Noted young entrepreneur and President of the Punit Balan Group (PBG), Punit Balan, has extended his full support to meritorious sportspersons from Maharashtra. He stated, “We will support National Judo Competition medal winners, particularly in their international competition efforts, by providing them with advanced training, facilities and overall development.”
Balan specifically mentioned Maharashtra's Shraddha Chopade, who recently won a gold medal in the National Seniors Competition. He remarked, “We want talented judo athletes from the state to progress and not fall behind due to a lack of facilities or higher training. Parents should also encourage their children to stay away from mobile phones and instead send them to play on the field, so sponsors like us can help nurture their talent.”
Balan commended the efforts of the State Judo Association, stating, “Judo teaches self-defence, and the association's work to popularise it is commendable. The Maharashtra Judo Association has been tirelessly working to instil the importance of physical fitness through Judo in the state's youth, as well as emphasising the 5 per cent quota in government jobs for sportspersons. As a result, many association players are winning medals at the national level and securing government jobs.”
The 51st State-Level Cadet and Junior Judo Tournament was recently held at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi. Maharashtra Judo Association President Dhananjay Bhosale, General Secretary Shailesh Tilak, Treasurer Ravindra Metkar, Secretary (TC) Datta Aphale, along with other office-bearers such as Shekhar Sakhare, Vishwas Joshi, Mukund Dange, and Tournament Inspector Anil Sankpal, were present at the event. A total of 275 young players from 26 districts across the state participated in the tournament.