CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: Narrating their real life stories of unfiltered passion, courage and determination, 3 super achievers including Olympian Aanchal Thakur, Everest Climbers Chhanzin Angma, and Navdeep Sood on Saturday ruled the stage here on the concluding day of the TiECON Chandigarh 2026.
One who lost her eyesight to a medical allergy at the tender age of only 8 years, Chhanzin Angma endured physical infirmity aggravated by negativity hurled at her those who took her gender as an handicip, to surpass 8848 meters high Mount Everest.
“I had decided that I will not let my eyesight handicap to come in my way of my dream to surpass Mount Everest, she said here while narrating her real life ordeal with unfiltered courage bereft of any emotional attempt to impress the audiences which received her with cheers and loud roar of claps.
In a similar tale of impressive grit and passion for her dream, Olympian Aanchal Thakur said that she faced multiple challenges in terms of infrastructure and facilities when she too up Skiing as her chosen sport.
Hailing from a small village in Manali, Aanchal Thakur has made the country proud by winning international medals in a sport where not many dare to venture as active sportspeople due to death of opportunities and facilities.
Taking part in the panel discussion moderated by Co-founder MD and Global CEO smartdata Enterprise Ajay Tewari, Navdeep Sood a banker who took voluntary retirement from his bank job to successfully pursue climbing Everest in 2025.
“In one of the training courses, I was chided for being old. It was there and then that i decided there was nothing which i could not do and I too up upon myself to fulfil my dream of climbing Everest, Navdeep Sood said who also runs marathons regularly.
We all wish to convey to all of you that it is your belief in your passion and your courage in taking the first step in that direction which you have chosen which would count the most in your life’s success, the 3 participants echoed.
Hosted annually in the City Beautiful, TiE Chandigarh has rightfully garnered its place in the calendar as the region’s largest entrepreneurial conclave and the most awaited IT event of the year where top business leaders, established investors, budding entrepreneurs, policy framers along with all those related with the IT and allied sectors alike converge. The event held each year witnesses enthusiastic participation from the leaders of the IT Industry from across the length and breadth of the country.
Hisar : realme has launched its latest smartphone, the realme 16 5G, in India, targeting young consumers with a strong focus on photography, design, and long-lasting performance. Priced starting at ₹28,999, the device is positioned as one of the best options in the sub-₹30,000 segment and will be available via realme.com, Flipkart, and offline retail channels. The realme 16 5G comes equipped with an AI-powered dual 50MP portrait camera system, featuring a Sony IMX852 rear sensor along with a 50MP front camera. The setup is designed to deliver sharp, true-to-life portraits across different lighting conditions. A standout feature is the industry-first rear selfie mirror paired with an Aura Ring Flash, allowing users to capture high-quality selfies using the rear camera. Additional features such as gesture control, voice countdown, and AI-based editing tools further enhance the overall photography experience. The smartphone packs a massive 7000mAh battery supported by 60W fast charging, ensuring extended usage without frequent charging. Despite the large battery capacity, the device maintains a slim and lightweight “Air Design” with an aircraft-grade structural build. Commenting on the launch, Francis Wong, Chief Marketing Officer, realme India, said, “The smartphone industry is undergoing a clear price reset, with users expecting far greater value at every price band. With the launch of the realme 16 5G, we are responding by bringing meaningful innovations and a reliable, long-term experience.” Kailash Lakhyani, Founder Chairman of AIMRA, added, “The combination of an ultra-slim design, a 7000mAh battery, and dual 50MP cameras offers strong value and is expected to see wide acceptance in retail markets.”
The viral success of ‘Bairan’ by Banjaare continues to soar as Punjabi singer-songwriter Simiran Kaur Dhadli brings a fresh emotional dimension to the chart-topping track with a newly released verse. Her soulful addition has transformed the song into a powerful cross-regional musical dialogue, resonating with audiences beyond linguistic boundaries. Already dominating global charts, ‘Bairan’ has secured the #1 position on Spotify’s Viral Songs Global, Viral Songs India, and Top Songs India, along with topping Billboard India rankings. The song’s massive success highlights the growing global appeal of regional Indian music driven by raw emotion and authenticity. Simiran, known for her bold storytelling, said, “Bairan carried a raw honesty that immediately connected with me. I felt there was another emotional side to the story that needed a voice, and the reply verse came instinctively. When a song is real, it travels everywhere.” Her verse offers a contrasting yet complementary perspective, enriching the original narrative. Echoing similar sentiments, Banjaare stated, “We never imagined the kind of love Bairan would receive across regions. Collaborating with Simiran brought a new emotional depth and elevated the song to another level.” The unexpected collaboration between Punjabi and Haryanvi musical influences has sparked conversations about a shift in India’s independent music landscape. ‘Bairan’ now stands as more than just a song—it is a cultural bridge uniting diverse audiences through emotion-driven storytelling.
Panchkula: Park Group of Hospitals has launched advanced multi-super specialty hospital in Panchkula, alongside the ongoing expansion of its Mohali facility, strengthening access to advanced healthcare across the Tricity region. The hospital has been developed to address the growing demand for tertiary and quaternary care services across Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh. By bringing high-end medical care closer to patients, the hospital aims to reduce dependence on metro cities such as Delhi for advanced treatments.
The Panchkula hospital is a 350 bedded biggest hospital of Panchkula, with 120 ICU beds, designed to deliver high-acuity care. It houses 10 modular OTs, an Advance Neuro capable Cath Lab, and is equipped with cutting-edge technologies including the Da Vinci X Robot and joint replacement surgeries. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostics, modular operation theatres, critical care infrastructure, and will deliver comprehensive care across key specialties including oncology, neurosciences, orthopaedics, cardiology, and critical care including robotic-assisted procedures. Designed with a strong focus on high-acuity care, a significant proportion of beds are dedicated to critical care services.
Park Hospitals’ care delivery is anchored in a healthcare model that enables high-quality patient care, and excellent clinical outcomes. This is complemented by structured patient counselling and engagement, helping patients and families better understand treatment pathways and recovery journeys. The Group’s operating model is further supported by efficient infrastructure and capex planning allowing it to deliver high-quality healthcare at accessible costs.
Commenting on the development, Dr. Ankit Gupta, Managing Director, Park Group of Hospitals, said, “The launch of our Panchkula facility and upcoming expansion in Mohali mark a significant step in building a scaled, integrated healthcare ecosystem across North India. With a combined capacity of approximately 850 beds in the Tricity region, we are strengthening our ability to deliver advanced, high-acuity care closer to patients. Our focus is on building centres of excellence across key specialties while leveraging technology and operational efficiencies to deliver high-quality care at scale.”
Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Group CEO & Whole Time Director, Park Hospitals, added: “The Panchkula hospital has been designed to deliver seamless, patient-centric care supported by strong clinical governance and modern infrastructure. By combining full-time clinical expertise with advanced technology and structured patient engagement, we aim to enhance treatment outcomes and overall patient experience across the region.”
Chandigarh: In a simple ceremony held at the UT Police Headquarters, Sector 9, the official jersey for the fourth edition of the Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament was unveiled on Thursday. The event was graced by senior police & UTCA officials, tournament organizers, representatives from the UT Administration, Municipal Corporation and enthusiastic cricketers.
The unveiling was led by Sagar Preet Hooda (IPS), DGP, Chandigarh Police and Sanjay Tandon, Chairman, Gully Cricket Tournament also the Governing Council Member, WPL (BCCI) in the presence of Pushpender Kumar, IGP, Rajeev Ranjan, DIG, Sumer Partap, SSP Traffic and Security, Manjit Sheoran, IPS SP Hqrs, K.M. Priyanka SP City and others. The organizers emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting sportsmanship, fitness and community engagement among youth, while also steering them away from harmful habits such as drug abuse.
The newly launched jersey features a vibrant, bold design with the spirited tagline “Balla Ghumao, Nasha Bhagao”, creatively blending the excitement of cricket with a strong social message. The initiative highlights how sports can serve as a powerful tool for positive change.
Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana and H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, set to inaugurate the tournament during the opening ceremony on April 17, 2026, at Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh. .
Jointly organized by UTCA and Chandigarh Police, the Gully Cricket Tournament has grown into a major sporting event of the calendar year. It enjoys robust support from the Municipal Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Sports Department, Education Department and Chandigarh Administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Tandon, said, “This tournament is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of unity, teamwork and the undying love for cricket that binds our communities. We are thrilled to see the overwhelming response and look forward to an exciting season ahead.”
Present on the occasion includes former cricketer Reetinder Sodhi, DSP Vikas Sheokand, Ravinder Singh Bill, Co-Chairman, Gully Cricket, Saaransh Tandon, President, UTCA, Hari Singh Khurana Secretary, UTCA and other functionaries of Chandigarh Police and UTCA.
Panchkula: To mark World Health Day in a befitting manner, a unique fashion show was organised by Jia Diamonds to acknowledge the contributions made by medical researchers towards society. The event provided a platform for medical researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to turn fashion models for the evening.
Speaking on the occasion, organiser of the fashion show,H C Goyal said, “This fashion show is not just about showcasing jewellery, but about paying a rich tribute to the medical fraternity on World Health Day. By bringing PGIMER researchers to do a fashion walk, we wanted to challenge conventional notions of beauty. These women represent strength, intelligence, and resilience, and deserve to be celebrated in every space—including fashion.”
The fashion show stood out for its distinctive concept—blending science with style—featuring four medical researchers from PGIMER Chandigarh alongside a professional model. Those who sashayed down the ramp included Tanisha Dimri and Poonam Kushan from the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER; and Ishneet and Megha from PGIMER’s Department of Dermatology. All of them are working as medical researchers at PGI.
The participation of medical researchers added a meaningful dimension to the event, symbolizing the balance between demanding professional roles and personal expression. Adding a special touch to the showcase, a 10-year-old girl , who walked in the fashion show as the showstopper.
The fashion show was designed in three rounds—bridal, designer evening wear, and casual styling—demonstrating how fine jewellery can seamlessly complement every facet of a modern woman’s life. The event witnessed the presence of prominent members of the tricity, including senior bureaucrats, political dignitaries, and retired defence personnel.
The show was brought to life by a creative team including makeup artist Anjali Shukla, stylist Sagar Pal, and designer Prashik Pushplata Sukhnandan.
In conclusion, H.C. Goyal said, “This was not just a fashion walk—it was a celebration of the strength, balance, and human spirit behind every woman, especially those who dedicate their lives to serving others.”
GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for the sport, announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, from June 16 to 28, 2026.
Following a successful inaugural edition last year in Mumbai, the Rugby Premier League returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format, aligning with the league’s long-term vision of accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India. The second edition will feature the six franchises from the first edition, continuing to provide a high-performance platform that brings together leading Indian and international players, while offering fans an engaging and action-packed rugby experience.
The decision to host the league in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ broader commitment to developing world-class sporting ecosystems. The announcement follows GMR Sports’ recent signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, with a shared focus on developing a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City, underscoring the Group’s strategic emphasis on sports infrastructure, innovation and athlete development.
Welcoming the league to Hyderabad, Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports Department), Government of Telangana, said: “Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination reflects Telangana’s long-term policy vision and institutional support for international partnerships. Events like the Rugby Premier League contribute significantly to tourism, urban visibility, and the broader sports economy of the State.”
Echoing this sentiment and outlining the league’s continued evolution, Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said: “With everything one does in life, the quest is to always do better, be better, deliver better. That will continue to be the cornerstone of the RPL.”
Elaborating how this philosophy translates into the league’s execution, he added: “Building a world-class property will never be enough. We will always strive to deliver a better product for our fans, do better by our sponsors and last but not the least, be better partners for our franchises, their owners and their support staff. RPL 2026 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad sets out to achieve all this and more. We promise a better fan experience, an even more thrilling quality of world-class rugby and a brilliant television and OTT product. As always, we cannot do anything alone. We rely on all our partners, including the media, to guide, advise and be the wind beneath our wings. Here’s to a cracking RPL 2026!”
Outlining GMR Sports’ decision to host the second edition in Hyderabad, Mr. Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said: “We’re delighted to announce that the second season of Rugby Premier League will be hosted in Hyderabad at the world-class Gachibowli Stadium. Hyderabad’s premier sports infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and passionate fan base make it the perfect home for the league. One of our franchise partners is rooted in Hyderabad, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in our long-term vision for rugby in India. This reflects GMR Sports’ commitment to growing participation, delivering world-class sporting experiences, and inspiring the next generation of athletes in Hyderabad and beyond.”
Highlighting the importance of the event from a high-performance perspective, Dr. A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), said: “Hosting the Rugby Premier League at the Gachibowli Stadium strengthens our high-performance ecosystem and provides invaluable exposure to emerging talent. Such international competitions accelerate athlete development and reinforce Telangana’s commitment to sporting excellence.”
With elite competition, a proven league format and a new host city, the second edition of the Rugby Premier League is set to deliver top-tier rugby action while continuing to play a pivotal role in the development of the sport in India.
About GMR Sports:
Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture. The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community. The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premium League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports. Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.
Panchkula, April 6, 2026: With a focus on expanding golf culture in the tricity, the Amateur Golfers Society (AGS) successfully organised the 11th Edition of its Golf Tournament – the Amateur Golfers Society (AGS) Golf Tournament at Panchkula Golf Club. The event witnessed participation from 68 golfers and concluded with a prize distribution ceremony graced by Rohit Sharma, Executive Director, DLF Home Developers Ltd., as the Chief Guest.
Speaking at the event, Advocate Suresh K Gupta, Founder Trustee, AGS emphasized that the initiative is aimed at enhancing the playing skills of amateur golfers, encouraging new entrants into the sport, and promoting a strong golfing culture across the tricity region. Winners Across Handicap CategoriesIn the main competition categories, Col. Gopi Singh (Retd.) emerged as the winner in the 0–9 handicap category. In the 10–15 handicap category, Col. T. S. Kahlon (Retd.) secured the winner’s position, while Brig. B. J. Singh (Retd.) finished as runner-up. In the 16 and above handicap category, Anish Arora claimed the top spot, followed by Dr. Hitesh Sharma as runner-up. 80+ Golfer Steals the Show with Longest DriveAmong the special prize categories, Vivek Srihan won the Straightest Drive award, while Brig. Vineet Mittal (Retd.) achieved Closest to the Pin with an impressive distance of 3 feet 3 inches. A standout moment of the tournament was Col. Kulbir Bakshi, aged over 80, who won the Longest Drive with a remarkable distance of 294 yards, earning widespread appreciation. Sunil Sharma secured the award for Highest Birdies—notably, a ‘birdie’ in golf refers to completing a hole in one stroke less than the prescribed par, reflecting a high level of skill and precision.
Senior members of AGS including Advocate Suresh K Gupta, Founder Trustee, AGS; Hukum Goyal, Chief Patron, AGS and owner of Jia Diamonds; Sanjeev Goyal, IAAS, Patron, AGS; and S S Prasad, IAS (Retd.), Patron, AGS, were also present on the occasion. Advocate Suresh K Gupta added that the tournament was supported by partners such as Jia Diamonds, Alpine Nest Homes, Land Edge Developer, who are developing the premium residential project Opal County in Dholera – India’s future smart city, and Soorahi. He further highlighted that the Society has consistently worked towards making golf more accessible through training programs, tournaments, and awareness campaigns. Sharing AGS’s achievements, he noted that the Society has trained a growing number of new golfers and contributed to increased participation in the region.
Chandigarh: Max Hospital Mohali on Monday showcased its advanced AI and 3D technology in knee replacement surgery.
Talking to the media, Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill, director–ortho & joint replacement said thatAI enables us to achieve a level of precision that was previously not possible, leading to better functional outcomes and faster recovery. This technology-driven approach is enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and enabling faster recovery, said Dr Gill.
Chandigarh: Ahead of the Municipal Corporation Elections scheduled for December 2026, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) expanded its organisational presence by officially launching its Chandigarh Unit on Sunday.
The announcement was made by Trilok Tyagi, National General Secretary of the party, during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club. Several leaders and supporters also joined the party on the occasion. Tyagi was accompanied by Prabudh Kumar, National Secretary, Dilpreet Singh, State Convenor, Punjab, Vinay Pradhan, Incharge, J&K, OD Tyagi, State General Secretary, UP, Narinder Chikara, State General Secretary, Haryana and anjit Singh Mohali, State President, Punjab and others.
Addressing the media, Tyagi said the initiative was part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its organisational structure and expand its political footprint beyond its traditional strongholds. He said the party organisation is now active in 14 states across the country and will formally establish its organisational structure in Chandigarh, while special focus will also be placed on strengthening the party’s voice in Punjab.
He further informed that after its strong presence in western Uttar Pradesh, the party has expanded its base in Punjab and Haryana and is now looking to make its mark in Chandigarh. The party had recently contested elections on all seats in Jammu & Kashmir as part of its expansion strategy.
Regarding the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections, Tyagi affirmed that the party is preparing to contest the elections. He informed that a formal announcement of the executive body will be made soon and intensify the membership drive.
Raising issues related to Punjab, Tyagi said farmers suffered heavy losses during recent floods but have not yet received adequate compensation. He said the party will seek a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to raise farmers’ concerns and rights. He also expressed concern over the rising number of cancer cases in Punjab and said the government should address the issue on priority. In addition, he said the party will work towards promoting small-scale industries in the state to generate employment opportunities at the local level.
Those who joined the party on the occasion included Vidya Shankar Pathak, Ramayan Kushwaha, Uma Shankar Shukla, Sunil Kumar Pandey, Sudhir Goyal, Vikas Pathak and Harish Vashisht, along with several notable leaders from Azad Samaj Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
Tyagi further said the party is also planning organisational expansion in the Union Territories of Puducherry and Ladakh. Responding to a question regarding the alliance with NDA and upcoming elections, he said organisational expansion is being handled by the party organisation, while alliance decisions are taken by the party leadership at the apex level.
The launch of the Chandigarh Unit is being seen as a key organisational expansion move ahead of the Municipal Corporation elections, with the party expected to build its base among urban voters, traders, employees and migrant communities from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana residing in Chandigarh.
RLD was founded in 1996 by former Union Minister Ajit Singh, son of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Tyagi emphasised that the party’s core ideology focuses on farmers’ rights, rural development, social justice, federalism and secular politics.
