Satara honours Asian Games medallists with grand felicitation rally

Athletes from Satara district have achieved a historic and unprecedented success at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The achievement has raised the stature of Satara's sporting world, and a grand rally and felicitation ceremony were held in Satara to mark it.

At the Games, Sahil Jadhav won two gold medals in the compound category of archery. Rutuja Pisal won a gold medal in hockey. Sudeshna Shivankar put in a fine performance in the 4x100 metres relay in athletics and finished fourth. Three athletes from the district thus brought glory to Satara in three different sports.

The rally and felicitation were organised by the District Sports Council and the District Sports Officer's office, Satara, to honour these promising athletes, their coaches and their parents. The event was meant not only for the athletes but also for those who stood behind them.

District Collector Santosh Patil, Chief Executive Officer Yashani Nagarajan, Superintendent of Police Nikhil Pingale, Kolhapur division Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services Suhas Patil, Education Officer Shabnam Mujawar and District Sports Officer Pallavi Dhatrak were present. Thousands of citizens and students also took part.

The rally went from Gandhi Maidan, Rajwada, to the Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu District Sports Complex, Satara, with great enthusiasm. During the programme, dignitaries presented Sahil Jadhav, Rutuja Pisal and Sudeshna Shivankar with mementos, shawls and bouquets.

On the occasion, Collector Patil said sport keeps the body and mind healthy, so students should play at least one sport in life. He also said athletes and coaches should keep bringing the district such moments of success.

Superintendent of Police Pingale said artificial intelligence (AI) can do everything but cannot win a medal in sport. He urged students to keep up their passion for sport and enjoy it fully.