Grand reception for IOA chief tomorrow

Pune, Aug 27 (UNI) Keeping in view India's encouraging performance in the Beijing Olympics, the Maharashtra Olympic Association will accord a grand civic reception to IOA president and MP Suresh Kalmadi at Deccan Gymkhana tomorrow.

MOA secretary general Prof Balasaheb Landge told reporters here today that the sports fraternity of Pune has planned a grand reception for Mr Kalmadi, who will be arriving at the Lohegaon airport, with a traditional Maharashtrian welcome of ''Dhole and Lezim''.

''Mr Kalmadi will be brought in an open motorcade from the airport to Deccan Gymkhana ground, which will pass through the heart of the city and business centre Laxmi Road. Former Olympian grappler and Rustom-e-Hind Harishchander Birajdar will lead the cavalcade,'' Mr Landge pointed out.

Prominent among the galaxy of sportspersons to be on view will be former Olympian Balkrishan Akotkar, Ms Rekha Bhide Maruti Adkar, Arjuna awardees -- Gopal Devang, Niotin Kirtane, Sandeep Kirtane, Kaka Pawar, Dhyanchand awardee Smita Shirole Yadav, Jijamata awardee Manisha Ghate, AFI Joint Secretary Pralhad Sawant, MOA treasurer Chandrakant Shirole and Vice-President Satish Pradhan.

UNI IS SR RAR NS2053