Sports


Pune wrestler Yuvraj Khopade wins gold at International Kesari Wrestling Championship

Pune, Oct 1 (UNI) Wrestler Yuvraj Mohan Khopade from the district clinched the gold medal in the 95-kg category at the first International Kesari Wrestling Championship held in London from September 23 to 27, bringing laurels to Maharashtra and India.
Representing India at the tournament, organised with the recognition of United World Wrestling (UWW), Khopade put up a strong performance throughout the competition. In the final, he defeated a wrestler from the UK by pinfall to claim the gold medal and showcase the strength of traditional Indian wrestling on the international stage.
A native of Nazare village in Pune district, Khopade is the son of veteran wrestler and coach Mohan Nana Khopade. He currently trains at Kunjir Talim in Pune under the guidance of Maharashtra Kesari wrestler and coach Vishal Kalate. He has also trained under Mulshi Kesari Ganesh Kandhare and coach Pappu Wanjale Gaikwad.
Khopade's performance in London was marked by strength, agility, attacking moves and tactical precision. His gold-medal-winning performance has brought recognition to his village, Jayanath Talim and the Pune wrestling fraternity.
His early training and development were also supported by Dhanakwadi corporator Balasaheb Dhanakwade and advocate Vijay Khopade, who encouraged him to pursue rigorous training from a young age. His grandfather Vilas Dada Khopade and uncle Raju Khopade have also played an important role in supporting and motivating his wrestling journey.
Maharashtra State Indian Style Wrestling Association president Nitin Barne, vice-president Amar Gogawale, secretary Mohan Nana Khopade and treasurer Popat Nalawade congratulated Yuvraj on his achievement. His coaches, family members, villagers from Nazare and wrestling enthusiasts from Pune district have also extended their best wishes to him. UNI SP SS
More News

TN in command after spinner Sachin Rathi bags 6-for, restricts ROI to 179 in CK Nayudu Trophy

01 Oct 2026 | 8:38 PM

Chennai, Oct 1 (UNI) Hosts and champions Tamil Nadu was in command after restricting Rest of India (ROI) to 179, thanks to left arm spinner Sachin Rathi's six wicket haul, in the C.K.Nayudu Trophy cricket match at the M.A.Chidambaram stadium here on Thursday.

see more..

Manipur: Police felicitates Mirabai Chanu, Roshibina Devi for Asian Games Silver Medals

01 Oct 2026 | 8:09 PM

Imphal, Oct 1 (UNI) Manipur Police felicitated Addl. SP (Sports) Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Dy. SP (Sports) Naorem Roshibina Devi at Police Headquarters, Manipur today for winning silver medals at the 20th Asian Games 2026 in Japan.

see more..

Irani Cup: J&K bowlers put Rest of India on back foot on Day 1

01 Oct 2026 | 7:26 PM

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI): Ranji Trophy champions Jammu & Kashmir made a strong start to the Irani Cup, bowling out a strong Rest of India (RoI) side for 237 on the opening day at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar.

see more..

Asian Games: Nitesh’s historic silver headlines India’s six-medal haul on Day 12

01 Oct 2026 | 7:15 PM

Tridib Baparnash
New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Nitesh Siwach became the first Indian Greco-Roman wrestler in 64 years to win an Asian Games silver as India collected six medals on a packed Day 12 in Aichi-Nagoya on Thursday. The 23-year-old reached the men’s 97kg final before losing 0-4 to Japan’s Yuri Nakazato, ending India’s wait for a Greco-Roman wrestling finalist since the 1962 edition.

see more..

Pune wrestler Yuvraj Khopade wins gold at International Kesari Wrestling Championship

01 Oct 2026 | 7:13 PM

Pune, Oct 1 (UNI) Wrestler Yuvraj Mohan Khopade from the district clinched the gold medal in the 95-kg category at the first International Kesari Wrestling Championship held in London from September 23 to 27, bringing laurels to Maharashtra and India.

see more..