Corporate houses should come forward to revive JCT: Pargat

CHANDIGARH: Punjab sports director Pargat Singh said ‘whatever may be the constraints football must be sponsored and promoted in Punjab.’

The former Indian hockey captain Olympian Pargat Singh was reacting to the report that famous Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mills (JCT) dissociating itself from the I-League. ‘Whatever may be the reasons, corporate houses have social responsibility towards society.

At the same time the management also have responsibility towards the share holders in their company. However, whatever may be the constraints the corporate houses must continue to sponsor sporting activities as social responsibility.’ ‘I did talk to Punjab Football Association general secretary Arjuna Awardee Inder Singh.

I assured him to extend whatever possible help the sports department can do. If the PFA general secretary suggests any person I should talk in connection with the JCT Club, I am willing to do so,’ said Pargat Singh. He said ‘football is very popular in Punjab.’

Meanwhile, sports fraternity is shocked to learn about disbanding of JCT Football Club, after serving the region for 41 years. They have appealed to Mr. Sameer Thapar chairman, JCT and president Punjab Football Association to reconsider the decision. JCT is the only football club in northern India to cater the needs of young and upcoming players.

Basketball Federation of India president and president of Punjab Basketball Association, hockey Olympians Balbir Singh Grewal and Hardeep Singh Grewal, Sajjan Singh Cheema Arjuna Awardee basketball, Parminder Singh Arjuna Awardee basketball, Ajmer Singh Arjuna Awardee basketball, Jagdeep Singh Gill International hockey player, Teja Singh Dhaliwal secretary PBA, Balkar Singh Brar secretary Handball Association have urged Sameer Thapar to reconsider his decision to save football in
Punjab.