Maharashtra Sports Department Preparing ‘Strategic Blueprint’ for Upcoming Olympic Campaign: Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Nagpur, April 2026: Maharashtra is steadily emerging as India’s “sports powerhouse,” and the state government is now working on a comprehensive “strategic blueprint” for the upcoming Olympic campaign, said Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Thursday.

She was speaking at the inauguration of the state-level Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Cup Kabaddi Tournament held at the Sewa Nand Vidyalaya ground in Koradi, Nagpur. The event was attended by Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Textile Minister Sanjay Savkare, Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar, MLA Ashish Deshmukh, District Collector Kumar Aashirwad, former MP Subodh Mohite, and other dignitaries.

Sunetra Pawar said Maharashtra has consistently performed strongly in major national events such as Khelo India Youth Games, National Games, and National School Games, securing top positions and championship titles. She emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring Maharashtra leaves a strong global imprint in sports, including at the Olympic level.

“As part of our Olympic vision, Maharashtra has already begun preparing a strategic blueprint. To develop national-level athletes from both urban and rural areas, the state is developing sports complexes with investments of ₹5 crore at taluka level, ₹25 crore at district level, and ₹50 crore at divisional level,” she said.

She further highlighted that the government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is working to provide athletes with world-class facilities, financial support, and a strong competitive platform. A major sports hub worth ₹746 crore is being developed at Mankapur in Nagpur to provide international-standard training facilities for rural athletes in Vidarbha.

Appreciating the successful organization of the kabaddi tournament, she praised the efforts of Sankshet Bawankule and the organizing team for promoting kabaddi at the state level.

Sunetra Pawar also emphasized that the legacy of late Ajit Dada Pawar in promoting kabaddi must be carried forward. She said the government is not only focused on infrastructure but also on athletes’ safety and welfare beyond the field. Measures include additional 25 marks for meritorious sportspersons in Class 10 and 12 examinations, reservation in government jobs, blockchain-based athlete data management, and direct financial and insurance support systems.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, in his address, recalled emotional memories associated with Ajit Dada Pawar and acknowledged his significant contribution to the development of field sports in Maharashtra. He noted that the state-level kabaddi tournament returning to Nagpur after 19 years is a matter of pride, with participation from 32 teams across Maharashtra.

He described kabaddi as more than a sport, calling it a cultural legacy that builds courage, agility, discipline, patience, and teamwork. He added that many rural athletes from Maharashtra have made their mark at state, national, and international levels, which is a matter of great pride.

The tournament, organized by the Nagpur District Rural Kabaddi Association, will continue until May 4.