GONDIA

Shankarpat/Bail-gada sharyat, or Bullock cart races, were common in almost every rural part of Maharashtra. However, they were banned in 2011, and the State government enacted legislation to restart them in 2017. However, the Bombay High Court stayed the legislation. The Supreme Court refused to lift the stay, and the matter was referred to a larger bench. In 2021, the Supreme Court upheld the state’s legislation, thus legalizing the races.

Similar games are played in Tamil Nadu, where they are known as ‘Jallikattu', also known as ‘eruthazhuvuthal', and are part of the Pongal harvest festival. However, the Bailgada shariyats of Maharashtra resemble the 'Kambala' race, held in Karnataka between November and March. In this race, a pair of buffaloes is tied to a plow and anchored by one person. The buffaloes are made to run on parallel muddy tracks in a competition in which the fastest team wins.

Though the sport is locally known as Shankarpat in the Vidarbha region when these race events are organized they attract huge crowds and participants from various parts of the district; a few participants also show up from the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh.

Kabaddi is one of the most popular indigenous games in the district, deeply rooted in rural culture. It is a prominent feature of village fairs, festivals, and school competitions. The game requires no special equipment, making it accessible to everyone and encouraging universal participation.

Kabaddi reflects the essence of tradition and community, with its rules and techniques handed down through generations. This not only adds to the sport's challenge but also instills a sense of pride among the people of the region. Local tournaments often give rise to talented teams and celebrated players, who become hometown heroes and carry forward the legacy of the game.

Cricket: Night tennis ball cricket tournaments are among the most popular events in Gondia, attracting local teams from various villages and towns for an annual competition. These tournaments draw large crowds, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform to showcase local talent. The anticipation surrounding these events is immense, bringing together players and fans alike in a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Football: Football is another game that has been gaining traction in recent years, there are many football turfs in Gondia City and the district’s football teams have been performing well in the WIFA (Western India Football Association) Inter-District Football Tournament since the past few years. Players such as Ishika Yelame, a Gondia native were also selected for the Maharashtra Team that competed in the 2024–25 Senior Women’s National Football Championship. In addition to this Praful Patel a prominent leader from Gondia was the President of the All India Football Federation from 2009 to 2022. He was also elected unopposed as the President of the Western India Football Association for the term from 2023-2027.

Gaurav Farde is a Left-arm spinner who plays for the Ministerial Sports Club, Gondia. In 2023, at the age of 18, he was selected to play in the Col. C.K. Naidu Trophy tournament for the U-25 Vidarbha team. Before this, he had shown exemplary performance in the U-19 team of Vidarbha.

The Indira Gandhi Stadium in Gonpur, Gondia was established in 2018. The stadium hosts

Various events throughout the year and is a popular destination for sports activities. It also serves as a venue for district-level sports events and a practice ground for local athletes.

The Association For Traditional Youth Games And Sports-India (TAFTYGAS INDIA), which is recognized by NYKS & FIT India, has an office in Gondia.