From setting up an akhada (academy) to ensuring wrestlers from across all akhadas get his pro tips on winning bouts, Pandharinath Pathare has been a go-to for the sport for three decades.
At the age of 72, Pathare will be felicitated by the state government with a Shiv Chhatrapati Lifetime Achievement Award for 2018-19.
Along with Pathare, 48 sportspersons will be conferred with the Shiv Chhatrapati awards, which will be bestowed by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, on February 22.
Pathare, who started wrestling in 1961 from Phursungi, runs a dairy and a farm at Kharadi, Chandannagar.
“I was on my farm when my grandson told me I have received the award, as he saw it on the television. I am happy to receive this award,” said Pathare, who is currently director of the Gokul Vastad Talim, Ganjpeth and the Kaka Pawar Talim, Ambegaon BK.
“I never say no to any wrestler. If he is from Pune or from another part of Maharashtra. In 1961, I won my first ‘kusti’ where I got Rs 285 as the prize money. I had nothing, but today, with my farming and dairy, I can help wrestlers,” said Pathare.
{{/usCountry}}“I never say no to any wrestler. If he is from Pune or from another part of Maharashtra. In 1961, I won my first ‘kusti’ where I got Rs 285 as the prize money. I had nothing, but today, with my farming and dairy, I can help wrestlers,” said Pathare.
{{/usCountry}}Other winners
Kabaddi player Rishank Devadiga, wrestler Abhijit Katke and Akash Chikte (hockey) are among the other Shiv Chhatrapati award winners.
Prabhat Koli (sea swimming) will receive the award in the adventure category.