BEED

To play Nondi, a flat surface is required, usually drawn with chalk or powder to create a grid of numbered squares. The game begins with players taking turns to throw a small stone or coin onto the first square. The objective is to hop through the squares on one foot while avoiding stepping on the stone. Players must navigate the grid, retrieve the stone without losing balance, and complete the sequence for all squares. If a player makes a mistake, like landing on a square occupied by an opponent's stone or failing to pick up their stone correctly, they lose their turn.

Maram Pitti is a traditional game enjoyed by children in Beed, Maharashtra. Similar to dodgeball, it involves a rubber or tennis ball and typically includes small groups of five to six players. The game starts with a thrower who tosses the ball into the air, allowing it to bounce three times before picking it up. The goal is to hit other players with the ball while remaining stationary; those hit must sit out until the next round. The game continues until only one player remains.

Gilli Danda, also known as Gilli Danda, is a traditional Indian game that shares similarities with tip-cat. It involves two sticks: a larger stick called the danda and a smaller stick known as the gilli. The game is typically played outdoors and is popular among children and young adults in various regions of India.

To play Gillidanda, players first set up a small circle where one player balances the gilli on a stone or inclined surface. The objective is to strike the gilli with the danda, sending it into the air. After hitting the gilli, the player must quickly run to a predetermined point before the opposing team retrieves it. If an opponent catches the gilli mid-air, the striker is considered out.

Scoring in Gillidanda is straightforward: if the gilli lands on the ground and is not caught, players measure the distance it travelled using the danda. Each length of the danda counts as one run. Players are out if they fail to hit the gilli three times or if an opponent successfully catches it. The game continues until all players from one team are out, and teams switch roles to see who can score more runs.

Among the prominent cricket establishments in the district, Adarsh Cricket Club, Virgaon Akola Cricket Club, SKP Cricket Club, Gamblar Sonai Cricket Club, and Cricket Club Beed have established themselves as key centers for cricket development. These clubs have built a reputation not only through local competitions but also by participating in state-level tournaments, demonstrating the growing cricket infrastructure in Beed.

The clubs operate on multiple levels—they provide basic cricket training to beginners, develop advanced skills for competitive players, and prepare talented cricketers for state-level participation. Their success in local club matches has helped create a competitive cricket culture in the district, while their participation in state-level matches has opened pathways for talented players to advance their careers.

Football's growth in Beed represents an interesting pattern of cultural diffusion in sports development. While the district has several small soccer clubs, none have yet achieved significant prominence or established themselves as major sporting institutions. This indicates that the sport is still in its developmental phase in the region. According to locals, the rise of football enthusiasm in Beed can be traced to its geographical proximity to Pune, a city with a well-established football culture. Pune's strong football community and infrastructure have created a ripple effect, influencing neighboring districts, including Beed.

Sable grew up in a farming family and faced numerous challenges during his childhood, including a daily six-kilometer walk to school due to the lack of transportation. His early exposure to physical endurance shaped his athletic abilities. After completing high school, he joined the Indian Army in 2013, where he was introduced to competitive running. Initially focusing on cross-country events, Sable transitioned to steeplechase under the guidance of coach Amrish Kumar.

Sable's career took off after he began training seriously for the steeplechase event. He first gained attention by breaking the longstanding national record of 8:30.88 in 2018, clocking 8:29.80 at the National Open Championships. This achievement marked the beginning of his ascent in Indian athletics. He continued to break records, setting a new national record of 8:21.37 at the World Championships in Doha in 2019, which made him the first Indian male steeplechaser to qualify for the Olympics since 1952.

Sable's recent performances have solidified his status as one of India's top athletes. He qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics by finishing sixth at the Diamond League with a time of 8:11.63. His achievements have made him a strong contender for medals at international competitions, including the upcoming Olympics.

Sanjay Bangar was born on October 11, 1972, in Beed, Maharashtra, into a modest farming family. His early life was characterized by a strong passion for cricket, which began when he watched the 1983 Cricket World Cup Final on a neighbor's television. This pivotal moment ignited his interest in the sport. Bangar attended Saint Francis De Sales High School in Aurangabad, where he balanced his academic responsibilities with his growing love for cricket. He actively participated in local matches and demonstrated significant potential as a cricketer. At the age of 14, he was selected for Maharashtra's Under-15 cricket team, although he played only one match.

Recognizing the limited opportunities for cricket in Aurangabad, Bangar made the bold decision to move to Mumbai at the age of 15. This transition was challenging as he faced fierce competition from talented peers, including future stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli. Despite not being selected for matches initially, he continued to hone his skills in club cricket. Bangar's persistence paid off when he joined the Railways team. He made his first-class debut at the age of 21 during the 1992-93 season. His consistent performances eventually led to recognition from national selectors, culminating in his selection for the Indian national team in 2001.

The club features an open gym accessible to the public, indoor tennis courts for year-round play, volleyball facilities that promote team sports, and boxing areas that cater to combat sports enthusiasts.

Beyond its main sports ground, the complex includes a shopping area with specialized sports equipment stores, making it convenient for athletes and sports enthusiasts to access necessary gear. The stadium's design allows it to host various sporting events while providing regular training facilities for local athletes.

The educational institutions in Beed play a crucial role in sports development. KSK College is currently expanding its facilities with a new indoor sports hall under construction. The college already maintains multiple gym facilities and weight training equipment, demonstrating its commitment to student athletics. Similarly, the College of Pharmacy provides extensive outdoor facilities, including a large playground that accommodates cricket, volleyball, kho-kho, and football, ensuring students have access to diverse sporting options.

R.B. Attal College contributes to the district's indoor sports infrastructure with its dedicated stadium featuring badminton courts and table tennis facilities. These indoor facilities are particularly valuable as they allow for year-round training and competition, unaffected by weather conditions. The college's focus on these specific sports helps develop specialized skills among students.