CHH. SAMBHAJI NAGAR

Kabaddi is a traditional contact sport that is highly regarded in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad). The game involves two teams where players take turns raiding the opposing team's half while holding their breath and chanting "kabaddi." The goal is to tag as many opponents as possible and return safely to their side. The sport emphasizes strength, agility, and strategy, making it an exciting spectacle for both players and spectators. Kabaddi matches are frequently organized during local festivals and community events, promoting social interaction and community spirit.

In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), several clubs are dedicated to kabaddi, providing essential training facilities for aspiring athletes. Notable clubs include M & K Cricket Academy, MGM Sports Club, and others. These clubs play a crucial role in developing local talent and preparing players for competitive tournaments. The region also hosts various kabaddi competitions, including state-level championships, showcasing the skills of local players.

Gully cricket is an informal and highly popular version of cricket that can be played anywhere, from streets and parking lots to backyards, making it accessible to everyone regardless of age or skill level.

The rules of gully cricket are flexible and often improvised by players on the spot. Common practices include using makeshift wickets, such as bricks or walls, and allowing for underarm bowling when space is limited. Scoring runs can vary significantly; instead of traditional running between wickets, players may score based on how far the ball travels after being hit. For instance, certain distances might equate to specific runs, and hitting the ball over a designated boundary can result in the batsman being declared out. A unique aspect of gully cricket is the informal nature of team selection and gameplay. Teams are formed based on the number of players available, and it’s common for games to include a "common man" who plays for both sides if there’s an odd number of players. The first ball is often treated as a trial ball, with no runs or wickets counted during that delivery.

Chhupan Chhupai, commonly known as hide-and-seek, is a beloved children's game played in Aurangabad and across India. In this game, one player is designated as "it" and counts to a predetermined number while the other players hide. Once the counting is complete, the player who is "it" seeks out the hidden players. The rules are simple: the seeker must find all hidden players within a set time limit. Players who are found can either be tagged to be out or may join the seeker in finding the remaining hiders, depending on local variations of the game. The last player to be found becomes the seeker in the next round.

Rassa Kashi, or Tug of War, is a traditional strength-based game. The game involves two teams pulling on opposite ends of a rope to bring the opposing team across a designated center line.

The rules are straightforward: Each team typically consists of up to eight members, and the combined weight of the team must not exceed specific limits for fair competition. A central mark on the rope aligns with a centerline on the ground, and teams must pull their opponents' marker over this line to win.

Tactics play a crucial role in Rassa Kashi; teams often employ a "driver" who coordinates their efforts, signaling when to pull or rest. Players dig their feet into the ground for better traction, as static friction is essential for effective pulling. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and physical strength, making it a thrilling experience for participants and spectators alike. Rassa Kashi is frequently played during local festivals and community events.

The N2 Stadium, also known as the Aurangabad District Cricket Association Stadium, is the main venue for cricket in the region. Established in 1998, it has hosted various domestic matches, including Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy games, as well as a Women's One Day International (WODI) match in 2003. Local cricket clubs and academies, such as CK Sports, Neralkar Cricket Academy, and M and K Cricket Academy, play a vital role in developing young talent. These institutions provide coaching and training to aspiring cricketers.

This initiative aims to promote football in the region and provide a modern facility for training and competitions. Several local grounds are used for football matches and training, catering to amateur and competitive players. Facilities like MGM Sports Club and Raje Sambhaji Cricket Stadium also accommodate football activities, contributing to the sport's popularity among youth.

Bawne made his first-class debut at just 15 years old in 2007 against Karnataka. He quickly established himself as a key player for Maharashtra, notably helping the team reach the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in over two decades during the 2013-14 season. His remarkable performance includes a career-best score of 258 not out and a historic partnership of 594 runs with Swapnil Gugale, which is one of the highest partnerships in first-class cricket history. In addition to his first-class achievements, Bawne has also played limited-overs cricket, excelling in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and earning a contract with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for the IPL in 2017. He has represented India A and has been recognized for his contributions to Indian domestic cricket.

Siddiqui played one Test match for India in 2001 against England, where he notably hit the winning runs, making him one of the few players to open both the batting and bowling on debut. Despite having a low first-class batting average, he scored a century and demonstrated his capabilities as a reliable lower-order batsman. Over his career, Siddiqui was known for generating pace and movement, making him a challenging bowler for batsmen. He also played club cricket in England during the off-season, further honing his skills. After retiring from professional cricket, Iqbal Siddiqui has remained involved in the sport, contributing to cricket as a referee and mentor.

N2 Stadium, also known as the Aurangabad District Cricket Association Ground or City and Industrial Development Corporation Stadium, is located in CIDCO, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Established in 1998, the stadium has a capacity of 20,000 and is owned and operated by the Aurangabad District Cricket Association. The stadium has hosted various domestic matches, including two Duleep Trophy and two Ranji Trophy games as of March 2023. Notably, it hosted a Women's One Day International (WODI) match on December 7, 2003, where India faced New Zealand, with India winning by 9 wickets. In 2012, plans were announced to redevelop the stadium to increase its seating capacity to between 20,000 and 25,000. The redevelopment includes enhancements such as floodlights, a VIP box, a press box, parking facilities, a gym, a restaurant, and a shopping center.