Prithviraj Mohol Wins Maharashtra Kesari Title; Honored with Prestigious Mace by Deputy CM

Government Committed to Sports Development in Maharashtra – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Ahilyanagar : In the 67th Maharashtra Kesari State Wrestling Championship, held in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Prithviraj Mohol from Pune emerged victorious by defeating Mahendra Gaikwad from Solapur in the final bout. The prestigious Maharashtra Kesari mace was presented to Prithviraj Mohol by Deputy CM Pawar, who assured that the state government is committed to financially supporting the development of all sports in Maharashtra.

In the mat wrestling category, a fierce contest took place between Shivraj Rakhe from Nanded (originally from Rakshewadi, Rajgurunagar, Pune) and Prithviraj Mohol from Pune, with Mohol securing the title. Meanwhile, in the mud wrestling category, Mahendra Gaikwad from Solapur triumphed over Saket Yadav from Parbhani.

The grand event was held at Wadia Park in Ahilyanagar, within the Balbhim Anna Jagtap Sports City, and was attended by Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Water Resources Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne, MLAs Sangram Jagtap, Mauli Khatke, Kashinath Date, along with Maharashtra State Wrestling Federation President Pailwan Ramdas Tadas and District Collector Siddharam Salimath.

Congratulating the winners, Deputy CM Pawar praised the enthusiastic response from sports lovers and highlighted the significant prize pool set for the competition. He acknowledged the five-day grand tournament and stated that organizers will face an even bigger challenge in maintaining the event’s prestige in future editions. Assuring government support, he reaffirmed that every sport will receive necessary backing, including continued development in Ahilyanagar’s sports infrastructure.

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol noted that the Maharashtra Kesari Championship is a prestigious tournament, originally initiated by Late Mamasahib Mohol. Over the years, Maharashtra has upheld its glorious wrestling tradition, producing several wrestling champions. He highlighted that the state government has appointed three wrestlers to Class 1 positions and expressed confidence that wrestling will continue to receive royal patronage. He also emphasized efforts to prevent doping in the sport.

Legislative Council Chairman Prof. Shinde thanked the state government and the Maharashtra State Wrestling Federation for hosting the Maharashtra Kesari tournament in the district. He praised the spectators for supporting high-quality wrestling and congratulated the winners.

Guardian Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil described the event as a grand opportunity for Ahilyanagar, stressing the need to upgrade Wadia Park into a major stadium to boost sports development in the district.

Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne commended the event organizers, recalling the successful hosting of the Hind Kesari Wrestling Championship in Ahilyanagar in 2005. He assured full government support for wrestling development, recognizing Maharashtra’s rich legacy in the sport and its contribution to international competitions.

During his introductory speech, MLA Sangram Jagtap emphasized the cultural and disciplinary significance of mud wrestling, calling for its statewide promotion. He expressed confidence that Ahilyanagar would gain national recognition through this championship.

The event was also attended by former MLA Arun Jagtap, Padma Shri awardee Popat Pawar, District Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ola, CEO Ashish Yerekar, Municipal Commissioner Yashwant Dange, former MP Sujay Vikhe Patil, Maharashtra State Wrestling Federation Vice President Sandeep Bhondve, General Secretary and Hind Kesari winner Pailwan Yogesh Dodke, film director Pravin Tarde, and district wrestling federation president Santosh Bhujbal.