Maha award for Uday Deshpande

His association with the sport has been over six decades, but still he is in search and never satisfied with whatever he has done. He never looked out for appreciation from any quarter of the society, but all he wanted to serve them.

This is Uday Deshpande, the mallakhamb coach who gets recognition from Maharashtra government for his contribution in mallakhamb as he has been bestowed with the highest sports award of the state, the 'Shiv Chhatrapati Lifetime Achievement Award'.

“It is a great honour to be named for this award, and I am privileged,” said Deshpande, the former Assistant Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs, Mumbai, while talking to Free Press Journal.

This will should inspire youngsters and elders alike and take up this sport, which has been neglected,” said the 65-year-old Deshpande.

Organising the World Contest is a dream come true for me and this award will add more colour to it,” said the cheerful Deshpande who is setting the stage for the contest as the 'Samarth Vyayam Mandir' at Shivaji Park in Central Mumbai from February 16. Over hundred participants from 15 countries will be seen in action.