Wrestling Icon Sudhir Pundekar Honored for Grassroots Sports Work

Sudhir Pundekar, a world-class wrestler from Phaltan tehsil in Maharashtra’s Satara district, was honored with the ‘Antyodaya Puraskar 2025’ for his significant contributions to the field of sports. The award, a joint initiative of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, D H Gokhale, and Shyamala Gokhale Trust, was presented during a ceremony held over the weekend in Bhayandar, Thane district.

Palghar MP Dr. Hemant Savara presided over the event, acknowledging Pundekar’s dedication and impact. Pundekar’s tireless efforts led to the establishment of the Shiv Samarth Krida Sankul in his native village of Mulikwadi, Phaltan. This sports complex has become a vital training ground, where over 500 young individuals have received coaching across various sports disciplines.

A testament to his commitment, many of these trained youngsters have gone on to achieve success in numerous competitions, bringing recognition to their rural roots. For many years, Pundekar has been a mentor and coach, passionately guiding aspiring rural youth in diverse sports. His work extends beyond just training athletes; he has cultivated an environment that fosters discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence among those who might otherwise lack such opportunities.

The ‘Antyodaya Puraskar’ specifically recognizes individuals who work at the grassroots level to uplift communities, making Pundekar a fitting recipient for his unwavering dedication to empowering rural talent through sports. His initiative not only hones athletic skills but also instills valuable life lessons, contributing significantly to the holistic development of the youth he mentors.

Image: X/@SudhirPundekar