Khashaba Jadhav biography presented to wrestlers at Murgud, author says heirs will rise from here

To bring the life story of Khashaba Jadhav, the first wrestler to win an Olympic medal for India in wrestling, to the new generation of wrestlers, copies of the biography "Olympicveer Khashaba" were presented to the wrestlers of the Lokneta Sadashivrao Mandlik National Wrestling Complex. Speaking on the occasion, the book's author Sanjay Dudhane said Maharashtra has not won an Olympic medal in wrestling since Khashaba Jadhav. He said he was confident that Khashaba's heirs would now shine from Murgud.

The programme was held in Murgud. Seven national and international level wrestlers of the akhada, including Amruta Pujari, a silver medallist at a world competition, were felicitated by Dudhane. Deputy mayor Rekha Didi Mangle, former mayor Namdevrao Mendke, former deputy mayor Jaysingrao Bhosale, and former councillors Rahul Shinde, Deepak Shinde and Rajendra Kamble were present. Councillor Dattatray Mandlik, former principal Mahadev Kankekar, Prakash Tirale, Dayanand Khatkar, Rajendra Makote and several other dignitaries also attended.

At the start of the programme, Dudhane recalled Khashaba Jadhav's medal-winning achievement. He then spoke with the medal-winning women wrestlers Amruta Pujari, Nandini Salunkhe, Swati Shinde and Tanvi Magdum.

Dudhane said that for success in sport, mental strength and a positive outlook are as essential as physical strength. He advised every player and every coach to keep this in mind. Wrestling coach Dadaso Lavte also stressed the importance of the Khashaba Jadhav biography. According to him, it will be an inspiration not only for sportspersons but for everyone struggling in life.

"Olympicveer Khashaba" is a 166-page book and includes rare photographs of Khashaba Jadhav. Its foreword was written by the late senior writer Y. D. Phadke. Prof. Sanjay Dudhane has put the journey of Khashaba's life into words after deep research.

An initiative has been started to present the book to players of well-known akhadas in Maharashtra. Under it, players in Kolhapur, Pune, Karad and Satara have already been given the book.

Dadaso Lavte gave the welcome and introductory speech. Batu Jadhav conducted the programme and Swati Shinde proposed the vote of thanks.