SPPU Annual Sports Awards 2026 Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm; Olympian Kavita Raut Inspires Youth
SPPU Annual Sports Awards 2026 Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm; Olympian Kavita Raut Inspires Youth
Pune:
The Annual Sports Awards Distribution Ceremony organized by the Board of Sports and Physical Education of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) was held with great enthusiasm at the Swarajyarakshak Dharmavir Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – Irawati Karve Social Sciences Complex Auditorium. The event was conducted under the chairmanship of Hon. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi.
Addressing the gathering, Arjuna Award-winning Olympian Kavita Raut delivered a powerful and motivational message to the youth. She emphasized that success in life and sports requires hard work, determination, discipline, and consistency, stating, “There is no shortcut to success. It can only be achieved through dedication and continuous effort.” Her inspiring words deeply motivated the students present.
Adding to the inspiration, Mr. Rajiv Jalnapurkar, CEO of Ramoji Film City and a recipient of the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award, highlighted the importance of passion in achieving excellence. He remarked, “Whether in academics or sports, success comes only when you truly love what you do. With passion, consistency, and determination, any goal can be achieved.”
During the ceremony, the University felicitated athletes who demonstrated exceptional performance in the West Zone Inter-University Competitions, All India Inter-University Competitions, and Khelo India Competitions. Students securing top ranks in various team and individual sports at the Maharashtra State Inter-University Sports Festival 2024 were also honored.
A special highlight of the event was the felicitation of six university athletes who represented India at the World University Games in Germany. Among them, tennis player Vaishnavi Adkar received special recognition for winning a bronze medal, bringing pride to the University.
The prestigious Late Dr. Vasantrao Nivrutti Pawar Trophy for the ‘Outstanding College’ (Academic Year 2024–25) was awarded to K.T.H.M. College, Nashik, managed by the Maratha Vidya Prasarak Samaj.
In recognition of excellence in sports, the “Pailwan Khashaba Jadhav Gold Medal” was awarded to:
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Mr. Mangesh Takamoge (Premraj Sarda College, Ahilyanagar) – Cycling (Men’s Category)
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Ms. Diksha Sandeep Yadav (Baburao Golap College, Pune) – Swimming (Women’s Category)
Each awardee received a cash prize of ₹51,000.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Sudam Shelke (Director of Sports), University Management Council members Mr. Ravindra Shingnapurkar and Dr. Sangita Jagtap, Senate members Dr. Ramesh Gaikwad, Mr. Sumit Dhore, and Mr. Krishna Bhandalkar, Prof. Dr. Vilas Adhav, and Dr. Geeta Shinde, along with members of the University Sports Board, Directors of Physical Education, and numerous athletes.
The program was efficiently anchored by Dr. Tushar Gujar, Dr. Dinesh Karad, and Dr. Suhas Bhairat, while the event was successfully organized under the initiative of Prof. Dr. Sudam Shelke, Assistant Director of Sports (Additional Charge).
The ceremony concluded on a high note, celebrating sportsmanship, dedication, and excellence, while inspiring students to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance.
