AHILYANAGAR

In Ahilyanagar district, cricket is the most popular sport for people of all ages. Recently, football has also gained popularity among the youth, with many local clubs and school teams competing in various tournaments. Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, has a strong following as well, especially after the success of the Pro Kabaddi League. Schools and local clubs offer training in kabaddi, making it an attractive career option, particularly in rural areas where traditional games are valued.

Gambling and card games like Teen Patti and Rummy are common pastimes during festivals and gatherings. Both legal and illegal gambling practices exist, especially in rural areas, with activities such as matka and betting on local sports. While some see these activities as fun, others are concerned about their social and financial impacts.

Traditional games have also changed over time. For example, children in rural areas have shifted from playing Champulya to Ludo. However, some still enjoy traditional games like viti (small stick) - dandu (larger stick), which is similar to cricket. Lagori (Seven Stones) is another favorite game where players try to knock down a pile of stones with a ball while rebuilding it without being hit by the opposing team. Gotya (marbles) is also popular, where players aim to knock opponents' marbles out of a designated area.

Traditional household games in the district include a variety of activities such as playing cards, sagargote, marbles, antakshari, carrom, lapachupi (hide and seek), bhaura (spinning top), lokhand pani, dabba ais pais, langdi, patang (kite flying), andhali koshimbir, saap shidi (snakes and ladders), ludo, cricket, gillidanda, gulel (slingshot), bhatukli, bahula bahuli (dolls), chess (buddhibal), raja-rani, chor-sipahi, and seven stones.

While the rules of these games have remained largely unchanged, some, such as sagargote, gillidanda, gulel, and marbles, have fallen out of favor in recent years. Instead, modern games like badminton, football, UNO, Monopoly, dumb charades, and various video and online games have gained popularity. Previously, family members would gather to participate in these games together, but this practice is becoming increasingly rare due to the busy lifestyles of people today.

Bullock cart racing, or Bailgada Sharyat, has been a 400-year-old tradition in Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra. This sport, which involves racing carts pulled by bullocks, highlights the animals' strength and training and is popular during festivals like Makar Sankranti. Winning is a source of pride, demonstrating the driver's skill and bond with the bullocks. Bailgada Sharyat also stimulates the local economy by attracting visitors. However, animal welfare concerns have led to stricter rules and temporary bans. Despite these challenges, bullock cart racing remains a valued part of Ahilyanagar’s cultural heritage.

The Supreme Court has allowed Maharashtra to hold bullock cart races while the matter is pending before a constitutional bench as of 2025. The decision was based on amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act of 1960, implemented by the state. This followed similar actions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which also permitted bull-related sports. The Maharashtra government had argued that if races are allowed in other states, they should be permitted in Maharashtra as well.

Kushti (wrestling) has been a beloved sport among the locals of Ahilyanagar for generations. During the pre-independence era, various Talimi (training centers) and Akhade (wrestling schools) produced exceptional wrestlers who brought fame to the city across the country. The Tukaram Godalkar family in Ahilyanagar is credited for preserving traditional sports such as Dhal Talwar (sword and shield), Dandapatta (stick fighting), and Lathi Kathi (stick fighting) in the city. Ahilyanagar is home to numerous Talimi and Akhade, including:

The Talims and Akhade in Ahilyanagar have produced numerous wrestlers who have elevated the city's cultural standing and enhanced its reputation nationwide. One of the most renowned wrestlers from this region was Chhaburao Landge, famously known across the country as the "Dakhan (Deccan) cha Kala Cheetah.”

Kho-Kho is a widely enjoyed sport in Ahilyanagar, with several sports academies in the district, including Eklavya Krida Mandal, Digvijay Krida Mandal Bhingar, and Shevgaon Krida Mandal. Players from Ahilyanagar have achieved significant recognition, winning top sports awards in Kho-Kho across various age groups. Under the mentorship of Nirmal Chandra Thorat, a recipient of the prestigious ‘Eklavya Award,’ many athletes from the district have excelled in the sport.

Notably, Shweta Gawali has earned the Veer Bala Award (under 14), the Rani Laxmi Bai Award (under 17), and the Janki Award, which are all prominent Kho-Kho honors in India. She has also secured a gold medal at the South Asian Games and received the ‘Shree Chhatrapati Award’ from the Maharashtra government.

Ahilyanagar is home to several football teams some of which are Shivajians Football Club, Unity Football Club, City Club, and Friends Football Club.

Ahilyanagar Premier League (APL) is a cricket league with six teams: Kohinoor Champions, Sohamm Super Kings, Veera Lions, IshVed Warriors, Kalpattaru Challengers, and Saideep Heroes.

Bhagyashree Hanumant Fand is a prominent freestyle wrestler from Shrigonda taluka in Ahilyanagar district, known for her performance in international competitions. One of her notable achievements was securing 5th place in the women's 59 kg category at the World Junior Championships in 2022.

Known for his exceptional pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, he is regarded as one of India's finest fast bowlers. Khan ranks as the second-most successful Indian pace bowler in Test cricket, following Kapil Dev. His career highlights include pivotal performances in India's triumphs at the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

His exceptional skills brought recognition to Maharashtra on the national stage and led to numerous medals through his outstanding performances. Shirsat represented India internationally, winning gold medals in competitions both globally and in South Asia. In 2009, he received the Arjuna Award from former President Pratibha Patil. To honor his achievements, the Maharashtra government awarded him the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Award, while the Indian government conferred the Arjuna Award upon him, marking the first time Ahilyanagar received this honor.

A right-handed batter and wicket-keeper, Gandhi appeared in two ODIs, where she notably scored an unbeaten century. Gandhi is among the five women cricketers to have scored a century on their debut. Her remarkable achievement came in 1999 during a match against the Ireland women's cricket team. In this game, she formed an unbroken partnership of 258 runs with Mithali Raj, with Gandhi contributing 104 runs and Raj remaining unbeaten with 114 runs.

 Women’s wrestling started in 1996, with wrestlers from Ahilyanagar earning medals in state and national competitions. Anjali Deokar secured Maharashtra’s first national gold medal in wrestling and later claimed three additional gold medals for the state. She holds the distinction of being Maharashtra’s first international woman wrestler. In athletics, para-athlete Deepa Malik made history by winning a silver medal in shot put at the Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to earn a Paralympic medal. She is also a recipient of the esteemed Arjuna Award.

In chess, Shardul Gagare from Rahuri, Sangamner Taluka in the Ahilyanagar district, earned the FIDE title of Grandmaster (GM) in 2016, becoming the 42nd Grandmaster from India. Shardul is brother to Indian Woman International Master(WIM) Shalmali Gagare.

Aditya Kudale has been honored with the Abhimanyu Award and has also secured the prestigious gold medal in Kho-Kho. Rahul Chavan has earned the Bharat award, Nandini Deshmukh has been awarded the Janaki Award, Sachin Satpute has won the 'Eklavya Award,' and Tejas Magar has also received the 'Abhimanyu Award.'

Another significant achievement in the sports history of Ahilyanagar during the post-independence era occurred at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where Anthony Coutinho from Ahilyanagar competed in both the men's 100 meters and the 4×100 meters relay.

In Ahilyanagar district, Abhijeet Dhumal is a prominent sports star, well-known for his cricketing talent. He has consistently delivered outstanding performances in district and state-level matches, earning admiration for his dedication and skill. Dhumal serves as an inspiration to many young athletes in the region who aspire to excel in cricket.

Nikhil Jadhav is another notable sports figure, recognized for his accomplishments in swimming. He has represented the district in numerous state and national competitions, winning awards and bringing greater recognition to swimming in Ahilyanagar.

Established in 1957, this multi-purpose stadium in Ahilyanagar hosts various local sports matches and can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators.

Several sports academies operate in Ahilyanagar and Shrigonda. These include the Defense Sports Academy in Ahilyanagar, as well as the Shaurya Sports and Career Academy, the Sangharsha Sports Club and Career Academy, and the Twister Taekwondo Academy in Shrigonda.