CHANDRAPUR

The people of Chandrapur have consistently demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for sports and games throughout the district. While some games are deeply rooted in tradition, others have evolved with changing generations. The district actively fosters sports talent, featuring two national-level synthesis grounds to support emerging sports enthusiasts. Additionally, there are many playing fields, coaching centers, and facilities for police recruitment and army training.

Recently, a national-level federation games event took place in Visapur Balharshah, under the visionary leadership of Sudhir Mungantiwar. To further enhance the sports culture, various MLAs and MPs from the district organize the Yuva Sports Mahotsav each year, contributing to the growth and recognition of sports in the region.

Children often craft spinning toys called "chakri" using caps from Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other soft drinks. During the summer holidays, with numerous weddings and a high influx of guests, these beverages are in abundant supply, making the caps readily available. As a result, this game is primarily played during the summer season.

Chandrapur district, being a tribal area, has a long history with the game of pahurya. This game involves walking on tall bamboo stilts with footholds carved into them, giving children the sensation of being much taller. The game holds significant cultural value in the region. On Shimga, a traditional festival, the bamboo sticks used for pahurya are burned in a ceremonial fire as part of the celebration.

Young girls and boys enjoy playing Bhandhe Vani This game allows kids to feel like adults managing their households. Children collect various kitchen items, such as toy gas stoves, cylinders, or clay stoves, and pretend to cook. They use real but inedible vegetables and clay pots, often handmade by the children themselves. This game can captivate them for the entire day as they immerse themselves in their imaginative roles.

In cities, children play a game called "saap-shidi," but in the villages of Chandrapur, they enjoy a different version of the game. This village game uses a small object made from tamarind seeds or glass pieces, marked with numbers typically ranging from 1 to 6. The gameplay revolves around these numbers and remains popular in rural areas

In this game, children link hands to form a tall chain, stretching their arms high to create a long, unbroken line. The goal is to prevent any part of your body from touching the hands of the other players. If you make contact with another player's hand, you are deemed out of the game.

This game involves using a long piece of palasa wood, typically 6 to 7 feet in length, with a hole drilled in the middle. Shorter timbers, about 3 feet long, are also used, with their tops rounded. The longer piece of wood is placed on the ground with the hole at the center. The shorter pieces are then inserted into the ground across the center wood, spaced 5 to 6 feet apart. Children sit on these wooden pieces on either side. A player swings a 5- to 6-foot-long piece of wood in a circular motion, which is central to the game. At the end of Holi, the paddy wood used in the game is burned, marking the conclusion of the ghanmakad festivities.

Sur Parambya is a game typically played by four to five children. To begin, a line is drawn on the ground, and each player holds a stick approximately three feet long. The objective is to swing the stick from behind the line without touching it. The player whose stick lands farthest behind the line is deemed "it" and holds their stick with both hands. Another player then swings or throws their stick at the "it" player's stick. Once the stick is thrown, the "it" player places their stick on the ground and tries to use it to touch or hit the other players. The game continues in this manner, with players taking turns trying to hit the "it" player with their sticks.

The game of Zandi Mundi starts four days before the festival of the bullring. It consists of a small set of symbols, including Chidi, Ispik, Badam, Zandi, Mundi, and Vit, among others. There are six blocks for each symbol. This game can be played by anyone, including both adults and children. In this game, players place money on each symbol as they wish. A person throws the six blocks into a bowl and mixes them. If they get the same symbol, they are paid accordingly. This game is mostly played in playgrounds, and the padavs of the bullring often participate in it.

The traditional game of Lagori is an essential part of Chandrapur's local culture. It is a game, deeply embedded in the local community's social fabric, and it would offer a glimpse into the region's recreational history and traditions.

In addition to his performance in Mumbai, Mahesh has also excelled at other significant events. Notably, he secured an award at the Adani Full Marathon, where he completed the race with a time of 2:34:571. His accolades extend beyond this marathon, as he has participated in and earned awards in several national and state running championships, further solidifying his reputation as a competitive athlete. His profile is officially listed on World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics, which highlights his achievements and personal bests in the sport.

Baburao Algu Yadav was born on November 6, 1982, in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India. He is an Indian cricketer known for his contributions to domestic cricket, particularly representing the Vidarbha cricket team. Growing up in a region rich in cricket culture, Yadav developed a passion for the game early on and pursued it seriously. Yadav plays as a right-handed batsman and bowls right-arm medium pace. His versatility has allowed him to contribute significantly to his teams. In addition to Vidarbha, he has represented the Railways cricket team and played in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) for teams like the Ahmedabad Rockets and Hyderabad Heroes.

The Anandwan Basketball Ground is located in Anandwan, a community rehabilitation center founded by Baba Amte. This ground provides opportunities for local youth to engage in basketball, promoting physical fitness and teamwork within the community. Anandwan itself is dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized individuals through self-reliance initiatives and various educational and health programs

The Nembaji (Shooting) Warora Playground is specifically designed for shooting sports, catering to enthusiasts and athletes looking to develop their skills in this discipline.

The ANC Ground Anandwan is part of the broader Anandwan community, which was established by Baba Amte to rehabilitate individuals with disabilities and provide them with opportunities for self-sufficiency. Located in Warora, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra, this ground serves as a multi-purpose sports facility that supports various athletic activities and events.

The Sati Township Stadium in Chandrapur is a notable sports facility that caters to various athletic activities. It is designed to support a range of sports, including cricket, football, and athletics, making it a versatile venue for local competitions and events.

Many residents of Chandrapur begin their day with a morning walk, whether in parks, gardens, or along the Wardha River. Some prefer walking on roads or in fields, a practice that keeps them physically active while allowing them to enjoy nature and fresh air. For morning walks, Chandrapur features various popular spots such as Tukum Park, the garden near Dhande Hospital in Tukum, and the route from Warora Naka Road to Janta College Square. Ram Bhag near the Forest Quarter Colony and the police parade ground are also frequented by walkers and runners. Various groups, such as the Good Morning Group and the Happy Group, organize activities like yoga and meditation in city gardens, district stadiums, and ward gardens.

Chandrapur offers several scenic spots and hills ideal for trekking and adventure, including the Andhari Tiger Reserve, Ghugus Hill, Seven Sisters Mountain, and Junona Lake. These locations provide a wonderful connection with nature.

In terms of trekking, the Seven Sisters Hills and Junona Jungle are notable destinations, with Junona Jungle also serving as a site for nature tours and wildlife exploration. Muktai Waterfalls is another well-known trekking location.

The Chandrapur Premier League (CPL) is an inter-district cricket tournament organized by the District Cricket Association. The CPL is inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL) and is held annually between January and February. Players from various districts participate in this event

Chandrapur district has a long history of cricket and has produced many talented players who trained at the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur, achieving success in their cricketing careers. Professional leather ball cricket began in Chandrapur between 1972 and 1975, with two prominent clubs: Sanmitra Cricket Club and Chanda Cricket Club.

As time progressed, additional clubs such as Youth Cricket Club and Recreation Cricket Club emerged, gaining recognition in the city. The Ordnance Factory Bhadravati also contributed to the cricket scene, producing notable players like Murtirajan Sir, who represented Ranji as well as the zonal and national camps during that period.

Youth Cricket Club and Chanda Cricket Club have been instrumental in nurturing talent for the district, leading to the establishment of the District Cricket Association. Cricket has rapidly gained popularity in the district, becoming one of the most played sports. Chandrapur boasts several cricket grounds, with activities currently centered at the newly built facility at St. Michael School Ground.