Women’s Maha Kesari begins in Kolhapur amid controversy

Kolhapur: The women's Maharashtra Kesari wrestling tournament began on Tuesday at Rajarshi Shahu Khasbaug Maidan in Kolhapur.The tournament was already embroiled in controversy as last month, another women's Maharashtra Kesari tournament was held in the Sangli district. The competition in Kolhapur is organized by the Deepali Sayyad Bhosale Charitable Trust, with the permission of the temporary committee appointed over the state wrestling council by the Wrestling Federation of India.Organizer of the tournament, Deepali Sayyad Bhosale, said, “The competition will be held till April 27 in 10 weight categories between 50kg and 76kg. Winners of all weight categories will be awarded a two-wheeler. The weight category for the Maharashtra Kesari title is between 68kg and 75kg. The winner of the first women’s Maharashtra Kesari title will receive a four-wheeler, while the second- and third-placed wrestlers will get cash prizes.” She added, “A total of 400 contestants from across the state have participated in the competition.”However, a district wrestling association has claimed the tournament in Kolhapur has been organized without permission, and wrestlers or wrestling associations should not take part in the contest. Balasaheb Landge, general secretary of another faction of a wrestling association in Kolhapur, said, “The tournament does not have approval, and the district and city wrestling associations should not take part in this tournament. We will take action against referees, technical officers, and district and city wrestling teams taking part in the contest.”

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