Chinchwad,18th January 2024:Usha International, India’s leading consumer durables brand, in collaboration with the Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust, Tulja Bhavani Mardani Khel and Prashikshan vaSanskrutik Seva Sanstha – Pune, organized state-level Mardani Khel competition in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Held on January 14atRajwada Lawns, the event saw over 250 participants in 20 teams in a spirited contest for top honours.

Present on the occasion were Guests of Honour-Mr. Ganesh Jawadvad – Senior PI – Wakad Police station, Nitin Dada Lokhande – Trustee – Tulja Bhavani Mardan Khel Sanstha, Mr Ravindra Jagdale – President – Tulaja Bhavani Mardani Khel Sanstha, Ms. Shevanta Tai Chavan – Kasturba Gandhi National memorial trust, Ms. Manisha Gupte – Trustee – Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Mr. Bhaskar Rao Kale – Senior Social Worker – Buldhana, Mr. Vilas Madgire – Secretory – BJP – PCMC – President – Standing Committee PCMC Municipal Committee, Mr. Ashok Shinde – President – Chhatrapati – Shivaji Brigade – Pune and Manager Red Swastik Society – Pune,Mr. Dhananjay Bhise – President – Matang Rushi Literature Conference and Mr. Rahul ( Raiba) Nalawade – Writer, Motivational Speaker – Fort Analyst.

Mardani Khel, with its roots in Maharashtra, is a martial art form noted for its use ofthe Indian Patta (sword) and Vita (a spear unique to India) which gained prominence in the early 1600s. Emphasizing weaponry abilities, swift movements, and low stances, Mardani Khel is said to have been favoured by Maratha legend Shivaji andcontinues to thrive in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.

The First Prize in the prestigious competition goes to Shiv Rudra Mardani Akhada, of Shivaji Nagar, Pune. The Second Prize is awarded to Veer Yodhya Mardani Akhada in Kavathe, Kolhapur. Finally, securing the Third Prize is Veer NarveerTanaji Malusare Prachin Mardani Akhada of Hadapsar, Pune. Each winner represents a unique blend of tradition and athleticism, contributing to the rich tapestry of Indian wrestling heritage. The winners of the competition were awarded trophies, while all participants and their gurus (Vastad) received certificates, acknowledging their dedication to preserving this cultural legacy.

“Mardani Khel is a spirited celebration of our cultural heritage, requiring exceptional fitness from its practitioners. It’s a sport where mastery of swordplay, speed, and agility come together, demanding peak physical fitness. At Usha, we see the value in these rigorous traditions and their role in guiding individuals toward an active and healthy lifestyle. Partnering with ‘Mardani Khel’ reflects our broader commitment to nurturing well-being through the joy of movement and the discipline of sport” said Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations at Usha International.

Usha’s dedication to revitalizing local traditional sports is evident through its nationwide initiatives, aimed at promoting active and healthy lifestyles, as well as community engagement. The company’s sports outreach encompasses strategic partnerships and extensive support for various inclusive sporting platform and events. These initiatives involve collaborations with entities like the Mumbai Indians franchise, Ultimate Flying Disc, Golf, and cricket for specially-abled individuals, and sports tailored for the visually impaired, such as athletics, kabaddi, judo, and powerlifting. Additionally, Usha actively backs indigenous Indian regional sports like Kalari, Chhinj, Siat Khnam, Thang-Ta, Saz-Loung, Satoliya (known as Pithu), Mallakhamb, and Gatka.