New Delhi: Ugly scenes have transpired at the 67th ‘Maharashtra Kesari’ wrestling competition, wherein one of the losing participants ended up launching a kick against the referee on his chest after the result went against him. Another participant hurled abuse at the referee, prompting the organisers to suspend both the wrestlers for three years, which means they won’t be allowed to participate in the championship in the stipulated period.
The Maharashtra Kesari tournament was held in Ahilyanagar (also known as Ahmednagar) on Sunday in the presence of the state’s deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol.
In the semifinal contest between Shivraj Rakhse and Prithviraj Mohol, Rakshe lost his temper and argued on the verdict before kicking the referee on the chest. The argument from the loser was that his shoulder didn’t touch the mat at the time of the body slam trick employed by Mohol. In his defense, Rakshe, who is a two-time Maharashtra Kesari champion, said the kick was made in response to the abuse made by the referee.
The Maharashtra Kesari Wrestling Tournament (#MaharashtraKesari2025) saw a ruckus followed by arguments on the mat on Sunday. #Nanded-based wrestler #ShivrajRakshe, who was declared defeated in the final match of the #Gadi division, refused to accept the umpire’s decision. The… pic.twitter.com/82O905EHIK
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) February 3, 2025
“Despite this the referee ruled that I had lost. I was abused when I was arguing my case and that is why took this step (of kicking),” Rakshe said, as reported by news agency PTI.
Rakshe demanded a similar act of ban against the referee following his suspension. He also threatened to drag the matter to the court.
Wrestlers Suspended post outburst
Later in the final between Mohol and Mahendra Gaikwad, the latter left the bout just 16 seconds before the clock could tick, and further went on to abuse the referee. Explaining the decision to suspend Rakshe and Gaikwad from the competition, Maharashtra Wrestling Organisation working president Sandip Bhondve justified the referee’s decision and announced the sanctions on the disgruntled wrestlers.
“The challenge of Rakshe to the ruling under article 31 of the United World Wrestling was not accepted. After this incident, referees are afraid and they may not come forward to adjudicate in such tournaments in future,” Bhondve said.
“Gaikwad left when 16 seconds were remaining because he knew he would not be able to bridge the gap in points with his opponent in this short time. Both Rakshe and Gaikwad have been suspended for three years. They have been banned from taking part in the championship,” Bhondve added.
Chandrahar Patil, a former champion of the Maharashtra Kesari, said the referee didn’t verify the claims of Rakshe and erred by declaring Mohol as the winner of their bout. Patil also made a shocking comment, saying that ‘Rakshe should have shot the referee’.
“Rakshe has been a wrestler for more than 15 years. In just 10 seconds, his career has been destroyed due to the mistake of a referee,” said Patil.
Former wrestler and noted coach Kaka Pawar also claimed the referee was at fault for not checking if the ‘fall’ was right.
(With inputs from PTI)
The 67th Maharashtra Kesari wrestling competition was marred by ugly incidents. Two wrestlers, Shivraj Rakhse and Mahendra Gaikwad, were suspended for three years after assaulting and abusing the referee. Rakhse kicked the referee after a disputed decision, while Gaikwad abandoned the match and verbally attacked the official. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
