HINGOLI

In recent years, sports like skating, karate, and swimming have gained popularity among young people in Hingoli, encouraging many to pursue careers in these fields. This trend is beneficial as it helps develop important qualities such as discipline, confidence, and physical health in children. Schools and institutions are actively promoting sports, leading to regular participation in competitions. By focusing on these activities, young athletes can gain visibility and create opportunities for success at national and international levels.

Morning routines in Hingoli often include walks in the peaceful early light, a practice embraced by people of all ages. Alongside walking, yoga and meditation have become essential parts of daily life for many residents. It is inspiring to see so many individuals adopting these habits to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Meditation is typically practiced in quiet settings or groups, providing valuable time for reflection and stress relief. Many participants report feeling more compassionate towards themselves, experiencing less anxiety, and gaining better focus. Similarly, yoga has become popular for its health benefits and its ability to promote calmness amid daily challenges, improving strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.

Despite the lack of nearby trekking spots, various groups from Hingoli visit the Sahyadri mountains each year. The town also hosts several inter-school competitions annually in sports such as volleyball, football, kho kho, karate, kabaddi, and running. Schools select their top athletes to represent them, fostering a spirit of healthy competition among students. These talented individuals then have the chance to advance to the taluka and district levels.

In addition to inter-school events, some schools organize their own annual sports gatherings—like the "Podar Annual Meet"—to showcase their students' skills. Colleges also hold athletic events where outstanding athletes represent their institutions. Furthermore, wrestling matches during Navratri feature local wrestlers alongside competitors from outside the region. This combination of school, college, and local tournaments not only promotes sports among children but also strengthens social connections within the community.

Despite the popularity of sports like volleyball, cricket, kabaddi, and kushti throughout the district, various games are played that reflect local traditions and available resources. In rural areas, one such game favored by the youth is called Surana Pati. This game involves drawing a specific marking on the ground in the shape of a pati. Players are divided into two teams, with the number of pati corresponding to the number of players. Each team member stands on their respective pati alongside their leader, known as Surana. The objective for the opposing team is to steal the Queen by navigating past all the defenders without being touched.

Another well-known game is Surparambya, which is primarily played on trees. In this game, players jump from one branch to another while avoiding contact with the opposing team. The main rule is that players must not touch the ground at any time during the game. In the 1900s, games like Wagh Bakari, Bhovra, Baraf ka Pani, and Champul had their own distinct rules and characteristics. However, these traditional games have largely been replaced by modern games such as Carrom, Chess, Ludo, Business, and Beyblades. Among these, Wagh Bakri and Champul stand out for their unique rules and gameplay.

The objective is for the Wagh to eat all the Bakari or for the Bakari to capture the Wagh. Players take turns making their moves alternately. Another intriguing game is Champul, which involves four players. Success in this game requires strategic thinking, although luck can also play a role. It is played on a rectangular board marked with small squares, where every fourth square signifies safety. The ultimate goal is to reach the central box, known as home.

Established by Pandurang Lunge in 1960, this Vyayam Shala has produced notable wrestlers. One of its prominent figures is Savle Pailwaan, who began his wrestling journey as a child under the guidance of Pandurang Lunge. He has been competing since his school days, representing at the division level in 1994 in the 57 kg weight category and later competing for Deogiri College, Aurangabad, at the university level in 1995, 1996, and 1997 Among the current wrestlers are:

• Digambar Bhuntar: Competes in the Mati gat category and has participated in Maharashtra Kesari in the open category.
• Ganesh Jagtap: Also in the Mati gat category, he reached the semifinals of Maharashtra Kesari.
• Monu Lunge: Competed in the 89 kg weight category and secured 3rd place in Maharashtra Kesari.
• Ganesh Jadhav: Competed in the 82 kg weight category and has won the Maharashtra Kesari semifinal.
• Gajan Pawar: Represents Maharashtra Kesari in the Mati gat category at 75 kg.
• Bhagwat Nirgude: Competes in the open category.

Additionally, Venkat Yadav, a National Institute of Sports (NIS) coach, has trained at Hanuman Vyayam Shala, contributing to the development of wrestling talent in the region.

Among the wrestlers from Vishal Vyayam Shala are:

• Sheikh Aasif Shaikh Lal: Achieved 1st place in Marathwada Kesari (1996) and 2nd place in Maharashtra Kesari in the 89 kg weight category during the 1997–98 season.
• Ganesh Lunge: Competed in the 74 kg weight category, securing 1st place in Marathwada Kesari (1996) and 2nd place in Maharashtra Kesari.
• Sanju Kadam: Competes in the open category.
• Hanuman Nirgude: Also represents the open category.

Born on August 9, 1993, Sunny is currently 31 years old and has been making waves in the cricketing community with his right-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling skills. Sunny Pandit is an emerging cricketer from Hingoli, recognized for his performances in the Ranji Trophy. Recently, he was selected to play for the Maharashtra team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy cricket tournament, which is a significant achievement in his career. In addition, Sunny has made a name for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a substitute player, bowling for the Rajasthan Royals. His recent selection and progress have garnered him recognition and congratulations from both officials and fans alike.

The Krida Sankul is a popular sports center featuring a squash hall, a tennis court, and an open area where cricket fans gather to play. To further promote local sports, there is a box cricket stadium at the Rajiv Bhau Satav Natyagruha. In the mornings, you can often find locals jogging or playing at the police station grounds, SRPF camp, and Ramleela Maidan. The zilla parish grounds are a favorite spot for local cricket matches, attracting both players and spectators. Many people prefer private sports facilities because they typically have volleyball courts and equipment that cater to the community's needs. In rural areas, it's common for villages to convert their farms into temporary play spaces during the summer. Schools in Hingoli are also very supportive of sports, providing facilities and funding to encourage students to stay active and work together as a team. Whether for official tournaments or casual get-togethers, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone in Hingoli to get involved in physical activities.