Maharashtra Honors 331 Athletes on National Sports Day

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29 Aug, 2025

On August 29, Maharashtra will host a grand celebration on the occasion of National Sports Day, honoring 331 medal-winning athletes at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mahalunge-Balewadi. This event is not just about recognition; it marks the launch of the ambitious ‘Mission Lakshyavedh,’ a high-performance center designed to provide world-class training facilities to aspiring athletes across the state.

The ceremony is set to begin at 4 pm in the weightlifting hall and will be graced by notable dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State Muralidhar Mohol, and several other ministers and sports figures. Nearly 300 athletes, along with 100 coaches and officials, are expected to be part of this momentous occasion, highlighting Maharashtra's commitment to sports and athlete development.

Maharashtra’s performance at the National Games held in Uttarakhand earlier this year was stellar, securing a remarkable 201 medals—55 gold, 70 silver, and 76 bronze—making it the top-ranking state among all participants. In recognition of their achievements, gold medallists will receive ₹7 lakh, silver medallists ₹5 lakh, and bronze medallists ₹3 lakh each. Coaches and mentors will also be rewarded with cash prizes, creating an inspiring atmosphere of appreciation and motivation for all involved.

Among the distinguished athletes being honored are Olympic medallist Swapnil Kusale, Asian medallist Rahi Sarnobat, and Olympian Devendra Valmiki. Notably, Aditi Hegde, who made headlines by winning eight medals, will receive a total cash prize of ₹32 lakh, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from Maharashtra.

Sudhir More, the Director of Sports and Youth Services, emphasized the significance of the event, particularly the unveiling of the ‘Mission Lakshyavedh’ emblem. With an annual budget of ₹160 crore allocated by the Maharashtra government, this initiative aims to provide international-level training in 12 selected sports disciplines. The first phase will focus on six sports: athletics, hockey, wrestling, weightlifting, rowing, and lawn tennis, ensuring that state athletes have access to cutting-edge facilities and coaching.

This initiative is a significant step forward in nurturing sports talent in Maharashtra, ensuring that athletes are well-prepared for both national and international competitions. The government's investment in sports infrastructure and athlete training reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sports in society and the potential it holds for India's future.

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