MSWA to introduce prize money from this year onwards

Pune, Dec 7 (UNI) The Maharashtra State Wrestling Association (MSWA) has decided to introduce prize money in the inter-district and state championships from the ensuing year and the first such tournament gets underway at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ground at Baramati from December 12 to 18.

The decision was taken at a time when the MSWA is celebrating the golden jubilie of its establishment.

Talking to reporters, here today MSWA secretary general Balasaheb Landge said the main aim behind introducing the prize money was to better the lot of the grapplers in the state and at the same time, promote the ancient art. The cash incentive will definitely prove beneficial in the long run so that Maharashtra regain its lost glory, he said.

Maharashtra, once known as the cradle for wrestling, has certainly fallen on lean times in recent past, he said. Besides the winner of the prestigious title '' Maharashtra Kesari'' will be presented a purse of Rs 67,000 plus a silver mace, while the runnerup will be awarded Rs 25,000. In addition, the first three winners in each ten weight categories will also be given Rs 5,000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 along with gold silver and broze medals respectively, Landge added.

Over 600 grappelrs from 32 districts and 11 municipal corporations affilated to the MSWA will vie for honours in the annual championship to be competed in ten weight groups besides the '' Maharashtra Kesari '' title bout. Three synthetic mats and two mud ''Akhadas'' will be pressed into service . The winners from the mud''Akhada'' and the winner on the synthetic mat will clash in the title bout, he said.

Prominent grapplers who will be seen in action are defending champion Saeed Chaus of Beed district, runnerup Asaba Ahmed, Amol Buchade, Ravinder Patil ( all Mumbai) Vishal Balkawde ( Nasik) , Sandeep Garud and Amol Barate (Pune), Shivhari Gavade , Yogesh Dodke (Pune District) Vijay Gawade (Pimpri-Chinchwad ) Aba Sul (Satara), and Amrut Bhosale (Kolhapur) among a hosts of others. Prof Landge added.

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