Shramik’s Red Soil Roars Again with ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’ A Glorious 60-Year Legacy Comes Alive! Grand Tribute to Kabaddi Legends in Presence of Uddhav Thackeray A Spectacular Celebration of Memories, Honour and Pride Echoes of Glory, A Historic Revival!

 

Shramik’s Red Soil Roars Again with ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’

A Glorious 60-Year Legacy Comes Alive!

Grand Tribute to Kabaddi Legends in Presence of Uddhav Thackeray

A Spectacular Celebration of Memories, Honour and Pride

Echoes of Glory, A Historic Revival!

Mumbai : The electrifying chants of ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’ thundered across the iconic Shramik Gymkhana as its red soil came alive once again, turning back time and reviving a glorious 60-year legacy! The atmosphere was charged with emotion, pride and nostalgia as stalwarts, players, coaches and contributors of the Kabaddi fraternity gathered under one roof to celebrate their shared journey. This was not just an event, but a powerful resurrection of Kabaddi’s soul, spirit and heritage!

 

60-Year Journey Revisited : A Living Timeline of Kabaddi Excellence

Conceptualized by MLA Sunil Shinde, and organized on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Amar Prem Krida Mandal, the journey from Tabela Maidan to Shramik Gymkhana spanning 60 years was beautifully recreated. From grassroots workers to Arjuna Award winners, the presence of every contributor on a single मंच offered a rare and emotional experience. Every moment echoed history and every breath carried the warmth of struggle and achievement rooted in this sacred soil.

 

Sacred Red Soil Kalash : A Tribute to Lifelong Dedication

A deeply emotional moment unfolded when a ceremonial kalash filled with Shramik’s red soil was presented to the legends. This symbolic gesture was not merely an honour, but a heartfelt tribute to their sweat, sacrifice and lifelong dedication. The moving address by President Ranapratap Tiwari left the audience teary-eyed, as memories of the past resurfaced with overwhelming emotion.

 

Honouring the Legends : Golden Moments Recreated

In the esteemed presence of Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Yuva Sena Chief & MLA Aaditya Thackeray, former men and women captains of the past six decades were felicitated. Kabaddi icons Sadanand Shetye, Shantaram Jadhav, Shakuntala Khatavkar, Raju Bhavsar, Ashok Shinde, and the legendary ‘Tiger of Kabaddi’ Vasant Sood were honoured for their outstanding contributions and achievements. These moments went beyond photographs, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy and memories associated with Balasaheb Thackeray.

 

Kabaddi Family United : Every Contribution Recognized

In a heartfelt tribute to the backbone of the sport, Arjuna Awardees, Shiv Chhatrapati Award-winning contributors, coaches, traditional healers, journalists and every behind-the-scenes worker were honoured with great respect. Special recognition was also given to those who played a crucial role in providing employment opportunities to Kabaddi players, strengthening their lives beyond the mat.

 

Among them, Bal Wadavlikar (RCF) was present on the occasion, while rich tributes were paid to late stalwarts including Arun Sawant (Air India), Ravikant Rane (Battya) – Central Bank, Ganpat Lad (Bank of India), Pandurang Shelar and Vasant Padgaonkar (Bank of Maharashtra), Lakshan Kadam and Vasantrao Uplangar (Bharat Petroleum), Murlidhar Pande (Central Railway), Daram Parkar (Mumbai Post) and Ganesh Ravene (Union Bank of India). All were honoured either personally or through their family members, making the moment deeply emotional and respectful.

 

From the hands that built the ground to the players who took the sport to great heights, every contribution was acknowledged, reinforcing the strong and united spirit of the ‘Kabaddi Family’. This recognition stood as a proud testimony to the continuous and collective journey of Kabaddi over the years.

 

Nauvari Elegance : Women Kabaddi Stars Shine on Ramp

Adding a modern cultural touch, Mumbai’s women Kabaddi players showcased a stunning ramp walk in traditional Nauvari sarees. Under the choreography of Guru Koregaonkar, performers Lalita Surve, Lata Kantak, Pratima Manjrekar, Jayashree Suvarna, Manisha Gavand, Trupti Suvarna, Himali Narvekar, Harshada Nalawade, Deepa Pednekar and Sonam Pole mesmerized the audience with their graceful performance on the song ‘Ae Raje Ji Ran Ji’, blending tradition with elegance.

 

Nostalgic Welcome : Childhood Memories Recreated

Right from the entrance, the unique welcome gesture of stamping wrists and offering lemon candies transported everyone back to their childhood. Even legendary figures joyfully relived those innocent moments, relishing the simplicity and warmth of earlier days. This thoughtful experience made the event more than just a celebration it became an emotional reunion of memories, bonds and pride.

 

The Eternal Bond of Shramik Lives On!

The deep-rooted connection of Kabaddi with Shramik’s red soil continues to thrive मजबूत and unbreakable. This magnificent celebration of 60 years of legacy, achievements and unforgettable memories has left an everlasting imprint on every heart present. The powerful echoes of ‘Kabaddi Kabaddi’ will continue to inspire generations, reaffirming that the spirit of this great sport will never fade!