However, the department has not increased the fee for the swimmers. It is Rs 200 for students and Rs 500 for non-students per season. The session in the North including Chandigarh begins from April 15 and continues till the middle of October.

The nursery swimming pool seems to be favourite among the kids. Over one hundred kids between the age group of seven to ten years are regular at the pool. Since there is heavy rush, particularly in the beginners group, the officials are thinking on restricting the entry. ``We have distributed more than 300 forms,'' said one of the officials of the sports department. The official added: ``It is difficult to control large group of kids and at the same time teach them the basics of swimming.''

Some of the seasoned swimmers were also seen taking a dip into the pool. ``I have started my training for School National Games, '' said Harsimran Brar, who got a bronze in the last edition of the games.

However, college swimmers are busy with their examination and most of them are keeping away from the pool.

The pool at the Punjab University, which is the only standard size pool in the city is favourite amongst the seasoned swimmers. The pool is yet to start functioning. ``Some repair work is going on and it will be complete soon,'' said one of the officials of the PU Sports Department.

Swimming pools at Lake Club and the Chandigarh Club have also started functioning.

The pool at Government College, Sector 11, however, will reopen in May. ``Once the pools at PU and GC-11, starts functioning, the rush at the other pools would lessen, '' said a swimming coach.

The training session at most of the pools starts at 6 a.m. and continues for three hours in the various age groups.

The evening session which also lasts for three hours begins at 4 p.m.

Cricket tourney
The fourth Nand Lal Memorial cricket tournament will start from May 2 at the local DAV Sr Secondary School, Sector 8 and PGI grounds. The first round matches will be played on a 30-over-a-side basis in this league-cum-knockout tournament. Entries close with Parbod Pajni, H.No. 3174, Sector 38/D or Vaneet Chawla, Phone No. 574362 on May 25.

Sports nurseries
The Haryana Sports Department will select 37 sports children to help them train at the 10 sports nurseries in the state, according to Ram Saroop Rama, Minister of State for Sports.

The selected will be given free accommodation, equipment, kit and Rs. 30 per-day as diet money.

The minister also informed that the meetings of the constituted committees, in different games, for the selection process will be held next month.