Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has promised that the state government will make efforts to establish a Judo Players’ Excellence Centre in Sangli, in cooperation with the Punit Balan Group (PBG) and with support from the Maharashtra Judo Association.
Patil made this announcement during the inauguration and unveiling of the trophy for the National Judo Tournament in the Cadet category, for players aged 15 to 18. The contests are being held in collaboration with the Inspire Institute of Sports and PBG at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge-Balewadi.
Young entrepreneur Punit Balan, Inspire Institute of Sports President Manisha Malhotra-Mukherjee, Axis Bank’s Sayyed Haider, Aditya Golhatkar, Indian Judo Federation Inspector Virendra Vashist and Assistant Secretary CS Rajan were present at the event.
During his speech, Balan requested Patil to establish a Judo Excellence Centre with the government’s participation. In response, Patil immediately announced plans for setting up the centre. He stated, "The Modi government is making efforts to develop sports and athletes for the all-round progress of the country. The Centre has provided substantial funding for sportspersons and sports skill development. In line with this, the Maharashtra government has announced a 5% reservation in government jobs for Olympians, 25 grace marks for meritorious players from Std X and Std XII, and also cash rewards."
Balan also announced several cash prizes for winners in the National Judo Competitions of the cadet category. The total cash awards of ₹5 lakh include ₹11,000 for the gold medallist, ₹7,000 for the silver medallist and ₹5,000 each for the two bronze medallists across 16 weight categories for both boys and girls.
Dronacharya awardee coach Jiwan Sharma, Arjuna awardee Yashpal Solanki, Competition Head JR Rajesh, and State Judo Association President Dhananjay Bhosale were special guests. The introductory speech was given by State Judo Association General Secretary Shailesh Tilak, while Secretary (TC) Datta Aphale delivered the vote of thanks.
As many as 600 players, coaches, umpires, and officials have gathered in the city for the competitions.
Special felicitation of Hembati Nag
Patil conducted a special felicitation for Hembati Nag, who hails from a remote tribal area in Chhattisgarh. Nag has overcome numerous challenges to win many medals in School and National Judo Competitions. She has also received the President’s Award.
