Honored by RMP & DH Gokhale & Shyamala Gokhale Trust : World class wrestler Sudhir Pundekar awarded Antyodaya Puraskar - 2025

 

Honored by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, DH Gokhale & Shyamala Gokhale Trust for sports sector work

Mumbai: 31^st May: Today India is making its mark in the sports sector everywhere. This also includes sports that were hitherto neglected. In the past players had to struggle against all odds to rise. One among them is Sudhir Pundekar, the world class wrestler from Phaltan Taluka of Satara District, Maharashtra. Mr. Pundekar was today awarded the Antyodaya Puraskar - 2025, which is supported by D. H. Gokhale & Shyamala Gokhale Charitable Trust and organized by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP). Mr. Pundekar is ranked among the top-5 wrestlers in the world. Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara, MP, Palghar, was present as the chief guest, along with other dignitaries, at the event that took place in Bhayandar in Thane District, Maharashtra.

 

Urging aspiring players to ditch the mobile & get trained

Sudhir Pundekar took great efforts in setting up Shiv Samarth Krida Sankul in his native village, Mulikwadi in Phaltan Taluka, Satara District. He has been training aspiring rural youth in various kinds of sports for many years. He was honoured by Dr. Savara with Antyodaya Puraskar – 2025, consisting of a memento and ₹ one lakh. This award is being given since 2000 to people striving for the growth of the underdeveloped sections of society. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. 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 Mr. 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 native 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.”

 

Success in belt wrestling & efforts to groom youngsters

Sudhir Hanmant Pundekar was born in an ordinary farmer family on 20^th August 1990 in Mulikwadi. His grandfather dreamt of making him a wrestler. Sudhir started exercising daily at the age of 12 with 500-1,000 squats and 2 km running, alongside studies. Despite lack of financial backing, he began practicing hard in wrestling and judo in Satara Talim Sangh and then in belt wrestling in Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune. He got the opportunity to play in Kirghizstan, Belarus, Turkmenistan, South Korea and Hungary with support from Tata Trust and others, and won medals. He manifested his objective of providing sports training to rural youth after returning, first with Shiv Pratishthan Hindusthan and Samarth Ramdas Swami Sansthan, Sajjangad, and then by setting up Shiv Samarth Krida Sankul in Mulikwadi. The 7,500 sq. feet sports complex that took shape with financial help from many corporates and the hard work of Mr. Pundekar, has been providing free training to over 50 players daily. Till date over 500 youngsters have been trained and some among them have achieved success in various competitions. He creates awareness about health, exercise, nutritious and poison-free food, and importance of outdoor sports through workshops. Women self-defence, arranging for free medical help to poor injured players, workshops for the joy of elders in association with The Art of Living, free guidance to youngsters for armed forces and police recruitment, and grooming classes for kids are his other activities. Creating world class sportspersons in the country, and grooming a healthy, strong and cultured next generation is his dream, and that seems to be taking shape for sure.