Ajit Pawar’s Footprint In Sports: From Pune Grand Tour 2026 To Transforming Athlete Welfare & Hosting Major Events

The untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday, January 28, is a cause of deep mourning for the sporting community of the state and India. Pawar, who passed away in a tragic plane crash near Baramati in Pune district, played an instrumental role in Maharashtra’s modern sporting ecosystem.

Going beyond the political landscape, Pawar took an active interest in India's sporting development. He contributed immensely with his leadership in sports bodies in Maharashtra, encouraging the creation of policies that improved the athletes' lives and support structure. Pawar constantly pushed for quality infrastructure and helped create pathways for athletes across disciplines.

Pawar's administrative influence was immense. He served multiple terms as the president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA). He was most recently elected to the post in November 2025. He coordinated state federations across disciplines, ensuring they cater to athletes' long-term development.

He also served as the president of the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association and strengthened the grassroots scene for Kabaddi by raising participation levels. Pawar was also actively involved in the bodies for sports like kho kho and cycling, fostering their growth.

Pawar used his political leverage for the betterment of athletes. In his role as the state's Deputy CM, Pawar green signalled the cabinet decision to provide government jobs to medal-winning athletes at national and international levels in June 2024.

In another influential policy, he backed the Sports and Youth Welfare portfolio and directed the drafting of medical insurance coverage for national and international athletes. He emphasised on greater financial recognition for athletes of Maharashtra.

Pawar made sure that quality infrastructure became accessible beyond urban Maharashtra. He used his powers to secure budgetary support for the renovation of the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex at Mhalunge-Balewadi. By developing many sports complexes in rural areas, Pawar made sure that athletes based there did not have to relocate to major cities like Pune and Mumbai.

Having fostered Maharashtra's playing depth, Pawar also brought multiple major events to the state. He was mainly responsible for Maharashtra successfully hosting the ATP Maharashtra Open. It was also the Maharashtra Deputy CM who inaugurated the Pune Grand Tour 2026 at the Balewadi complex.

Pawar had a special place in his heart for India's traditional sports such as Kabaddi and Wrestling. He regularly championed the cause for these indigenous sports, pushing for enhanced cash rewards to athletes who brought medals and won tournaments. Pawar approved the raise of honorariums for those who earned the prestigious titles like Hind Kesari and Maharashtra Kesari.

Without ever craving headlines for his services, Pawar managed to create a remarkable sporting legacy. His policies and decision-making not only strengthened the country's various sporting bodies but also protected our athletes. He gave them wings to fly despite great obstacles by bolstering their development infrastructure and financial standing.