Pimpri-Chinchwad Poised to Produce Olympic-Level Athletes, Says BJP MLA Mahesh Landge

‘Sports City’ Vision Set to Transform Local Sports Scene

International-standard sports facilities are now a reality in Pimpri-Chinchwad, creating opportunities for local athletes to excel in traditional sports like wrestling, kabaddi, archery, and shooting, as well as in modern disciplines such as rowing, skating, and boxing. BJP MLA Mahesh Landge expressed confidence that these developments will give rise to Olympic-level athletes from the city.

Speaking via social media about the ambitious "Sports City Pimpri-Chinchwad" initiative, Landge outlined the major sports projects and development work accomplished over the last decade, positioning the city as a future hub for elite athletes.

Building a Platform for Local Talent “We've worked hard to create a rightful platform for Pimpri-Chinchwad's local athletes, with access to international-standard sports infrastructure,” said MLA Mahesh Landge .

He further added, “Our vision of 'Sports City' was born out of this need, and in 2017, with the support of the people who gave BJP a majority in the municipal elections, we seized the opportunity to drive real change in the sports sector.”

Landge also highlighted his earlier achievements as Chairman of the Standing Committee, where he spearheaded Maharashtra's first independent sports policy. “It set an example for other local bodies across the state,” he noted proudly.

Support from Devendra Fadnavis Instrumental:

With the support of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Mahayuti government, Landge’s vision began to take shape. "We launched an international wrestling training center, now training 70 athletes under the guidance of renowned wrestler Narsingh Yadav. Over the last decade, we’ve also established an international kabaddi training center, skating ground, rowing center, archery center, and rifle and pistol shooting center, among others."

Landge mentioned that their international kabaddi center has hosted players from the prestigious Pro-Kabaddi League for practice sessions.

Victory in the Fight to Lift Bullock Cart Race Ban Reflecting on a significant achievement in his political career, Landge recalled the successful battle to lift the ban on bullock cart racing, which began in 2011. "With support from Devendra Fadnavis, we overcame legal challenges to restore this important part of our culture. After the ban was lifted, we held the largest bullock cart race in the country, right here in Pimpri-Chinchwad."

Upcoming Projects to Strengthen Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Sporting Legacy Looking ahead, Landge revealed plans for several key projects, including an international multi-purpose stadium in Moshi, an international boxing training center, and a push to develop cricket academies. He also plans to establish the Pimpri-Chinchwad Sports Club, modeled after Pune’s iconic Deccan Gymkhana.

"My goal is to help Pimpri-Chinchwad produce not just national champions, but international and Olympic-level athletes," said Landge. "We’re determined to put our city on the global sports map, and I am working tirelessly to make that vision a reality."