in different enduring cycle championships that happen across the globe." Purn Bahadur Pradhan said, "This year the championship offered a different level of challenge due to unexpected rains and landslides. Yes, winning adds to the charm of participating, but on this terrain and in such circumstances participation itself is a reward." Talking about the second edition of MKCC, Northern Escapes founder Gaurav Schimar says, "This championship is an endeavour to put the Indian cyclists on the world endurance cycling circuit and to promote cycling for a greener environment. MKCC is the only high-altitude long-distance cycling race in India and we will keep encouraging cyclists to challenge their endurance in every edition." Echoing similar views, Anil Uchil, founder, Cycling 4 Change and Race Director added, "The Manali-Khardungla route is both inspiring and highly exigent for the global cycling community. Being a part of the MKCC is a source of inspiration for myriad cyclists across the globe and something to feel proud of for the participants. More than a physical endurance test it's a championship that put to test your mental endurance as well." http://www.sunday-guardian.com/sports/cyclists-prove-their-mettle-at-mkcc

Lisa Ray unveils new Rado collection

Lisa Ray unveils new Rado collection

MUNISH DHIMAN  1st Aug 2015

A watch may never change time but, yes, it can make you utilise your precious moments intelligently," said model-turned-actress Lisa Ray, who is the brand ambassador of watch brand Rado and was in Chandigarh to unveil its latest diamond watch collection for women. Ray was a thorough professional at the event, choosing to stick to business and speaking about Rado and all related activity, as opposed to any of her impending acting projects. During an interaction with journalists, the brand ambassador said: "I have more than a 12-year long association with the brand, and it is because of its design, technology, appeal and class that I am still with it. About the collection, I love diamonds and that's why I appreciate this specific collection. I must say, this is an ideal accessory because diamonds are a woman's best friends and these masterpieces will enhance the beauty of the wearer." Ray, who is a cancer survivor, is also associated with several cancer organisations. While she steers clear of speaking directly about her illness, she does make it a point to discuss the subject itself frequently. "Talking about it is also spreading awareness about it in a way," she said. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/lisa-ray-unveils-new-rado-collection