Look beyond Maharashtra Kesari, aim for Olympic medals: CM Fadnavis to state wrestlers

Nagpur: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wanted the Maharashtra Kesari wrestlers to aim higher and bring the glory of legendary Khashaba Jadhav back to the state by winning a medal in the next Olympic Games.

Fadnavis was speaking during the inauguration of the Chief Minister's Cup U-15 National Wrestling Championship, which began at the indoor stadium of Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur on Saturday.

On a query raised by Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Kumar Singh regarding the performance of senior Maharashtra grapplers compared to their junior counterparts, Fadnavis said that state wrestlers get satisfied after becoming Maharashtra Kesari. Fadnavis wanted the state wrestlers to change that mindset and remained hopeful that in the next Olympic Games, Maharashtra grapplers will win medals for the country. He said that the state govt is committed to bringing international coaches for excellent training and updating necessary infrastructure to fully support the wrestlers.

Fadnavis said, "Efforts will be made to involve institutions, foundations, and the corporate sector to make wrestling more professional and glamorous in Maharashtra. Like kabaddi, wrestling is played across all the small regions of Maharashtra, and it is time to show the world our true value." Speaking further, he emphasised the govt's focus on wrestling competitions and highlighted the importance of sports and participation.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra's young sportspersons were performing well at the National Games and Khelo India. As far as wrestling is concerned, the junior wrestlers are doing well. But the senior wrestlers are not getting recognition at the international level. Fadnavis wanted the state wrestling association to look into the matter and take all the necessary help from the Maharashtra govt.

In his introductory remark, President of the Organising Committee and MLC Sandip Joshi said, "Looking at the success of Nagpur's first national championship, the city is all set and ready to host international wrestling competition." Joshi also asked the CM's approval to build a small multi-sport stadium on the municipal corporation land near Manish Nagar.

President of Maharashtra Wrestling Association Ramdas Tadas said that in 2026, Wardha will host the senior national wrestling championship.

Minister of state for finance and planning Ashish Jaiswal, President of WFI Sanjay Kumar Singh, former MP Tadas, MLC Kripal Tumare, Working President Sandip Bhondwe, state minister Pankaj Bhoyar, President of Vidarbha Wrestling Association Sanjay Tirathkar, Hindkesri Yogesh Dhoke, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijit Choudhary, and others shared the dais.

Earlier the members of Amit Yoga Group won the hearts of the audience by presenting thrilling yoga demonstrations. Fadnavis appreciated the performance on the occasion of International Yoga Day.