Navi Mumbai :- Navi Mumbai, often associated with modernity and urban development, is now making a name for itself in the traditional sport of wrestling. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has taken an innovative approach by creating a wrestling arena in the Sanpada locality, which is producing state and national-level wrestling champions.
In an attempt to instill a love for traditional wrestling in the modern city, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has successfully nurtured young male and female wrestlers who have excelled at the state and national levels, earning various accolades and bringing pride to the city.
Particularly, athletes from the Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra, known for their unique passion for wrestling, have found a platform in this arena. The Sanpada division, geographically located in the center of Navi Mumbai, provides easy access to wrestling facilities and proper training, making it an ideal place for budding wrestlers to flourish.
The wrestling arena was established in May 2018 in Sanpada Sector 2. Through the Navi Mumbai Wrestling Association, young wrestlers receive professional training, further nurturing their talent. This facility has enabled numerous young wrestlers to showcase their skills at the national level, etching their names in the annals of Indian wrestling.
In the present day, wrestling has garnered increased recognition and support, with many former wrestling champions visiting the arena to personally coach and mentor the young aspirants. Additionally, the Municipal Corporation has organized a 31-day intensive wrestling training camp in Turbhe, Kolhapur, providing expert guidance to the athletes. Nutrition counseling is also available to ensure that the wrestlers maintain peak physical condition.
This wrestling training center has played a pivotal role in shaping the wrestling scene in Navi Mumbai. The annual state-level wrestling competitions organized through this arena have provided a platform for local wrestlers to showcase their talent. Many wrestlers from Navi Mumbai have achieved success at the state and national levels, earning gold and silver medals. For instance, Pranav Rasakar, a 17-year-old weighing 110 kilograms, won a gold medal at the state level and is now competing at the national level.
One of the notable achievements was Hindvi Ghorpade, a 14-year-old girl who secured a gold medal in the 62-kilogram category at the divisional level. Her victory has garnered much attention, and she has now been selected to represent the state at the national level.
Shlok Patil won a silver medal at the divisional level, while Sarang Narale, Vishwajeet Hake, and others achieved gold medals at the divisional level. Sumit Mane secured a silver medal at the divisional level.
A significant influence on this resurgence of interest in wrestling was Aamir Khan’s movie “Dangal,” which shed light on the struggles and successes of female wrestlers in India. This film motivated young girls to consider wrestling as a viable sport. As a result, 15 girls in Navi Mumbai are currently receiving rigorous training in the Sanpada wrestling arena.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s initiative has not only rekindled the love for traditional wrestling but has also become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes, ushering in a new era for the sport in the city. The future looks promising, and Navi Mumbai is poised to produce more wrestling champions in the years to come.
