PRESS MEDIA LIVE :
Like every year, Pune Festival President Suresh Kalmadi continues his unwavering commitment to boost the sports sector, once again curating a thrilling array of sports events at the 35th Pune Festival. The 35th Pune Festival, slated from September 19 to September 28 during the sarvajanik Ganeshotsav, offers a diverse lineup of events including the Pune Festival Golf Cup Tournament, Mallakhamba, Boxing, Wrestling, and a nostalgic Vintage Scooter Rally, said Adv. Abhay Chhajed, Chief Coordinator of Pune Festival and Prasanna Gokhale, Coordinator of Pune Festival Sports Committee in a press conference.
*Golf Cup Tournament* - The prestigious Pune Golf Cup Tournament is scheduled for Friday, September 22nd, and Saturday, September 23rd, commencing at 6 am, hosted at the Yerawada Golf Club. The much-anticipated prize distribution ceremony will follow at 12 pm. Featuring Gold, Silver, and Bronze Divisions in Handicap categories, this year's tournament has garnered remarkable enthusiasm, with over 100 talented contestants vying in the tournament. The coordination by Jaideep Patwardhan and Pradeep Dalvi of Pune Golf Club promises a memorable competition.
*Boxing Tournament* – Continuing its tradition, the Men's and Women's Boxing Tournament will be a day-long spectacle on Saturday, September 23rd, and Sunday, September 24th, at the General Vaidya Stadium in Bhawani Peth, Pune. With a total of 60 competitors, the Pune Festival Boxing Tournament presents a formidable challenge, featuring Cup Class bouts across various weight categories encompassing Cadet, Sub Junior, Junior Youth, and Elite divisions. In association with the Pune District Boxing Association, these contests provide a platform for local boxers to shine and showcase their boxing prowess at the district level. It has been organized by former state minister Ramesh Bagwe and former corporator Avinash Bagwe.
*Mallakhamb Competition* – The Mallakhamb competition, held in collaboration with the Pune District Mallakhamb Association, will unfold breathtaking displays of agility and strength on September 23rd and 24th at Maharashtra Mandal on Tilak Road, Pune, featuring talented boys and girls from various age groups. With over 400 enthusiastic contestants, this Mallakhamb extravaganza will recognize the top three winners in each age category, celebrating their remarkable achievements. The event has been skillfully coordinated by Abhijit Bhosle and Sachin Pardeshi of Maharashtra Mandal.
*Wrestling Competition* – On Sunday, September 24th, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, wrestling enthusiasts of various age groups will grapple at the Mamasaheb Mohol Wrestling Complex in Katraj, in collaboration with Pune District Wrestling Association. The tournament is meticulous organized by collaborative efforts by Balasaheb Landge, General Secretary of Maharashtra Wrestling Council and Pankaj Harpude
*Vintage Scooter Rally* – The 35th Pune Festival is set to introduce a captivating addition to its lineup with the 'Vintage Scooter Rally,' taking place on Sunday, September 24, 2023, starting at 8:30 am. The rally will kick off from Victory Theater East Street and culminate at The Fern Hotel, Amanora, Hadapsar. Anticipate a visual treat of 25 to 30 classic scooters, dating back 50-60 years, spanning from 1956 to 1980. Some will proudly showcase their original splendor, while others will have undergone meticulous restoration, all tracing a pre-determined rally route. This exciting event is orchestrated by Jayu Darukhanwala, promising a nostalgic journey through time for all attendees.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Kohinoor Group are the main sponsors of the 35th Pune Festival with Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Panchsheel, Suma Shilp Ltd. and National Egg Coordination Committee are co-sponsors. Bharat Forge, Kumar Realty, Ahura Builders, Sinhagad Institute and Badhekar group are the associate sponsors.