India’s first World Cup-winning captain legendary cricketer Kapil Dev lauded and thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for organising Khasdar Krida Mahotsav on such a big scale in Nagpur. Kapil said that it is a matter of great pride to be present in Nagpur for the closing ceremony. “It is a very good initiative by Gadkari for the sportspersons of Nagpur. If such sports events are organised at district level all over the country, then India will definitely win 100 medals in Olympics,” said Kapil Dev to a thunderous applause. To the sportspersons present during the closing ceremony at Yashwant Stadium on Sunday evening, Kapil said that they should play sports with passion. “You all should play with passion and not think of money. If you play with passion, you will achieve success. The money will automatically follow success. At the same time, don’t let pressure overtake your passion.

 

 

 

Keep working hard and you will succeed,” added Kapil, who won 1983 Cricket World Cup which change the scenario of the game in India. Nagpurians, mostly youngsters present at the Stadium, enjoyed their Saturday Night with the foot-tapping numbers from singer Armaan Malik. Malik’s Live-In concert started after the prize distribution function, and youngsters, who waited with bated breadth, danced and sung in chorus as the young singer enthralled all with his several romantic songs. Thousands of those present, in the gallery enjoyed their evening as Malik’s belted out superhit numbers including ‘Mai Hu Hero Tera’, ‘Hua Hai Aaj Paheli Baar’, ‘Bas Tera’, ‘Tenu Itna Mai Pyar Kara’ to name a few. Earlier, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari congratulated all the sportspersons for their participation even during the peak summer. “You all made the event successful. But from next year, I assure you that the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav will be held in winter season,” Gadkari said. “From next year, the prize money will also be increased from Rs 93 lakh to one crore,” Gadkari declared. During the closing ceremony Dr Babanrao Taywade was conferred with Krida Maharishi (Lifetime Achievement) award with a memento and cash reward of Rs five lakh.

 

Twenty-five best sportspersons of the city were also rewarded with Krida Bhushan awards which carried a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each and a memento. Sanjana Joshi (Cycling), Shadab Pathan (Athletics), Stanley Peter (Football), Anup Maske (Basketball), Ishika Warwade (Boxing), Pravin Dhande (Taekwon-do), Prerna Yadav (Rifle Shooting), Deepali Sabane (Kho-kho), Sejal Bhutada (Tennis), Divya Deshmukh (Chess), Rishika Badole (Swimming), Sandip Gawai (Archery), Ritika Thaker (Badminton), Vaibhav Shrirame (Yogasan), Ketki Gore (Judo), Rushubh Jodhewar (Softball), Jennifer Varghese (Table Tennis), Himanshi Gawande (Hockey), Shashank Wankhede (Kabaddi), Abhishekh Thawre (Divyang sports), Saurabh Rokde (Volleyball), Damini Rambhad (Fencing), Irshad Sagar (Sepak Takraw), Poonam Kadav (Handball), Alfiya Sheikh (Powerlifting) were rewarded. From this year, KKM also rewarded Nagpur District Hardcourt Tennis Association for their best cooperation. The association received Rs 1 lakh. The function was graced by former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Executive Director of Hyundai Motor India Ltd DS Kim, Associate VP, Rel JCB India Ltd Jasmeet Singh, former mayors Pravin Datke, Dayashankar Tiwari, MP Vikas Mahatme, Nago Ganar, Anil Sole, Vikas Kumbhare, Mohan Mate, Sameer Meghe, Tekchand Sawarkar, Ramdas Ambatkar, Girish Vyas, Nana Shyamkule, Parinay Fuke, Sudhakar Kohale, Milind Mane, Sulekha Kumbhare, Navneet Singh Tuli, NMC Sports Officer and organising committee secretary Piyush Ambulkar and others. Convener of KKM Sandip Joshi made the introductory remark while RJ Rajan conducted the programme.