PUNE

The most loved sport in Pune district is cricket, due to its popularity, proper infrastructure, opportunities and monetary incentives. Badminton and Chess are also popular sports pursued as careers. In Pune, although the sports infrastructure is better than other districts due to the stadiums, gymkhanas and clubs, sports is viewed more as a recreational activity than a serious livelihood. 

Cricket is undoubtedly the most watched sport with people raving about Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Badminton players Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu are also popular as role models amongst the youngsters.

Traditionally, a lot of games were played by kids at home for recreation purposes. Games played in homes or in societies include lagori (seven stones), hopscotch, carrom, ludo, snakes and ladders, chaturanga (chess), andhali koshimbhir (blindfolded person tries to catch people), kho kho, kabaddi, antakshari, etc. While these games are not necessarily unique to Pune, they are very popular among the children across Maharashtra. Apart from these traditional games, children also invent games and play them regularly. Some of them are ‘lock and key’, ‘knock-knock’, ‘confusion’, ‘bingo’, ‘wall to wall’, etc.

Another traditional game of the district is wrestling but it is not that prevalent anymore. During the Peshwa reign, Holi and Dussehra were important festivals for Talims (people who encouraged physical capacities and wrestling). On these days, wrestling matches would be organized and the winner would be awarded with a gold or silver accessory (anklet/bracelet/headgear). Winning on Dussehra meant receiving Rs 150 and respect by everyone in the society. Winning matches on these festival days were of great importance to wrestlers as it catapulted their fame and social position.

Presently, card games are popular recreational activities with ‘badam 7’, ‘gulam chor’, ‘gaadhav’, ‘coat’, ‘not at home’, ‘bluff/challenge’ being the most enjoyable ones. Card playing is usually an activity that brings families and communities together. These games are associated with the summer vacation, when people visit their cousins and friends and play cards together. UNO is a well loved game across all ages.

‘Teenpatti’ in cards is sometimes played which is considered as low level gambling. There isn't much of a gambling culture in the district with only one major casino near the racecourse. Pune's culture is such that people are risk averse and afraid of making losses. The fear of losing vetoes the happiness of winning and thus people don’t even try out their luck. Many people consider gambling a sin or a vice and claim it to be of addicting nature. However, many apps in recent times have gained traction in the district. People download apps like Dream 11, Pokerbaazi, My Casino, Rummy circle, etc that are gambling apps where people bet money. People claim these apps to be ‘tame’ and ‘fun’ and thus the apps ‘entrap’ more and more people who lose their money. IPL (Indian Premier League) betting scandals and rackets are often busted by the police in the district.

There aren’t specific sports or games that are connected with festivals in Pune. Bhondla is one such example where women of a community get together to play games, sing songs like ‘Nach ga Ghuma’, and exchange kheerapath (sweet prasad made from grated dried coconut, mishri, dried fruits such as kismis, and nuts such as cashew and badam).

Dagdi Goti is a traditional weightlifting competition where athletes have to lift heavy circular stones called Dagdi Goti ranging from 50-60 kgs to 125kgs. The goal is to lift the stone from the ground above the shoulders and perform squats ("Bhartiya Baithak/Bhetak"). The athlete with the highest number of squats / Bhaitak wins the competition and receives a prize of a silver bracelet (“Chaandich kada”).

According to locals, Dagdi Goti has been played since the 13th century and gained popularity during the rule of Shivaji Maharaj in the 16th century. Dagdi Goti is typically organized during Holika Dahan or Dhulivadan, depending on the village tradition. Before the competition begins, the stone/goti is auspicious with haldi-kunku. The competition is open to all, regardless of religion, caste, or village. Athletes can participate in competitions held in different villages.

Pune boasts India's oldest marathon, the Pune International Marathon, which has been running since 1983. This prestigious event, once the country's first international marathon, now attracts over 50,000 participants every year. Runners can compete in various distances – a full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km, a wheelchair race, and more. Recognized as the 'National Marathon Championship' by the Athletic Federation of India, it even hosted the Asian Marathon Championship in 2010.

The route of the Marathon goes through Pune's iconic locations, starting at the Baburao Sanas Sports Ground and covering Sarasbaug, Parvati Hill, Dhayari Phata, and more. The race is broadcasted nationwide by DD Sports and covered by all local newspapers.

Adding to its legacy, the marathon has seen prominent personalities like Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, sports legends like Prakash Padukone, Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, and even Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Rajesh Khanna participate. The motto is "Born to Run," but each edition embraces a special theme, such as "Save the Girl Child" or "Run for Olympic Support."

Badminton has a very interesting story in Pune. While its origin isn’t exactly clear (many accounts speak of shuttlecocks and racquets in ancient China and Greece), badminton is said to have had a rebirth in Pune. British soldiers residing in the cantonment area began playing this game as a means of recreation in 1973 and the rules were soon formalized. The game was called ‘Poona’ or ‘Poonah’ after the garrison or the district. Soon the sport spread by the soldiers returning back to England and building indoor courts for it.

It is now one of the most popular racquet sports in the world and it all started from makeshift racquets, nets, shuttlecocks in a small backyard in Pune. The Pune District and Metropolitan Badminton Association (PDMBA) was founded by Badminton lovers in 1946 and has nine courts with its infrastructure matching the international standard. The PDMBA is the only badminton organization in India that has hosted the International Junior Grand Prix.

The Royal Connaught Boat Club (RCBC), established in 1868 on the Mula-Mutha River, boasts a rich history. Initially leased, it was purchased in 1876 and soon became a hub for boating competitions. Back then, membership was exclusive to the British. However, over time, Indians who adopted British customs were allowed to join, while those deemed "ungentlemanly" were excluded. In 1947, as the British departed India, they took much of the club's valuables, leaving it in a state of disrepair.

The club faced its share of challenges. Floods in 1896 and 1961 caused significant damage. Fortunately, extensive renovations and funding led to a revival. Today, the RCBC offers a royal experience with a beautiful deck, spacious terraces, changing rooms, and a restaurant.  It's a hotspot for daily boating and rowing activities, with a dedicated Boating Academy to train new enthusiasts. The club caters to a variety of sports enthusiasts, with facilities for tennis, swimming, chess, billiards, and table tennis, attracting a steady crowd.

Complementing the RCBC is the College of Engineering Pune's (COEP) heritage boat club, established in 1928. Their annual regatta, featuring unique boats like punts, single sculls, and racing eights, is a popular event among students and the public.

The Pune Racecourse, built in 1830 within the Pune cantonment, holds a special place in the city's history. With additional stables nearby in Empress Gardens, it's a place steeped in racing tradition. Owned by the Indian Army and managed by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC), which also oversees Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Pune comes alive with races from July to October.

Back in the British Raj, attending the races was quite the affair. People used to take the"Great Indian Peninsula Railway" from Bombay to Pune to see the races. This tradition was revived by the National Association for the Blind after independence, and has seen celebrities like Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar.

However, racing days have become less frequent, with the number of races per season declining. Government taxes and a more casual approach have changed the atmosphere. Gone are the days of formal wear; today, crowds are more relaxed, often in casual attire. Despite the changes, the thrill of the race remains. Jehangir Rustomjee, a historian of horse racing in Pune and Mumbai, vividly recalls the inaugural 1984 Pune Derby, where the winning horse, "Prudential Champ," mirrored India's Cricket World Cup victory the year before. Back then, colorful betting tickets added to the experience, replaced now by computerized printouts.

In 1936, two hockey players from Khadki: Joseph Phillips and Baboo Nimal were selected to be part of the Indian hockey team for the Berlin Olympics. Under the leadership of Major Dhyan Chand, India (British) defeated Germany in the final 8-1 to clinch the gold medal. Inspired by these two players, Khadki became a nurturing haven for young hockey players and produced sports people like Dhanraj Pillay (Captain of the Indian Olympics team), Vikas Pillay and Vikram Pillay.  However, over the years the stadiums and infrastructure for hockey in the Khadki has begun to decline. The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ground in Chikhalwadi, the Khadki Cantonment Board ground and the Ammunition factory ground were places to train hockey teams and conduct national level tournaments. Over time the facilities were left unused and without proper maintenance, the equipment and ground became rusty, dilapidated and forsaken. Hockey Maharashtra has tried to revive these grounds along with PMC but has been unable to do so yet.

Peshwa Bajirao II is credited for reviving the sport of Mallakhamb in the Maratha empire. Soldiers in the army often used it to exercise, stretch and train. Presently, Shrinivas Havaldar, a Mallakhamb champion himself is trying his best to revive the sport of Mallakhamb in the district. His approach to Mallakhamb is quite interesting. He doesn’t categorize it only as a sport but calls it more of an art and exercise. Mallakhamb only requires the pole and body flexibility, thus it can be done by people of all ages, blind, deaf or dumb. Shrinivas trains students from Poona School and Home for Blind and the Poona school for blind girls. He has even published a book about mallakhamb techniques in braille. The blind children regularly perform in the annual Kasba Ganpati celebrations and are now trained in the Niwant Andh Mukta Vikasalaya in Vishrantwadi. The hope is to revive the sport and make it more competitive to garner participation and audience.

Many states have a long running history of Kho Kho but the modern game was invented in Pune. The rules of the game were formalized at the Deccan Gymkhana in 1914 with one story saying that they were written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak himself. Pune is credited with formalizing and giving structure to the sport. The Nav Maharashtra Sangh is the official Kho Kho body of Maharashtra and is headquartered in Shaniwar Peth, Pune. The sole aim of the body is to catapult Kho Kho into a popular game internationally. In 1936, Kho Kho was presented as a demonstration game in the Olympics in front of Adolf Hitler. The game was presented by the Hanuman Wyayam Prasarak Mandal from Amravati who trained in Pune.

Other popular sports in the district include Cricket, Tennis, Kabaddi, Chess and Martial Arts like Karate and Taekwondo.

Pune is popularly known as the ‘Oxford of the East’ for its remarkable number of educational institutions that are located in the district. However, it also has given the world of sports many great gems. This is a list of famous players born in Pune who have achieved globally in their chosen field of sport:

Dhanraj Pillay, born on 16 July 1968 in Pune to a Tamil family, is a former Indian field hockey player and one of the most celebrated figures in Indian hockey. Nicknamed the "Hockey Tornado" of India, Pillay captained the Indian national team across four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), four World Cups, four Champions Trophy tournaments, and four Asian Games between 1989 and 2004. Over his 15-year international career, he played over 400 matches and scored approximately 170 goals, though official records were not consistently maintained.

Under his captaincy, India won the 1998 Asian Games and the 2003 Asia Cup. Pillay was the highest goal scorer at the 1998 Asian Games and the only Indian player named to the World XI during the 1994 World Cup in Sydney. He also played for several international clubs in Malaysia, France, Germany, England, and Hong Kong.

He received numerous accolades, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (1999–2000), Padma Shri (2000), and the Player of the Tournament award at the 2002 Champions Trophy in Cologne. Currently, he serves as Joint Secretary of the Air India Sports Promotion Board and oversees the SAG Hockey Academy in Gujarat.

While Pillay’s career was marked by on-field brilliance, it also included moments of tension with hockey administrators over issues such as player treatment and financial support. His biography, Forgive Me Amma by Sundeep Misra, chronicles his journey through Indian hockey.

Wilson Lionel Garton-Jones (2 May 1922 – 4 October 2003) was a professional English billiards player and the first Indian to become a world champion in any sport. An Anglo-Indian born in Pune, Maharashtra, Jones studied at Bishop High School and St. Vincent's High School before joining the War Service in 1939.

He began his national billiards career in 1947 and won his first National Billiards Championship in 1950. Over the next sixteen years, he claimed the national amateur billiards title twelve times and also won national snooker titles in 1952 and 1954. Jones made his debut at the World Billiards Championship in 1951. After several unsuccessful attempts, he won the World Amateur Billiards Championship in 1958, held in Calcutta, defeating fellow Indian Chandra Hirjee in the final. He won his second world title in 1964 in New Zealand.

Following his retirement from competitive play, Jones became a respected coach and mentored several leading Indian players, including Om Agarwal, Subhash Agarwal, and Ashok Shandilya. In recognition of his contributions to Indian sport, he received the Arjuna Award in 1963, the Padma Shri in 1965, and the Dronacharya Award in 1996. He passed away in 2003 following a heart attack.

Abhijit Kunte (born 3 March 1977) is a Grandmaster-level chess player from Pune, India. He was awarded the Grandmaster (GM) title in 2000 and has remained a prominent figure in Indian chess. Kunte is a two-time Indian National Champion, winning gold in 1997 and 2000, along with four bronze medals (1999, 2001, 2003, and 2005). He also won the British Chess Championship in 2003 and earned medals in the Commonwealth Chess Championship - silver in 2000 (Sangli) and bronze in 2003 (Mumbai).

He represented India at four Chess Olympiads between 1998 and 2004 and secured multiple medals in the Asian Team Chess Championships, including team gold (2005), team silver (2003, 2008), team bronze (1999), and several individual medals.

Kunte participated in major international events, including the World Chess Championships (2000, 2007) and the Asian Chess Championship (bronze in 2007). Over his career, he has won or shared first place in several tournaments across India and abroad, including Kolkata (1998, 2004), New Delhi (2005), Blackpool (2003), Guelph (2005), Kitchener (2006), and Mumbai (2008). As of July 2025, he holds a FIDE rating of 2458, with a peak rating of 2568 achieved in January 2001.

Nikhil Kanetkar (born 13 May 1979) is a former Indian badminton player from Pune. He represented India in several international tournaments, including the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he reached the round of 16 in men's singles. Over his career, he also competed in the Thomas Cup, All England Open, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, SAF Games, and various international circuits such as the Swiss, French, and U.S. Opens.

Kanetkar retired from competitive badminton in 2011 and founded the Nikhil Kanetkar Badminton Academy (NKBA) at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, with the goal of training future champions. He serves as the Director and Head Coach of the academy. Apart from coaching, Kanetkar has contributed as a columnist and sports commentator, covering badminton events for Sakal during the 2004 Olympics and later appearing on Star Sports during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He returned to competitive play at the veterans level and won the men’s singles title in the 35+ category at the 2016–17 Indian Masters National Badminton Championships. In 2017, he secured a bronze medal at the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships held in Kochi.

Over his professional career, Kanetkar won multiple international titles and podium finishes, including victories at the South Africa International (2005) and Le Volant d'Or de Toulouse (2003), and silver medals at events like the South Asian Games (2006) and the U.S. Open (1999).

Eliza Nelson (née Mendonca; born 27 September 1956) is a former Indian field hockey player and captain of the women’s national team. She led India to a gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and was also part of the squad that finished fourth at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Born into a Goan family in Pune, Eliza began her hockey career with Western Railway in 1977 and later represented Indian Railways. In recognition of her achievements, she received the Arjuna Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 1983.

Following her playing career, she served as the Sports Officer of Central Railway. She is married to Darryl Nelson, also a hockey player, and lives in Pune.

Aditi Mutatkar, born 6 October 1987, is a former Indian badminton player from Pune. Known for her consistency and determination, she is one of only three Indian women to have won national titles in all age categories - U-13, U-16, U-19, and the Senior Nationals.

Aditi was a key member of the Indian badminton team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal in the mixed team event. She achieved her career-high world ranking of 27 in 2008–09 following a strong international run, including finishing runner-up at the Bitburger Open Grand Prix, making her only the second Indian woman after Saina Nehwal to reach a Grand Prix final.

Her domestic career was equally impressive, with victories at national ranking tournaments across Mumbai, Indore, and Bangalore between 2006 and 2007, and a Senior National title in 2011. She also earned a silver medal at the 2008 National Games and consistently performed at the senior level, including a semifinal finish at the 2013 Senior Nationals in Pune.

Despite facing recurring injuries throughout her career, Aditi made a notable comeback in 2012–13, clinching the State Championship and leading her team to victory at the Inter-PSPB Badminton Tournament. Her international achievements also include a bronze medal at the 2002 Junior Asian Championships and semifinal finishes at events like the French Junior Open (2001), Singapore Junior Championship (2001), and Dutch Open Grand Prix (2008).

Kashmira Ram Joglekar, born 16 November 1985, is a former Indian badminton player from Pune. She is profoundly deaf and has represented India in multiple international competitions for the hearing-impaired.

In 2000 and 2001, she was part of the Indian national badminton team for the deaf. At the 2000 Asian Games for the Deaf held in Taiwan, she won a bronze medal in singles and a silver in doubles. The following year, she clinched a gold medal in mixed doubles at the 2001 Deaflympics, partnering with Rajeev Bagga. Throughout her professional career, she played for local teams in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and trained under noted coaches Mr. S. M. Arif and later Mr. Devdhar after moving to Pune in 1998. An ankle injury in 2001 led to her early retirement from the sport.

Kashmira was also academically accomplished. She studied at Renuka Swaroop High School in Pune and received the Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship for outstanding deaf students for six consecutive years. In 2001, she secured the top rank in Maharashtra’s SSC board exams in the handicapped category, and in 2003, she ranked first again in the HSC examination across the state. She later pursued a degree in Computer Engineering from the Government College of Engineering, Pune (COEP). Professionally, she worked at HP for three years and at Kale Consultancy for about a year before moving to Norway.

Meena Parande, born on 12 December 1930, resided in Pune, and was an Indian table tennis player and four-time national champion. She competed actively from 1948 to 1965 and was the tenth Indian woman to win a national table tennis title. Encouraged by her grandmother, she began playing in 1951 and quickly rose through the ranks. She won the National Championship in 1954 (Baroda), 1956 (Saharanpur), 1957 (Ahmedabad), and achieved the triple crown in 1959 (Calcutta).

Parande represented India at the World Table Tennis Championships in London in 1954 and Japan in 1956, becoming the first Maharashtrian woman to do so. She also competed in the Asian Championships held in Singapore (1954), Bangkok (1955), Vietnam (1961), and Bombay (1963), and was ranked third in Asia in 1954. Over the years, she toured Pakistan and Sri Lanka multiple times, winning several local tournaments.

She represented Maharashtra from 1953 to 1958 and later played for the Indian Railways team from 1959 to 1965. After retiring from competitive play, she took up coaching in Pune, where she trained many future national and international players including Dr. Charudatta Apte, Rajeev Bodas, Suhas Kulkarni, Neela Kulkarni, Nandini Kulkarni, and Sunanda Kane.

Following her years in sport, Parande developed a deep interest in yoga. She visited yoga ashrams across India, such as those in Munger, Rishikesh, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari, and Tiruvannamalai, and attended Vipassana retreats in Igatpuri, where she also volunteered for six months.

Her father, D. K. Parande, was a barrister and a passionate sportsman, known for his skill in cricket and tennis. Meena Parande passed away on 1 April 2022, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian table tennis.

Kruttika Nadig, born on 17 February 1988, is an accomplished Indian chess player from Pune who holds the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She won the Indian National Women's Chess Championship in 2008 and has represented India in several prestigious international tournaments. In 2010, she competed in the Women's World Chess Championship, where she faced compatriot Harika Dronavalli in the first round. Nadig has also played for India at the Women's World Team Chess Championship and the Women's Asian Team Chess Championship in 2009, as well as the World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad in 2003. Alongside her chess career, she is also active as a journalist.

Nitin Govardhan Ghule, born on 20 May 1986, is an Indian kabaddi player from Pune. He began playing the sport at a young age with the Adinath Sports Club in Bopkhel, Pune and steadily rose through the ranks. Ghule was part of the Indian kabaddi team that won the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games held in Guangzhou. He has also represented India in various national and international tournaments, including the Asian Beach Kabaddi Games in 2008.

Amar Muralidharan is an Indian swimmer from Pune who has earned six national titles and represented India at several international events. Between 2000 and 2004, he held national titles in both the 200-meter butterfly and freestyle events. He won a silver medal at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad and three gold medals at the South Asian Games in Islamabad. Amar has also won multiple gold medals at the World Police & Fire Games and a bronze medal at the 2006 Canada Cup as part of the 4x200 meter freestyle relay team for Université Laval. In 2007, he represented India at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, competing in the 200-meter freestyle and as part of the 4x100 meter freestyle relay squad.

Born in Pune, Amar began swimming at the age of eight under the guidance of his father, G. Muralidharan, a former athlete, Ranji cricketer, and Commander in the Indian Navy. By age 13, he had already won a gold medal in the age-group nationals in the 200-meter freestyle. In 2002, he won a bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle at the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in Zhuhai, China. He and his younger brother, Arjun, also competed in the national open water 10 km endurance swim held in Pune, finishing first with a time of 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 54 seconds.

From 2006 to 2010, Amar trained in the United Kingdom and Canada under reputed coaches. He swam for the Rouge et Or team in Quebec, Stockport Metro in 2007, and Toronto Swim Club from 2008 to 2010. He also secured wins in the 50-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle at the 57th All India Police Championships in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. From 1999 to 2009, Amar served as an Inspector in the Central Reserve Police Force under the sports recruitment program. In 2012, he won a bronze medal in the line throw event at the World Life Saving Championships in Adelaide, Australia.

Currently, Amar is the head coach at the Blue Water Swimming Academy in Baner, Pune. In addition to swimming, he holds a first-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and also trains in martial arts. He is the elder brother and coach of swimmer Arjun Muralidharan.

Arjun Muralidharan, born on 14 May 1987 in Pune, is a renowned Indian swimmer widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest butterfly specialists. Over the course of his career, he has won 15 national titles and was named Best Swimmer at three consecutive Open National Championships from 2004 to 2006. Arjun held all three butterfly national titles (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m) from 2004 to 2007, and in 2006, also held all three backstroke national titles in the same year - an exceptional feat in Indian swimming.

In 2004, Arjun became the first Indian swimmer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games, securing bronze in Bendigo, Australia. A year later, he claimed silver at the Asian Indoor Games in Bangkok. He continued to break ground in 2006 by becoming the first Indian swimmer to win a gold medal at a foreign national championship - the Speedo Eastern Canadian Championships in Montreal. That same year, he also broke his own national record in the 100 m butterfly at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Arjun has gone on to win multiple Canadian National Championship medals and captured gold in the 200 m butterfly at the 2008 Canada Cup.

Arjun began swimming at the age of five under the guidance of his father, G. Muralidharan - a former athlete, Ranji Trophy cricketer, and Commander in the Indian Navy. By age nine, he had already broken the national age-group record in the 50 m butterfly. His older brother, Amar Muralidharan, is also a celebrated swimmer and coach. From 2006 to 2010, Arjun trained in the UK and Canada with top-tier coaches, swimming for elite clubs such as Rouge et Or (Quebec), Stockport Metro (UK), and Toronto Swim Club (Canada).

In addition to his swimming career, Arjun served in the Border Security Force under the sports recruitment program from 2002 to 2014 and was awarded the Director General's Citation in 2006 for his achievements in sport. He also holds a 1st dan black belt in Goju-ryu Karate and a first kyu brown belt in Shidokan.

Today, Arjun continues to contribute to Indian swimming as the Director of the Bluewater Sports Academy in Baner, Pune. Alongside his father and brother, he coaches young swimmers at the Bluewater Swim Academy and has mentored numerous sub-junior and junior-level national medalists. He has endorsed the sportswear brand Metal Mulisha and is sponsored by Siddhi Health Club in Kothrud, Pune, where he has trained in strength and conditioning since 2002.

N. K. Mahajan (1919 – 8 November 2016), popularly known as Abasaheb, was a pioneering Indian adventure sportsman and educator from Pune. Known for his extraordinary fitness and fearless spirit, Mahajan made headlines in 2008 when, at the age of 88, he became India's oldest parasailor—a record he had already set twice before, in 2003 and 2007. A lifelong enthusiast of trekking, climbing, and parasailing, he was also a prominent figure in the scouting movement and served as president of the Maharashtra Hockey Association.

Mahajan earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for crossing the 46-meter-wide, 152-meter-deep valley between Duke’s Nose and Duchess Pinnacle in just five minutes using rock climbing techniques. His achievements inspired many in the field of adventure sports, and his participation on Satyamev Jayate in July 2012 brought his story to a national audience.

Born in 1919, Mahajan studied at the New English School, Ramanbaug, Pune, and earned his Secondary Teacher Certificate while teaching at Dr. E. N. Nagarwala School. He eventually retired as the school’s principal. His lifelong involvement with the Pune City Scouts and Guides Association earned him recognition as a distinguished scout and mentor to younger generations.

Mahajan maintained remarkable physical fitness well into his late 90s. A strict vegetarian, his daily diet included varan bhaat, pithla bhakri, green vegetables, fruit, milk, and lemon juice. He was known to walk 10 kilometers each day at a pace of 6 km/h as part of his training routine.

He passed away peacefully at his Pune residence on 8 November 2016 at the age of 97, surrounded by family. Remembered not just for his records but also for his humility, discipline, and dedication to youth education and adventure, N. K. Mahajan remains an enduring symbol of resilience and passion.

Kedar Jadhav is a former international cricketer, known for his aggressive batting and versatility on the field. Born on 26 March 1985 in Pune, he hails from a middle-class family originally from the village of Jadhavwadi in Madha, Solapur district. The youngest of four children, his father Mahadev Jadhav worked as a clerk with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board until retiring in 2003.

Jadhav began his cricketing journey at Pune’s PYC Hindu Gymkhana and first played tennis ball cricket for Rainbow Cricket Club. His talent quickly propelled him to the Maharashtra under-19 team in 2004, setting the foundation for a successful domestic and international career. He later played for Maharashtra in first-class cricket and became known for his right-handed middle-order batting, handy off-spin bowling, and occasional wicketkeeping.

In domestic cricket, Jadhav made headlines in 2012 with a triple century: 327 runs against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, the second-highest score by a Maharashtra batsman. During the 2013–14 season, he amassed 1,223 runs with six centuries, leading Maharashtra to their first Ranji Trophy final in over two decades.

He made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka on 16 November 2014 and his T20I (Twenty20 International) debut against Zimbabwe in July 2015. In that series, he scored his maiden international century - an unbeaten 105. A defining moment in his international career came in January 2017, when he scored a blistering 120 against England in Pune and shared a 200-run partnership with Virat Kohli. His consistency throughout the series earned him the Player of the Series award.

Jadhav was part of India’s squad for major tournaments including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Known for finishing games under pressure, he played a crucial role in the 2018 Asia Cup Final, scoring an unbeaten 23 and steering India to victory.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Jadhav represented multiple teams, including Delhi Daredevils, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He debuted in 2010 with a 29-ball fifty for Delhi and remained a sought-after utility player in the league until going unsold in the 2022 auction.

Following his retirement from all forms of cricket on 3 June 2024, he entered politics and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in April 2025.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is an Indian international cricketer and the current captain of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He also leads the Maharashtra cricket team in T20 and List A formats. Born on 31 January 1997 in Pune, he made his international debut in July 2021 against Sri Lanka. Gaikwad captained the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games and is the only Indian to score a T20I century against Australia. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2021 IPL season, winning both the Orange Cap and the Emerging Player of the Season award.

He grew up in Pune in a Marathi-speaking family originally from Pargaon Memane in Saswad, Pune district. His father Dasharath Gaikwad worked for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and his mother Sawita Gaikwad is a schoolteacher. His parents supported his passion for cricket from a young age. He studied at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School in Khadki and later at Lakshmibai Nadgude School in Pimple Nilakh, before attending Marathwada Mitramandal’s Polytechnic College. At age 13, he joined the Varroc Dilip Vengsarkar Academy in Thergaon, Pimpri-Chinchwad.

In 2010, he was named man of the match for his unbeaten 63 against Mumbai’s MIG Cricket Club in the Cadence Trophy. He came into the spotlight in 2015 after scoring 306 runs in a single innings and forming a 522-run partnership with his teammate Vinay in the Maharashtra Invitational Tournament. Gaikwad made his first-class debut for Maharashtra in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy, followed by T20 and List A debuts in early 2017. In the 2016–17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he was the third-highest run scorer with 444 runs at an average of 63.42.

Over the years, he has played for teams like India A, India B, India Blue, and India U-23. He scored 187* against Sri Lanka A in 2019 and was part of various domestic tournaments including the Deodhar and Duleep Trophies. In the 2021 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he led Maharashtra and scored 259 runs in five matches. In the 2021–22 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored four centuries and over 600 runs, equalling Virat Kohli’s record for the most centuries in a single season. In November 2022, he became the first batter in any form of cricket to hit seven sixes in a single over during a quarterfinal match against Uttar Pradesh. His century in the final of that tournament also made him the highest century-scorer in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.

In 2023, he was signed by Pune-based franchise Puneri Bappa in the Maharashtra Premier League for ₹14.8 crore and named captain. His international career began in 2021 with his T20I debut against Sri Lanka. He later made his ODI debut against South Africa in 2022. He scored his maiden T20I fifty against South Africa and followed it up with a century against Australia in November 2023, 123 off 57 balls, the highest score by any batter against Australia in T20Is and the second-highest by an Indian in the format.

He was appointed vice-captain for the Ireland T20I series in 2023 and led India in the Asian Games, where the team won gold. In 2024, he was part of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, scoring 77* and 49 in back-to-back games. Despite his performances, he was dropped from the squad for the Sri Lanka tour later that year.

In the IPL, Gaikwad was bought by Chennai Super Kings in 2018. He scored his first IPL century, an unbeaten 101, against Rajasthan Royals in October 2021. That year, he also contributed to CSK’s title win and ended the season as the top run-scorer. Retained by CSK ahead of the 2022 auction, he was named team captain on 21 March 2024, taking over from MS Dhoni just before the start of the season.

In 2025, he signed with Yorkshire to play in the County Championship and One-Day Cup in England. Gaikwad lives in Sangvi, Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, also known as Balewadi Stadium, is a sports complex located in Pune. Situated in Balewadi, this expansive facility has hosted several major national and international sporting events, including the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2019 Khelo India Youth Games, and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Built in 1994 to host the National Games, the complex has since grown into one of Maharashtra's premier multi-sport venues. It is home to high-performance training, competition facilities, and has served as a hub for developing national-level athletes across disciplines. The complex played a key role in putting Pune on the map as a venue for global sports tournaments.

The main athletics stadium seats around 11,000 spectators and features an eight-lane track and floodlighting. It has hosted international football matches, I-League fixtures, Olympic qualifiers, and Indian Super League (ISL) games for teams such as FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC. It also hosted India’s matches against Vietnam, Myanmar, Qatar, and Nepal.

The sports complex also has dedicated halls and arenas for a wide range of sports. The aquatic centre includes two Olympic-sized swimming pools with a combined capacity of 3,500 spectators. The badminton hall, which has hosted Indian Badminton League matches, includes six competition courts and four warm-up courts. The boxing arena features three rings, five warm-up rings, and has hosted events like the 2011 World Series Boxing.

In volleyball, the complex hosted the 2009 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship, and in basketball, it was the site of the FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship for Women in the same year. The venue has also staged matches in the UBA Pro Basketball League. Wrestling, kabaddi, weightlifting, and table tennis also have dedicated halls with high-quality infrastructure. The tennis courts, especially the 4,200-seater centre court, annually host the ATP 250 Tata Open Maharashtra.

The shooting range is built to International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) standards and includes 10m, 25m, and 50m facilities with a combined spectator capacity of over 1,500. The table tennis hall held the 2008 World Junior Circuit and the velodrome, originally built for the 1994 National Games, is undergoing redevelopment after years of disuse.

The complex also features a large games village with 400 accommodation rooms, a fitness centre, cultural centre, and a sports science facility with departments for biomechanics, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and rehabilitation.

Professional teams such as FC Pune City (ISL), Pune FC (I-League), Puneri Paltan (Pro Kabaddi), and Pune Marathas (Elite Football League of India) have all called the complex home at various times. It has also hosted the Rollball World Cup (2011 and 2015), the 2013 Asian Athletics Championships, and several ATP, national boxing, and youth sports tournaments.

In 2020, the Government of Maharashtra approved the establishment of the International Sports University at the complex, marking a new chapter in its evolution as a national centre for sports education and excellence.

With its diverse infrastructure and history of hosting high-profile events, the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex remains a cornerstone of Pune’s sporting identity and one of the most important multi-sport venues in India.

Deccan Gymkhana is a historic sports complex located in central Pune. It was started in 1906 with the support of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and has played an important role in the promotion of sports in the city. The complex was involved in India’s preparations for the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, especially in wrestling and athletics, and is known for being part of India’s early Olympic journey.

The area around the complex was planned to include spaces for sports like cricket, tennis, wrestling, and gymnastics. During the construction, an underground water source was found and converted into Pune’s first swimming pool in 1921. Indoor sports like billiards and bridge were introduced in the late 1920s, and a women’s club called Vanita Vishram was established in 1931.

Today, Deccan Gymkhana has over 15 sports facilities in one campus. These include courts and spaces for tennis, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, chess, cricket, and swimming. It has also hosted Davis Cup tennis matches and matches in the Indian Badminton League. The complex is one of Pune’s most important multi-sport centres and continues to support athletes and community sports.

The PCMC Hockey Stadium, also known as the Major Dhyanachand Stadium, is a field hockey venue located in Pune. Built in 1993, it was the first polygrass stadium in the district and was constructed at an approximate cost of ₹1.15 crore. It has a seating capacity of 5,000 and has hosted women’s hockey matches during the 1993 National Games.

The stadium serves as the home ground for the Pune Strykers, a franchise that played in the World Series Hockey. It was renovated by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) at an approximate cost of ₹2.75 crore to improve its infrastructure. The upgrades included four high-mast floodlights with a brightness of 1,200 lux to support night matches. Seven matches of the World Series Hockey were held here between 29 February and 2 April.

The stadium continues to be one of the main venues for hockey in the Pune region.

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium is located in Gahunje, Pune, and serves as the headquarters of the Maharashtra Cricket Association. With a seating capacity of around 45,000, the stadium features an outdoor cricket field surrounded by elliptical-shaped, two-tiered bleachers that offer clear sightlines from all angles.

Built with a focus on modern infrastructure, the stadium includes a sand-based outfield and a three-layer drainage system. This system, along with the use of turf management chemicals, allows for quick recovery after rainfall and minimizes match delays.

The stadium has hosted matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), serving as the home ground for Pune Warriors and Rising Pune Supergiants. It was also one of the venues for the 2023 ICC One Day International World Cup. Designed for both comfort and performance, the MCA Stadium is one of the key cricketing venues in Maharashtra.

Established in 1900, the Poona Young Cricketers (PYC) Hindu Gymkhana is one of Pune’s oldest and most respected sports clubs. Originally focused on promoting cricket and basic sports like wrestling and hockey, the club built its iconic Pavilion Building in 1906. This marked the beginning of its transformation into a major sports centre.

PYC Hindu Gymkhana has played an important role in the development of Indian cricket. It provided training to legendary cricketers like C.K. Naidu, D.B. Deodhar, and Vijay Hazare. The club also supported other indoor sports such as chess, carrom, and billiards, and established a Ladies’ Branch to encourage women’s participation in sports.

Today, the club hosts state and national-level tournaments in cricket, basketball, tennis, and badminton. It has also hosted international events in billiards and snooker. With its long history and modern sports infrastructure, PYC Hindu Gymkhana continues to be a key sporting venue in Pune.

The Pune District Metropolitan Badminton Association (PDMBA) is one of the oldest and most significant badminton institutions in India. Originally established as the Maharashtra Badminton Association in 1946, it was renamed in 1969 as PDMBA after government guidelines required one association per district. Since then, it has focused on promoting badminton in the Pune district.

Pune shares a deep historical connection with badminton; the game was first played here around 1870, and the earliest rules of the game were also drafted in the city. Because of this origin, badminton was once referred to as the “Poona Game” before gaining global popularity.

In 1981, PDMBA built its own badminton hall with four wooden courts through support from private donors. This was later expanded into a modern sports complex with nine courts that meet international standards. The venue is equipped to host major state and national-level tournaments and is currently the only venue in India to host an International Junior Grand Prix in badminton.

Located in Pune, the PDMBA Badminton Complex continues to be an important hub for developing young badminton talent and supporting the sport’s growth in the region.

The Poona Club Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course in Pune city, spread across more than 100 acres. Known for its well-maintained fairways, fast greens, and scenic water bodies, the course is considered one of the top five in India. The layout is dotted with mature banyan and flowering trees, offering both beauty and challenge for golfers.

The club has nearly 1,000 active members and remains busy throughout the year. It hosts over 40 tournaments annually, including the Maharashtra Open, which attracts players from across the country. National-level tournaments for men, women, juniors, and seniors are also organized here under the Indian Golf Union.

Facilities include a driving range, chipping yard, putting greens, and a floodlit night driving range open daily in the evening. The Pro Shop on-site offers equipment for sale and rent. The club also runs regular coaching clinics for all age groups, with professional instruction and equipment provided at affordable rates.

The Oxford Golf Resort is a private 18-hole championship golf course located in Pune, set across 136 acres. Designed by Pacific Coast Design, the course has a par of 72 and offers a professional-grade layout for golfers at all levels. The resort also includes a dedicated Golf Academy with a practice range, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.

In addition to golf, the resort offers a range of leisure sports facilities. These include outdoor and infinity swimming pools, a gymnasium, squash courts, badminton, and table tennis. The resort combines luxury with recreational amenities, making it a key destination for sports and leisure in Pune.

Founded in 1868 on the banks of the Mula-Mutha River, the Royal Connaught Boat Club (RCBC) is one of Pune’s oldest sports institutions. Originally named the Poona Boat Club, it was renamed in 1889 to honour the Duke of Connaught, and later became the Royal Connaught Boat Club in 1928.

RCBC played a pioneering role in promoting water sports such as rowing, sailing, and boating in India. The club held its first regatta in 1869 and was instrumental in forming the Amateur Rowing Association of the East in 1933. It has hosted national and state-level regattas, including events under the Indian Rowing Federation.

The club's infrastructure has evolved over time, including a boathouse, slipway, guest rooms, dining facilities, and courts for tennis. It has also weathered challenges, including a major flood in 1961 and legal battles during the post-independence period, ultimately remaining a key recreational and sporting venue.

Today, RCBC continues to offer facilities for rowing and allied sports, along with spaces for events, recreation, and dining. Its membership is known for valuing sportsmanship, community, and the club’s long-standing traditions.

The Pune District Football Association (PDFA) was formally established in 1972 to promote football at the grassroots level in Pune. Early football supporters like Robert Gabriell and Benjamin Fernandes were instrumental in keeping the sport alive in the region for decades. In 2006, under the leadership of President Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam, the association was strengthened and reorganised in a more structured form.

Today, PDFA has over 230 registered teams and nearly 5,000 players across various categories. These include four boys’ divisions (Super, First, Second, and Third), a women’s division, and under-age group teams. The association organises the Pune District Football League, with over 1,000 matches played throughout the year.

The PDFA Stadium, located in the Ghorpadi area of Pune, is the association’s main venue. The land was leased in 2009 for 30 years, and the stadium was completed in 2014 at a cost of ₹75 lakhs. Spread across 3.5 acres, it includes a turf field, spectator stands, dressing rooms, and compound walls. The stadium was developed with support from FIFA’s India program, which began in 2007, and continues to serve as a hub for football training and matches in the district.

The Pune Football Leagues, organised by the Pune District Football Association (PDFA), form one of the most extensive and structured football competitions in Maharashtra. With over 230 teams and more than 5,000 registered players, the leagues span the breadth of Pune district, drawing participation from areas such as Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hadapsar, and central Pune. The league operates across four divisions, Super, Division One, Division Two, and Division Three, along with dedicated categories for women’s and youth teams. These leagues serve as a crucial platform for developing local talent and sustaining grassroots football throughout the district.

The Super Division represents the highest level of competition in the Pune Football Leagues and occupies the second tier in the Maharashtra football pyramid. The league typically features 14 teams that compete in an all-play-all format during the preliminary phase. Each team plays every other team once, and the top six teams from the group advance to the post-season playoffs. Points and goals scored in the preliminary round do not carry forward. At the conclusion of the playoff league, the top two teams are declared winners and runners-up, earning promotion to the Maharashtra State Senior Men’s Football League. Conversely, the bottom two teams in the preliminary round are relegated to Division One. Clubs at this level operate with a semi-professional structure, often conducting multiple training sessions per week and providing players with monthly stipends.

The First Division sits below the Super Division and functions as the third tier in the state pyramid. Teams in this division are grouped and participate in a preliminary round-robin phase. The top two teams from each group advance to the post-season playoffs. As in the Super Division, points and goals from the first round are not carried into the playoffs. At the end of this final league phase, the top two teams are promoted to the Super Division, while teams finishing last in their groups are relegated to Division Two. Many of these clubs offer match fees and conveyance allowances to players, and practices usually take place once or twice a week.

The Second Division includes twenty or more teams and serves as a key entry point for emerging clubs and academies. Teams are divided into three groups for the preliminary round-robin phase. The top two teams from each group qualify for a post-season phase consisting of a league format followed by single-leg knockout matches. The eight quarterfinalists in this stage are promoted to Division One. Clubs in this tier vary widely in their training frequency and financial arrangements. While some offer match fees and limited support, others operate on minimal budgets and rely entirely on the commitment of local players and volunteers.

The Third Division is the largest and most inclusive tier in the Pune Football Leagues, with more than 50 participating teams. These are divided into eight or more groups for the preliminary round-robin stage. The top two or three teams from each group move on to a post-season phase comprising a league stage followed by knockout matches. The eight quarterfinalists earn promotion to Division Two. This division often features grassroots-level clubs, community teams, and newly formed academies, making it a dynamic and competitive space for young and amateur players to showcase their skills.

Across all divisions, player registration is regulated by the PDFA, and no individual is allowed to represent more than one team within a calendar year. Most clubs hold trials before the season to finalise their 22-player rosters. Despite disparities in funding and infrastructure, the Pune Football Leagues have built a strong, inclusive framework for football in the region. They continue to grow in scale and impact, offering structured competition, promotion opportunities, and a crucial training ground for Pune’s footballing future.

Pune’s reputation as the Oxford of the East is reflected in its vibrant culture of collegiate sports competitions. Many colleges across the city host annual intercollegiate tournaments that attract student-athletes from across Maharashtra and beyond. These events typically cover a wide range of sports such as basketball, football, cricket, volleyball, badminton, and tennis, offering registration-based participation and attractive cash prizes. Open only to students currently enrolled in academic institutions, these competitions foster campus spirit, encourage athletic talent, and build networks of camaraderie through healthy rivalry.

Among the most prominent collegiate sports festivals is Summit, hosted by MIT World Peace University, which sees high-energy participation across multiple disciplines. Zest, organized by the College of Engineering Pune (COEP), is one of western India’s largest college sports fests, while COEP’s Regatta stands out as a historic rowing event featuring synchronized displays and river races. Kurukshetra at FLAME University combines a competitive sporting atmosphere with community-building on its scenic campus, and Rush by Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication offers a dynamic sports and culture blend. Other notable events include Niverve (Symbiosis School of Economics), Vishwanath Sports Meet (MIT ADT), Infinity (Ness Wadia), Troika (BMCC), Kreedanagan (ILS Law College), Gravitas (SIBM), and Melange (Vishwakarma Institute of Technology), all contributing to Pune’s energetic and diverse collegiate sports landscape.