Punit Balan Group’s wrestler Sikander Shaikh wins Rustam-e-Hind 2024, fourth from Maharashtra to lift title

Pune: Punit Balan Group (PBG) wrestler ‘Maharashtra Kesari’ Sikander Shaikh has won the prestigious title ‘Rustam-e-Hind 2024’ in the competition held in Punjab. He became the fourth pugilist from Maharashtra to lift the title. PBG congratulated Shaikh for his victory.

Shaikh won the Maharashtra Kesari title in 2023. He was the 66th winner of the prestigious title. Pune-based PBG decided to support his career in wrestling. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Shaikh and PBG in this regard. On the basis of support provided by PBG, Shaikh has been winning various wrestling contests. The ‘Rustam-e-Hind’ is the latest among them.

The Rustam-e-Hind 2024 competition was held at Jandla in Rupnagar (Nangal) district. Many renowned pugilists took part in it. Shaikh emerged the winner among them. North Indian wrestlers have been dominating in this competition. Earlier, only three wrestlers from Maharashtra, including Harishchandra Birajdar, Amol Buchade and Asab Ahmad, lifted the title. Shaikh has become the fourth wrestler from the State to win the prestigious competition.

Shaikh’s bouts with Roshan Kiralgad and Bagga Kohli were thrilling and spectacular in the competition. The award consists of a mace, a tractor and cash.

“Sikander Shaikh is a talented wrestler. He has made Maharashtra proud across the country by winning the Rustam-e-Hind title. I am sure he will make India and Maharashtra proud by winning international competitions in the future. It is a matter of pleasure and pride that PBG has such talented players. We are inspired to support more such meritorious athletes after the success achieved by Shaikh.”