Sudhir Pundekar
Credit: X/@SudhirPundekar
Thane: World-class wrestler Sudhir Pundekar from Phaltan tehsil of Satara district, has been conferred with the 'Antyodaya Puraskar 2025' for his work in the field of sports.
The award has been instituted by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, D H Gokhale and Shyamala Gokhale Trust.
Palghar MP Dr Hemant Savara presided over the awards ceremony held at Bhayandar in Thane district, over the weekend.
Pundekar took great efforts in setting up Shiv Samarth Krida Sankul in his native village Mulikwadi in Phaltan.
Till date over 500 youngsters have been trained and some among them have achieved success in various competitions.
He has been training aspiring rural youth in various kinds of sports for many years.
Speaking on the occasion, Pundekar said: “I am overwhelmed by this honour. This journey is aimed to ensure that budding players don’t face the problems faced by me. I wish to provide training and counselling across Maharashtra. It is necessary to bring the youth on the playground diverting them away from the mobile. I also plan to start a physiotherapy section.”
Dr Savara said, “It’s great to note that a gem like Pundekar has been chosen for the award. CSR funds can substantially help in his onward journey.”
Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Vice-Chairman, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, said, “Government of India is trying to promote native sports. Belt wrestling is also a native sport since it is traditionally played in states like Jharkhand. I am happy to note that a person like Sudhir Pundekar who is at the forefront of this has been given the award.”