In the gymnastics competitions held at Allahabad, Allahabad gymnasts emerged winners. Allahabad’s Ashish Kumar was adjudged ‘Best male gymnast’ while Sapna Tiwari was declared ‘Best female gymnast’.

In handball, Lucknow defeated Naini 16-11 in the girls’ section to bag the gold. For Lucknow, Indu Gupta hogged the limelight and scored six goals. In the match for the third place, Hindalco beat Kanpur 11-0.

Varanasi defeated Uttar Pradesh Police 41-36 in the men’s section handball final. Abhijeet Rai was declared `Best male player’ while Indu Gupta of Lucknow was declared `Best female player’ in handball.

In volleyball, Lucknow Sports Hostel girls defeated Azamgarh 25-22, 25-18, 25-23 in the girls’ section final. In the men’s section final, UP Police defeated SAI Rae Bareli 17-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-15 in a thrilling final.

In fencing, Ajay Kumar of Jaunpur won the gold while Sushil Kumar, also of Jaunpur, bagged the silver in the foil event. Sanjay Sahani of Jaunpur and Rishu Sonkar of Lucknow won the bronze. In the Sabre group, Lucknow’s M Yusuf won the gold. The silver went to Arvind Kumar of Mathura. Arun Kumar adjudged ‘Best male player’ while Deepa Singh was adjudged ‘Best female fencer’.

The prize distribution ceremony was held later in the day. PWD minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui was the chief guest on the occasion. Sports Minister (UP) Ayodhya Prasad Pal presided over the closing function. Secretary to CM Kunwar Fateh Bahadur, Principal Secretary Sports (UP) Sudhir Kumar, Treasurer UP Olympic Association (UPOA) Dr Vijai Sinha and RSO Lucknow RP Singh also graced the occasion.

Media cricket