Head Constable Of NDRF Pune Unit Wins Three Gold Medals at 08th National Masters Games.

Pune; February 2026: The three-day 08th National Masters Games, organised by the National Masters Games Association, was successfully held from January 27th to 31st 2026, at Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sports Complex, Bhosari, Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune.

In an era when media houses are envied upon for putting the extra thrive on marathon propagations, it is quintessential that other distances are also carried with the same quantum of clout. The hype, excitement, and sheer amount of content around the biggest marathons can drown out other aspects of running, but you don’t have to finish 26.2 to be considered a “real” runner. It is important to opt for shorter distances.

Rahul Hari Jagdale, a prolific marathoner, albeit, runner, who is currently serving as a Head Constable with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Pune, delivered an outstanding performance by winning three Gold Medals in running events, breaking his own previous records.

Jagdale clinched gold medals in the following events with impressive timings:

• 10 Kilometres in just 40 minutes 03 seconds. A true champion always believes that by running slowly and steadily, a race can be won. Accordingly, Rahul took of for a descent start, and with all the earthly experiences started accelerating from the finish of the 02nd lap, and, the beginning of the 03^rd lap. He continued to lead from the 04th lap while catapulting to maintain a steady difference with them those who were following him.

• 05 Kilometres in 18 minutes 57 seconds; while leading, just immediately after the blow of the whistle.

• 1500 metres in 05 minutes 08 seconds, with a comprehensive lead from the 300 metres mark.

Earlier, in December 2025, his 03 Gold Medal hunt at the state-level competition held at the same venue, has earned him his berth in the National Masters Games. Representing Maharashtra at the National Level, and by repeating the feat and winning 03 gold medals, thereby bringing laurels to himself as well as to the NDRF.

The championship witnessed participation from nearly 5,000 athletes from across the country.

Speaking about his feat, Rahul Jagdale said, “Disciplined training, consistent hard work, positive motivation, and the constant support provided by NDRF for training, along with blessings from my coaches, family and friends, made this success possible”.

Senior NDRF officials including DIG Mohsen Shahedi, as well as Commandant of NDRF Pune Unit Santosh Bahadur Singh, 02nd/IC Deepak Tiwari, and other senior officers has lauded Rahul’s remarkable achievement. He has earlier also been honoured by the NDRF with special awards for his excellence in athletics.

Team Maverick.