Punjab Newsline,Sports:
From struggling to pay school fees to becoming a government employee and assistant coach at Khelo India Beach Games 2026, Kolhapur’s Akshay Patil shows how a traditional sport can transform lives.
Kolhapur’s Akshay Patil has scripted an inspiring journey through tug-of-war, transforming a traditional rural sport into a pathway of stability, dignity and self-reliance. Born into a small farming family, Patil’s life was marked by financial hardship in his early years, but sport emerged as a turning point that reshaped his future.
Patil began his association with tug-of-war during his school days. His selection at the district level proved crucial not only for sporting recognition but also for survival, as his school waived off his annual tuition fee of Rs 1,200. The relief it brought to his family strengthened his resolve to continue in the sport while pursuing his education.
Over the years, Patil balanced academics with rigorous training, gradually progressing from district to state and national competitions. His persistence paid off in 2021 when he earned direct recruitment under the sports quota as a sorting assistant in the Postal Department. Though initially posted away from home, his later transfer back to Kolhapur provided long-term stability for his family.
With a steady income, Patil was able to arrange his sister’s marriage and invest in cattle, helping his parents set up a small dairy business. For a family that had spent generations working in the fields, this marked a significant shift towards financial security and comfort.
A product of the government school system, Patil has built an impressive sporting record. He won a silver medal at the 2012 Junior World Cup in Chennai and claimed two gold, four silver and three bronze medals at senior national championships between 2011 and 2022. Even after joining government service, he continued training and competing, staying deeply connected to the sport.
Now 29, Patil serves as the assistant coach of Maharashtra’s tug-of-war team at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026. He credits his growth to dedicated mentorship, especially from former national weightlifter and tug-of-war athlete Madhavi Patil, who continues to promote the sport as a coach and physical education teacher.
With tug-of-war gaining renewed attention through initiatives like Khelo India, Patil’s journey stands as a powerful example of how sport can uplift families, preserve traditional discipline