Ganesh Malve
The first Khelo India Beach Games was organized in Diu with great success. Parbhanikar has played a significant role in the successful organization of this tournament. Akshay Vidyadhar Kotalwar is originally from Parbhani and has worked effectively as the nodal officer of this tournament.
Akshay Kotalwar, a resident of Parbhani, gained fame as a table tennis player. He has represented Parbhani district in the game of table tennis. He is proud to have made a great name in the field of sports under the guidance of the state table tennis sports guide Anil Bandel. Akshay Kotalwar’s name is at the forefront as an important architect of the development of sports in the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Diu-Daman. Akshay Kotalwar, a former table tennis player, is currently working as an Assistant Physical Education and Sports Officer in Diu-Daman and is using his experience and enthusiasm for the skill development of the players in the region.
As the Nodal Officer and a key member of the Games Technical Steering Committee, Akshay Kotalwar successfully organised the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu. The tournament was held at Ghoghla Beach from 19th to 24th May. More than 2000 players, support staff and technical officers from 31 states and union territories participated in the tournament. The competition was held in eight sports disciplines namely Beach Volleyball, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Football, Beach Sepak Takraw, Open Water Swimming, Penchak Silat, Mallakhamb and Tug of War. Akshay Kotalwar ensured proper planning of technical aspects, coordination with various stakeholders and adherence to international standards, thereby raising the standard of the tournament.
Under the leadership of Akshay Kotalwar, the Union Territory has achieved its highest ever ranking in the National Multi-Sports Championship. This includes 4 Gold and 5 Bronze medals. This historic milestone is of utmost importance for the region of Diu Daman and Diu, which is a testament to the talent of the players in the region and the success of the sports development programmes.
Earlier, the first Multi-Sport Beach Games 2024 was also successfully held at Ghoghala Beach from 4 to 11 January. Over 1800 players and support staff participated in it and eight sports were competed in. The event was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat programme and brought national recognition to the Union Territory.
Also, Akshay Kotalwar successfully organised the School Games Federation of India Under 17 Table Tennis National Championship in Silvassa in November 2024. This was the first National School Sports Championship in the Union Territory. Hundreds of young players from across the country participated in the competition. This is a testament to the region’s ability to host national level competitions.
Apart from these flagship events, Kotalwar is also undertaking various initiatives to develop sports infrastructure, increase group participation and promote the welfare of players. His long-term goal is to develop a strong and inclusive sports culture, which will encourage local talent and elevate the region’s stature in the sports sector.
Akshay Kotalwar’s journey from a national level athlete to a successful sports administrator shows that dedication, leadership and vision can lead to progress in the field of sports. His efforts have placed Dadra, Nagar, Haveli, Diu and Daman on the sports map of India and aligned with the country’s global sports strategy. There is no doubt that the first Khelo India Beach Games were a memorable one due to Akshay Kotalwar’s excellent planning.
