YAVATMAL

Bail-gada shariyat, or bullock cart races, were once a common tradition across rural Maharashtra, including Yavatmal 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.

The sport is extremely popular in this region of Maharashtra and farmers with their bulls enthusiastically participate in it.

Cricket widely remains the most popular sport in the district. Several local cricket tournaments are also held in the district at various places such as the Advika Chashak, Lakshvedh Yavatmal, Ralegaon Premier League, Mahavir Premier League, etc. These tournaments are usually played by using the soft tennis ball instead of the leather balls used otherwise. The sport also remains the most played and watched game in the district. Shubham Dubey, a young promising cricket player who currently plays for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League was born in Yavatmal.

There are several Cricket academies as well that contribute to the promotion of the sport and provide the necessary infrastructure required for it such as the Cricket Academy for Mind, Body & Soul, Dekkan Bullz Cricket Academy, Akash Chikte Sports Academy, etc. Cricket also flourishes on grounds such as the YPL Cricket Ground, Postal Ground, and Sunrise Cricket Club ground.

Football has been gaining popularity in recent years. A few local Football tournaments have also been held such as the Yavatmal Football League whose first and seemingly only season was held in 2021-22. Yavatmal also participates in the various inter-district matches and tournaments organized by the Western Indian Football Association (WIFA) and the district’s teams have shown promising performances on several occasions. Several Football clubs and turfs contribute to the promotion of the sport and provide the necessary infrastructure required for it such as the Rsk Sports Turf, Arena One Sports Club, and the AIFF-registered Latur District Football Association. Football also flourishes on the grounds and stadiums of the district such as the Nehru Stadium, Postal Ground, etc.

A few other sports are somewhat famous as well such as Badminton, Kho Kh, etc are quite popular in the district as well. The Nav Jaihind Krida Mandal from Yavatmal won the women’s Kho Kho title at the 2025 Khasdar Krida Mohotsav held at Mankapur Sports Complex, Nagpur.

Shubham Dubey, an Indian cricketer from Yavatmal district, Maharashtra, represents Vidarbha in domestic cricket. Born on 27 August 1994, he made his List A debut on 22 February 2021, in the 2020–21 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Known for his explosive finishing abilities, Dubey has established himself as a powerful middle-order batter in the Indian domestic circuit. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), he showcased his talent with an impressive strike rate of 187.28, scoring 221 runs in seven innings. One of his standout performances came against Bengal, where he played a key role in Vidarbha's highest-ever successful chase of 213, finishing the game with an unbeaten 58 off just 20 balls, including three fours and six sixes.

A left-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler, Dubey has amassed 1,046 runs in 27 List A matches, featuring one century and six half-centuries. Additionally, he has claimed 20 wickets in 12 games. His remarkable form continued in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, where he accumulated 492 runs in 10 matches, registering three centuries and one half-century. He also contributed with the ball, taking 27 wickets in 12 games.

With his consistent performances and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, Dubey is regarded as a promising talent with the potential to make an impact on the national stage.

Akash Anil Chikte, born 24 July 1992 in Yavatmal, is a field hockey player who plays as a goalkeeper. He was part of the Indian squad that won the gold medal at the 2016 Asian Men's Hockey Champions Trophy. He was also a part of the Indian Squad that won Gold at the Asian Champions Trophy and a Bronze at the Hockey World League.

Alind Shriniwas Naidu, born on 11 October 1983 in Yavatmal, is a cricketer who plays for Mumbai. He is a right-hand batsman who can bowl right-arm off-break balls. He has also played for the Vidarbha team from 1999-2010.

Lalit Yadav, born on 17 December 1995 in Yavatmal, is a Cricket player. He made his first-class debut for Vidarbha in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy on 6 October 2016. He made his Twenty20 debut for Vidarbha in the 2016–17 Inter-State Twenty-20 Tournament on 30 January 2017. He made his List A debut on 14 December 2021, for Odisha in the 2021–22 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Yavatmal City is home to a single stadium, the Nehru Stadium, one of the oldest sports establishments in the region. The stadium features a basketball court, badminton court, volleyball court, skating rink, tennis court, handball court, and football ground. It also includes a running and walking track, a gym, and a synthetic lawn. Additionally, it serves as a venue for archery practice, athletics, and other sports activities.

Apart from the stadium, Yavatmal has several other grounds that cater to sports enthusiasts and the general public. These include the YPL Cricket Ground, Postal Ground, Ekviradevi Ground, and Sunrise Cricket Club Ground. Primarily used for recreational purposes, these grounds are popular among the city's residents for daily sports and fitness activities.