Srinagar, Nov 29: Shoaib Muhammad Saraf, a BCA final year student of Degree College, Baramulla has been awarded Indira Gandhi National Service Scheme Award, 2010-11 during 42nd Foundation Day of National Service Scheme (NSS).
The award in addition to cash prize of Rs. 15000 contains a certificate and a silver medal from National Mint.
The award was presented to Saraf by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ajay Maken for his excellent community service. The award was given to him on November 19 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Akram advocates one coach for Pakistan
Karachi, Nov 29: Former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram on Tuesday urged the nation's cricket authorities to appoint a single head coach rather than three separate ones for bowling, batting and fielding.
Pakistan have been on the hunt for a national team coach since Waqar Younis quit the post in September this year citing health problems.
Former opening batsman Mohsin Khan has since led the team on an interim basis and has shown a willingness to continue.
But the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formed a three-man committee to find a replacement for Younis, suggesting a foreigner would be better suited to the hot-seat.
New PCB chief Zaka Ashraf has stressed the need for separate batting, fielding and bowling coaches in addition to a head coach, but Wasim cautioned against complicating team affairs.
"I think the idea of separate coaches doesn't suit Pakistan," Wasim told AFP. "Pakistan need one head coach who should guide the team... in case of too many coaches things will get complicated."
The PCB committee had shortlisted five candidates for the post but progress has been delayed after Ashraf said he wanted separate coaches for each department. Sources within the PCB told AFP that former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore, who also guided Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, is favourite to take the post.
Wasim said he hoped a new coach will build on the success overseen by current captain Misbah-ul-Haq who has guided Pakistan through an undefeated run in Tests and one-day series' dating back to October last year.
"This current team under Misbah-ul-Haq is doing very well," he said.
"Misbah is very wise and is handling things very well."
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in three-Tests, 4-1 in the five-match one-day series besides winning the only Twenty20 - all matches played in United Arab Emirates.
They are now touring Bangladesh where they will play a Twenty20 on Tuesday, followed by three one-dayers and two Tests.
Wasim, who played 104 Tests and 356 one-days for Pakistan during an illustrious career, is currently working for UNICEF as an ambassador.
"It is an exciting challenge as under the current programme I am working under the UNICEF umbrella to create awareness among the people of Pakistan as to how we can provide hygienic food to our kids," said Wasim.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST