BULDHANA

Lagori, also known as Pittu, is a traditional game that involves a ball and a set of stones. This engaging game promotes essential skills such as teamwork, physical fitness, and strategic thinking among its players.

The game is played between two teams. One team attempts to knock down a pile of stones using a ball while the other team works to restore the pile. Players must skillfully dodge the ball thrown by their opponents while trying to reclaim their stones. The game continues until one team successfully knocks down all the stones or eliminates all players from the opposing team. Lagori is often played in open spaces, making it a popular choice among children.

Aankh Micholi is a traditional Indian game akin to hide-and-seek, which enhances social interaction, spatial awareness, and quick reflexes among children. In this game, one player is chosen as the "denner," who is blindfolded while the other players scatter and find hiding spots. The denner's task is to locate and tag the hidden players without being able to see them. The game continues until all players have been found or until a predetermined time limit expires.

Langdi is a traditional Indian field sport that combines elements of tag and hopscotch, making it a lively and engaging game for children. Played primarily in open spaces, it involves two teams: one team takes on the role of the chasers while the other team acts as the defenders. The chasers send one player, known as the "hopping player," who must hop on one leg and attempt to tag members of the opposing team.

The rules of Langdi are straightforward yet require agility and quick reflexes. The hopping player must navigate the playing area while balancing on one leg, trying to tag as many defenders as possible. If the hopping player loses balance and touches both feet to the ground, their turn ends, and another chaser takes their place. The defenders must avoid being tagged and can be declared "out" if they step out of bounds or are successfully tagged by the chaser.

Langdi is often played during school recess or community gatherings, creating an environment that encourages social interaction among children. Its cultural significance is rooted in its history; it was originally played during the Pandyan Dynasty under the name "Nondi Attam."

Schools in Buldhana, such as Podar International School, actively promote sports through events like Sports Day, where students showcase their athletic abilities across various disciplines. Notable achievements include students participating in state-level competitions, such as archery, which highlights the growing interest in diverse sports beyond traditional games.

The Buldhana Sports Association plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting competitive sports within the district. It facilitates various athletic events and provides a platform for local athletes to compete and excel. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs and academies in Buldhana that offer training in popular sports like cricket, football, and tennis, helping to nurture local talent and encourage participation in competitive sports.

In 2023, Prathamesh made headlines by winning a gold medal at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 2 tournament in Shanghai, where he defeated the world number one archer, Mike Schloesser, with a close score of 149-148. This victory established him as a formidable competitor in the archery community. He continued to showcase his talent by securing a silver medal at the Archery World Cup Final in Mexico, where he faced a thrilling match against Denmark's Mathias Fullerton.

Prathamesh's accomplishments extend beyond individual events; he was also part of the Indian men's compound team that won gold at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. His performance contributed significantly to India's success in archery, and he has garnered attention for his consistent performance and competitive spirit. Throughout his career, Prathamesh has participated in various prestigious tournaments, including the ISSF International Solidarity Archery Championships and the Asia Cup.

Nayan Sarde is a promising young sprinter from Buldhana, Maharashtra, who has recently gained recognition for his achievements in athletics. Born on May 6, 2005, Nayan made headlines by winning a silver medal in the 110m hurdles at the South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Junior Championships. Despite a nervous start during the competition, he showcased remarkable talent and determination to secure his first international medal.

Javed Ramjan Choudhari is a distinguished Indian athlete known for his achievements in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair handball. Hailing from Buldhana, Maharashtra, Javed's journey in sports began after a life-altering incident in 2015 when he lost his leg in a road accident. This setback did not deter him; instead, it propelled him into the world of adaptive sports.

After his accident, Javed took up wheelchair basketball and quickly became a dedicated player. He has won consecutive gold medals at national tournaments and has represented India internationally for several years. Notably, he was named "Man of the Match" in 2019 while representing Maharashtra at the national games. In 2022, he earned a silver medal at India’s first wheelchair basketball tournament featuring teams from nine countries, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

In addition to basketball, Javed has made significant strides in wheelchair handball. Since 2022, he has served as the captain of the Indian wheelchair handball national team, leading them through various international competitions. His leadership and skills were instrumental as the team participated in events such as the IHF Wheelchair Handball World Championship.

Beyond sports, Javed is also passionate about dance. Before his accident, he was an active dancer, and after regaining confidence post-injury, he returned to dancing. He has participated in reality shows like "Dance Deewane," where he competed against thousands of dancers, proving that disability does not limit one's abilities.

The District Sports Complex in Buldhana is a key facility for sports activities, featuring badminton courts made of both wood and clay/cement. Managed by the state government and local authorities, it caters to the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts. Besides the District Sports Complex, Buldhana has various sports grounds and clubs, including basketball courts, cricket fields, and multi-sport facilities. Local clubs like Savvy Swaraaj Sports Club offer additional training and competition options, fostering community engagement in sports.

Educational institutions also enhance the sports infrastructure. For instance, Rajarshi Shahu College of Pharmacy provides facilities for volleyball and other sports, while Anuradha Engineering College boasts a stadium with top-notch badminton courts and indoor amenities.