Pune: Maharashtra Govt to Honour Athletes with Rs 28 Crore Awards on National Sports Day
Balewadi, 28th August 2025: The Maharashtra government is set to mark National Sports Day with a landmark initiative to boost sports culture and athlete recognition. On August 29, a grand felicitation ceremony will be held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge-Balewadi, Pune, where thousands of athletes from across the state will be honoured. The program will begin at 4 p.m., in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate, and other dignitaries.
In an unprecedented move, the state government will distribute ₹28 crore worth of rewards, scholarships, training grants, and facility support to athletes who have excelled at the state, national, and international levels. Officials said this initiative reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to recognizing dedication and nurturing future champions.
The highlight of the day will be the announcement of a High-Performance Sports Centre, envisioned to provide world-class training, physiotherapy, diet planning, and mental conditioning. The centre aims to prepare athletes for prestigious international events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Under the state’s “Grassroot to Glory” policy, the focus will also be on identifying and nurturing young talent from schools and colleges, offering structured training and long-term support to develop future stars.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Sports Minister Kokate, senior officials, and representatives of various sports associations are expected to attend the event, motivating athletes to achieve greater success.
Government’s Vision:
Reiterating its stand, the government noted, “Sports are not just about competition but a means of holistic personality development.”
Through the Khel Mahotsav 2025, Maharashtra aims to provide international-level coaching, modern facilities, financial aid, and psychological guidance to its athletes.
A Milestone in Maharashtra Sports
With the slogan “Chala Kheluya… Jag Jinkuya!” (“Let’s play… let’s conquer the world!”), the state envisions a future where Maharashtra stands tall as a sports powerhouse in India and beyond.
