“TOP coaches are required to shape top players. Bhau Kane was a dedicated coach and hence could transform many players into national and international athletes,” said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in praise of noted city athletics coach Sanjay ‘Bhau’ Kane. Chief guest Gadkari was addressing a gathering assembled to honour renowned badminton coach Kiran Makode with the first-ever Bhau Kane Memorial Best Coach Award at Shikshak Sahakari Bank Auditorium, Gandhisagar, on Tuesday evening. The award, that carries a cash reward of Rs one lakh and a citation, has been instituted by Nav Maharashtra Krida Mandal, Chaitanya Sports and Yoga & Cultural Foundation in memory of the popular coach. Dr Anil Karvande, Pallavi Makode, Dhananjay Kane, Charulata Naigaonkar and Prashant Jagtap shared the dais. Gadkari congratulated Kiran Makode for being the first recipient of the award.

 

He also said that producing top coaches will be real tribute to the departed Kane who dedicated his life to sports and spiritualism. He reminded the gathering that Bhau used to say that the younger generation was needed to be brought to the ground instead of handing them mobiles. Replying to the felicitation, Kiran said that the award will inspire and encourage him to do better in future. He thanked all those who helped and stood by him in his endeavour including family. Former player and NDBA office-bearer T Thomas spoke on Kiran’s journey from a top player to top coach. CA Shirish Bhagat, Archana Potey and Prashant Ulabhaje were among those who worked hard to make the event a huge success. Naresh Shelke conducted the proceedings while Jagtap proposed a vote of thanks.