WASHIM

Bail-gada shariyat, or bullock cart races, were once a common tradition across rural Maharashtra, including Washim district. The races were banned in 2011, but in 2017, the State government enacted a legislation to restart the races. However, the Bombay High Court stayed the legislation, and the Supreme Court initially declined to lift the stay, referring the matter to a larger bench. In 2021, the Supreme Court upheld the State’s legislation, thereby legalizing the races once more.

Similar games are played in Tamil Nadu where it is known as ‘Jallikattu', also known as 'eruthazhuvuthal', and is played as part of the Pongal harvest festival. The Bail Gada shariyats of Maharashtra resemble the 'Kambala' race, held in Karnataka between November and March, which involves a pair of buffaloes tied to a plow and anchored by one person. They are made to run in parallel muddy tracks in a competition in which the fastest team wins.

This sport is popular in Washim district and farmers enthusiastically participate in it with their bulls.

Kho Kho is another game played in almost every region of the state. Kho-Kho is quite famous in the district. It is quite easy to spot teens playing Kho-Kho in schools or public parks. Various local-level tournaments are also held in which children and teens participate representing their schools and colleges, these are organised by the Washim district Sports Officer. The last such tournament was held in 2023. The Vidarbha Kho-Kho association has also played a vital role in the promotion of the sport in the district and the larger Vidarbha region.

Kabaddi is quite famous in the district as well. Players such as Shankar Ananda Maighane have utilised Kabaddi to reach greater heights in their careers. Kabaddi is played by children and teens in public parks, school parks, etc. Various district-level and local tournaments are also held in the district. The presence of Sawanga Jahangir Kabaddi Ground has also provided the necessary infrastructure required for the promotion of the sport.

Cricket, as is the case with almost every region of India, remains one of the most famous sports in the district. Various local-level tournaments are held in the district such as the Washim Champions League, the Washim Premier League, etc. Most of these tournaments are played on local grounds with soft balls.

Football is yet another game that is quite popular in the district of Washim. The Western India Football Association (WIFA) has been instrumental in the promotion of football in the district. Washim City also has several football turfs and a few clubs that provide the required infrastructure for the sport. The district’s team also participates in the Inter District Football tournaments that are organised by WIFA.

Tennis isn’t necessarily popular in the district but the District’s Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) is equipped with a Tennis court that is regularly used by Tennis enthusiasts. In 2021 the State Level Junior Soft Tennis Tournament was held in the district at the District Sports Complex.

Archery isn’t necessarily popular in the district but the District’s Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) is equipped with an Archery range and coaches. These are regularly utilized by Archery enthusiasts.

Shankar Ananda Maighane, born on August 1, 2006, in Brahmanwada, Washim district, currently practices in Gevrai, Beed district. Coming from a farming background, with both his father Ananda and his mother Kavita working as farmers, Shankar found his passion for kabaddi at the age of 15. Introduced to the sport by his friend Nehal, Shankar quickly demonstrated his prowess as a raider, initially winning matches with ease. However, as competition grew tougher, he realized the importance of professional training to further enhance his skills, thus embarking on a journey to seek professional guidance.

Specializing as a Left Raider, Shankar excels in executing bonus points, a skill that sets him apart on the kabaddi mat. Under the guidance of his coach Ketan Gaikwad at Sharda Academy in Gevrai, Beed, Shankar hones his abilities, aiming to reach new heights in the sport. Shankar currently plays for the Beed district team in the Yuva Kabaddi Series.

Despite having reached only up to 10th standard in his education, Shankar's kabaddi career boasts notable highlights, including a thrilling final match in a local tournament where his decisive raid secured victory for his team against Jalgaon, earning a significant prize of 51,000 rupees.

Beyond kabaddi, Shankar enjoys playing cricket locally, showcasing his versatility in sports. With dreams of competing in the Pro Kabaddi League and a strong determination to improve his game through hard work and dedication, Shankar Ananda Maighane is poised to make a mark in the world of kabaddi, driven by his passion for the sport and aspirations for future success.

Ayushka Pandurang Gadekar, hailing from Jaipur, a small village in Washim, clinched the gold medal at the 2024 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Sriracha, Thailand. Competing in the U-15 58 kg category, she proudly represented India on the international stage.

Wrestling runs in Ayushka’s blood - her father, Pandurang Gadekar, is a well-known wrestler, while her siblings, Arjun and Kalyani Gadekar, are both renowned national-level wrestlers. Her mother, Kanchan Gadekar, was also an accomplished kabaddi player, making sports a strong tradition in the family.

Ayushka has consistently brought pride to the Washim district with her outstanding performances in national-level tournaments. Earlier this year, she secured gold in the Under-15 Championship held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. In 2022, she won silver medals at the Grand Prix 1 in Gonda (UP) and Jhajjar (Haryana), along with a bronze at the Ranchi meet. Her remarkable achievements have been widely celebrated, with her latest victory adding yet another prestigious accolade to her growing list of accomplishments.

The District Sports complex located in Washim City provides the people of Washim with the opportunity to indulge in various sports for recreational and practical purposes. The Sports Complex is managed and maintained by the district’s Sports Officer. It has a functioning Swimming Pool, Basketball Court, Archery Range, Tennis Court and an attached ground.

The Police Ground also provides a space to the people of Washim to practice various types of sports and also exercise for recreational purposes.