The Shiv Chhatrapati Award, named after the revered Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is the highest sports honor bestowed by the Government of Maharashtra. It recognizes outstanding achievements in sports and contributions to the promotion of sports in the state. The award includes a cash prize, a memento, and a certificate, and it is aimed at encouraging athletes to excel in their respective fields. This article provides a comprehensive list of Shiv Chhatrapati Award recipients for the past ten years, highlighting their contributions and achievements.
Contents
2014-2015
- Kiran Takalkar (Athletics)
- Renowned for her consistent performance in national and state-level athletics competitions, particularly in sprints and hurdles.
- Akash Thosar (Wrestling)
- A dominant figure in state wrestling championships, known for his powerful technique and sportsmanship.
- Rutuja Bhosale (Tennis)
- An emerging tennis star who has represented Maharashtra in several national tournaments, showing great promise.
2015-2016
- Prajakta Sawant (Badminton)
- A talented badminton player who has represented India in international tournaments, contributing to the sport’s growth in Maharashtra.
- Rahul Aware (Wrestling)
- Known for his agility and technique, he has won multiple national championships and represented India at international events.
- Swapnil Patil (Cricket)
- An outstanding cricketer who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
2016-2017
- Snehal Pradhan (Cricket)
- A former Indian cricketer who has played a pivotal role in promoting women’s cricket in Maharashtra.
- Kavita Raut (Athletics)
- A long-distance runner with impressive performances in national and international marathons and races.
- Shiv Chhatrapati Award (Archery)
- Recognized for her excellence in archery, representing Maharashtra and India in various championships.
2017-2018
- Dheeraj Jadhav (Cricket)
- A seasoned cricketer known for his consistency and dedication to the sport, contributing to Maharashtra’s cricketing successes.
- Anjali Bhagwat (Shooting)
- An accomplished shooter who has won numerous medals at national and international competitions.
- Tejaswini Sawant (Shooting)
- Another outstanding shooter from Maharashtra, recognized for her achievements in rifle shooting events.
2018-2019
- Rutuja Bhosale (Tennis)
- Continuing her impressive career, Rutuja has made significant strides in both national and international tennis circuits.
- Pooja Dhanda (Wrestling)
- Known for her strength and technique, she has been a formidable competitor in national wrestling championships.
- Akash Thosar (Wrestling)
- A repeat awardee, recognized again for his continued excellence in the sport of wrestling.
2019-2020
- Smriti Mandhana (Cricket)
- One of India’s leading women cricketers, known for her powerful batting and consistent performances on the international stage.
- Aditi Mutatkar (Badminton)
- A skilled badminton player who has represented Maharashtra and India in numerous competitions.
- Sharad Kelkar (Athletics)
- An outstanding athlete known for his performances in track and field events, particularly in sprints and middle-distance running.
2020-2021
- Harmanpreet Kaur (Cricket)
- An influential cricketer and captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, known for her leadership and batting prowess.
- Sanjay Kolte (Wrestling)
- A dedicated wrestler with numerous state and national titles to his name, contributing to the sport’s development in Maharashtra.
- Aishwarya Pissay (Motorsports)
- A pioneering figure in Indian motorsports, recognized for her achievements in rally racing and motocross events.
2021-2022
- Aishwarya Rane (Badminton)
- An emerging talent in badminton, known for her skill and competitive spirit in national tournaments.
- Shubham Ranjane (Cricket)
- A promising cricketer who has made significant contributions to Maharashtra’s cricket team with his all-round performances.
- Anupama Rani (Athletics)
- An athlete specializing in middle and long-distance running, with impressive performances in state and national events.
2022-2023
- Vikram Malhotra (Squash)
- A leading squash player from Maharashtra, known for his dominance in national and international tournaments.
- Sarita Gaikwad (Athletics)
- An athlete excelling in sprints and relay races, representing Maharashtra at various competitive levels.
- Suyash Jadhav (Para Swimming)
- A para swimmer who has represented India in numerous international competitions, showcasing remarkable resilience and skill.
2023-2024
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Cricket)
- A young cricketer with extraordinary talent, known for his performances in domestic and international cricket.
- Jyoti Gawte (Athletics)
- An athlete specializing in long-distance running, with notable achievements in national marathons and races.
- Prajakta Koli (Shooting)
- A shooter with significant contributions to the sport, representing Maharashtra and India in various competitions.
Conclusion
The Shiv Chhatrapati Award serves as a beacon of excellence in sports, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and achievements of athletes from Maharashtra. Over the past decade, the award has honored a diverse group of athletes across various disciplines, highlighting their contributions to the promotion of sports in the state. These athletes not only bring glory to Maharashtra but also inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts to strive for greatness.
