Rashtradharma Pujak Dadarav Karad Memorial State-Level Maharashtra Kushti Maha-Veer Championship on March 21

Pune: With the approval of Vishwashanti Kendra (Alandi), MAEER’s MIT, Pune, the ancient Yagnabhumi Rameshwar (Rui) villagers, and the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association, the Rashtradharma Pujak Dadarav Karad Memorial State-Level Maharashtra Kushti Maha-Veer Championship 2025 is set to take place at Rameshwar (Rui), Latur on Friday, March 21, 2025, coinciding with Sant Eknath Maharaj Shashti. The grand prize for the best wrestler of the competition includes ₹1,25,000 in cash, a silver mace, a medal, and an honorary shield. This information was shared during a press conference by Prof. Vilas Kuthure, Director of the Sports Department at MIT-WPU, and Dr. Milind Pandey, Pro-Vice Chancellor of MIT-WPU.

The opening ceremony will take place at 9 AM on March 21, while the prize distribution ceremony will be held at 7 PM on the same day. The event will be graced by the presence of Maharashtra’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dattatraya Bharane, as the chief guest. Hind Kesari Pa. Jagdish Kaliraman will be the special honorary guest, while other distinguished guests include Hind Kesari Pa. Dinanath Singh, Maharashtra Kesari Pa. Appasaheb Kadam, and Maharashtra Kesari Pa. Rausaheb Magar.

The tournament will be held under the presidency of Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad, Founder-President of MAEER’s MIT. Former Sarpanch of Rameshwar (Rui), Tulshiram D. Karad, will serve as the chief advisor.

Unique Competition for Wrestlers Aged 75+

Inspired by the philosophy of Saint Tukaram Maharaj, and in memory of freedom fighter, national kirtankar, and health expert Yoga Maharshi Shatayushi Late Ramchandra Gopal Shelar (Shelar Mama), a special wrestling competition for wrestlers aged 75 and above will be held on the same day. The winners of this event will be honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals in Shelar Mama’s memory.

About the Wrestling Championship

This marks the 18th edition of the State-Level Wrestling Championship. Alongside Maharashtra’s top wrestlers, renowned wrestlers from across India have been invited. The Maharashtra Kushti Mahaveer title, one of the most prestigious honors in state wrestling, will be awarded along with ₹1,25,000 in cash, a silver mace, and an honorary shield.

The runner-ups will receive:

2nd place: ₹1,00,000

3rd place: ₹50,000

4th place: ₹25,000

Additionally, winners in the weight categories of 57 kg, 61 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 86+ kg, and up to 125 kg will be awarded cash prizes, gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates, and mementos. All wrestlers reaching the quarter-finals will receive honorariums.

Weigh-in, Entry & Facilities

Weigh-ins for all wrestlers will be conducted on Thursday, March 20, from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Wrestlers must bring their original Aadhaar card along with a xerox copy.

The competition will be conducted as per the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association’s official rules.

No entry fee will be charged for participation.
The organizers will cover travel expenses (S.T. bus fare), accommodation, and food for selected wrestlers.

Contact for Participation
Interested wrestlers can contact:
Prof. Vilas Kuthure – 9850211404
Rahul Harishchandra Birajdar – 8007593434

Nikhil Vanve – 7276337670
The organizing committee has urged maximum participation from wrestlers and encouraged sports enthusiasts to attend in large numbers.

The press conference was attended by Dr. Wagh (MIT-WPU Sports Director), Prof. Abhay Kachare, and Dr. Mahesh Thorve.