Latest news with #Wazir
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SUF condoles demise of senior SAD leader Dhindsa
Sikh United Front and various Sikh organisations on Thursday condoled the demise of senior SAD leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. The condolence meeting was held under the chairmanship of Sudershan Singh Wazir, chairman of Sikh United Front of J&K. He expressed his grief over the demise of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dhindsa. Dhindsa was a Rajya Sabha MP from 1998 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2022. He was also Shiromani Akali Dal Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur in 2004. He was the Union minister of sports, chemicals and fertilisers during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and also a four-time MLA. He also served as a cabinet minister of Punjab. Wazir said that Dhindsa was a visionary leader, an experienced parliamentarian and a person who lived a life dedicated to public service. He always had a grassroots level connect with Punjab, its people and culture. He served Sikh Panth and Punjab for many years and was a dignified leader who served Punjab with integrity and dedication, added Wazir. Various leaders of the Sikh community paid their heartfelt tribute and respect to the late leader and also prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Egypt working to integrate railways into Asia-Europe trade
CAIRO: Egypt is working to integrate the country into a railway network connecting Asia and Europe, but a long-planned bridge that would link Saudi Arabia to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has yet to be finalised, transport minister Kamel al-Wazir said on Sunday. Egypt has been expanding its railways along seven separate axes, he said. These include three high-speed lines that would connect Sokhna Port on the Red Sea with the Mediterranean and Alexandria in the north and with Aswan in the far south. Israel and Iraq have likewise been spending billions of dollars on rail lines with an eye towards tapping the east-west trade. All the plans involve loading cargo onto ships for part of the journey. 'We have now completed the planning for the bridge between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and are ready to implement it at any time - whether a bridge or a tunnel,' Wazir told Reuters on the sideline of an economic conference organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. 'But the (current) solution for connecting Egypt with Saudi Arabia and Jordan is through the Arab Bridge Maritime Co. which currently has 13 vessels that can take cargo between Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.' Saudi Arabia's King Salman announced during a visit to Egypt in 2016 the idea for a bridge, which would complement a mega-city and business zone called NEOM the Saudis were building across the Straits of Tiran.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Mittal on transforming Kho Kho into a global sport
From a childhood passion for sports to spearheading the global revival of Kho Kho , politician and philanthropist Sudhanshu Mittal has redefined India's traditional game. 'Kho Kho was familiar to every Indian child, yet it was fading away,' says Mittal. 'I chose the challenge of reviving it over joining an already established sport.' Mittal's transformation strategy was twofold—first, internationalising the game by shifting it from mud to mat. 'We designed an indigenous playing mat, tailored to Kho Kho's pace and movement. That was a game-changer,' he explains. Second, he focused on making the sport TV-friendly. This led to the launch of the Ultimate Kho Kho League , with innovations like reducing squad size, shortening innings, and introducing the 'Wazir'—a strategic chaser with bidirectional movement. His extensive public life shaped his leadership approach. 'Voluntary institutions work differently from corporate ones. Inspiring collaboration and alignment is key,' says Mittal, who takes pride in the harmony within the Kho Kho Federation . Advocating for policy changes, Mittal highlights the need to broaden CSR norms and government support for indigenous sports. 'We need a dedicated institutional framework for traditional sports—something that doesn't exist yet,' he asserts. Kho Kho is now played in 55 countries, with plans to reach 90 by year-end. Upcoming events include a Champions Trophy (2025–26), Asian Kho Kho Championship (2026–27), and even a World Cup in 2029. Mittal's vision is clear: Kho Kho in the Commonwealth Games by 2028, the Asian Games by 2030, and the Olympics by 2032. 'Kho Kho is no longer just a game—it's an engine of opportunity,' he says, noting over 3,000 players have secured government jobs and the sport is driving grassroots economies. From dusty playgrounds to international arenas, Kho Kho's journey under Mittal is one of ambition, innovation, and resilience.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
J&K police raids 13 locations in Doda following Pahalgam terror attack
J&K police raids 13 locations in Doda NEW DELHI: On Monday morning, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted raids at 13 locations across the Doda district in a bid to dismantle terrorist hideouts and take action against individuals connected to terror activities. The raids come in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack , which claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepalese national, and left many others injured. This attack has heightened security concerns across the region. Previously, the Srinagar Police had carried out extensive searches at multiple locations in the city, targeting the residences of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and associates of banned terrorist outfits. These searches were conducted as part of ongoing investigations related to cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In total, Srinagar Police searched the homes of 63 individuals, adhering to legal procedures and conducting the operations in the presence of Executive Magistrates and independent witnesses. The aim was to seize weapons, documents, and digital devices for evidence collection and intelligence gathering to prevent further terrorist activities. Meanwhile, the impact of the Pahalgam attack has been felt in the local economy. Rakesh Wazir, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association in Katra, reported that the attack has led to a significant decline in tourism. "Approximately 35 to 37 percent of bookings have been canceled, and the number of pilgrims for the yatra has dropped from 45,000 to just 20,000 to 22,000," Wazir told ANI. The nation continues to mourn the tragic loss of 26 lives, gunned down by terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack has led to heightened security measures and diplomatic responses amid ongoing tensions between neighboring countries.
