Pune: Minister Chandrakant Patil Promises Rs 50,000 Monthly Aid and House for Gold Medallist Sunny Fulmali
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lohgaon, 9th November 2025: Despite battling poverty and living under a makeshift tent in Lohgaon, Pune, young wrestler Sunny Fulmali has scripted an inspiring story of determination and triumph by winning a gold medal for India at the Asian Youth Sports Championship held in Bahrain. Now, the 17-year-old athlete has found strong support from Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, who has announced that he will take Sunny under his guardianship and extend full assistance for his training, housing, and education.
Minister Patil visited Sunny Fulmali and his family at their modest home, congratulating the young champion for bringing pride to the nation. He was accompanied by Sunny’s coach Vastad Sadashiv Rakhpasare, BJP Sports Aghadi State President Sandeep Appa Bhondve, former corporator Bobby Tingre, and local residents.
Patil lauded Sunny’s exceptional perseverance and hard work despite severe financial hardships. “Sunny’s success, achieved while living in a tent and without a proper roof over his head, is truly commendable. He has made his parents and the entire state proud,” Patil said.
Announcing his personal contribution, the minister said, “Through public participation, we will build a house and wrestling training ground for Sunny. I will also provide every possible help for his education and give ₹50,000 per month from my and my wife’s income for his livelihood.” Patil also urged Sunny to stay focused on his studies while preparing to bring home gold at the Olympics.
Members of the Bhatke Vimukta Vikas Parishad Maharashtra Pradesh Sanghatana — including Swami Dhangar, Sharad Makar, Kishor Shinde, and Arvind Deokar — were acknowledged by Patil for drawing the government’s attention to Sunny’s struggle and achievements. “We are grateful to the Parishad for highlighting Sunny’s story. The government will extend all possible support to such organizations working for the welfare of deprived communities,” he said.
Patil further stated that he would pursue extending government job eligibility to sportspersons under the age of 17. “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has decided to include medal-winning athletes in government service. However, it currently applies only to those above 17 years of age. I will follow up with the Chief Minister to ensure young achievers like Sunny also receive encouragement and opportunities,” he added.
Sunny Fulmali’s journey — from training under tough conditions in Lohgaon to standing on the victory podium in Bahrain — has now become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Maharashtra.
