Stories
VVIP Rush Continues at Pune's Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati: Sports, Politics, and Military Converge

N
News18•20-09-2026, 12:39
VVIP Rush Continues at Pune's Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati: Sports, Politics, and Military Converge
- •Pune's Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Mandal hosted prominent visitors including Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, Saina Nehwal, and Rohit Pawar.
- •Lt Gen Pushkar expressed feeling "wonderful and blessed" by Pune's traditional Ganeshotsav celebrations.
- •Badminton star Saina Nehwal reminisced about her sporting career in Pune and advocated for a stronger sports ecosystem for young athletes.
- •NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar offered prayers, expressing hope for Ajit Pawar's justice and support for farmers and MPSC aspirants.
- •The mandal experienced heavy footfall from devotees, with Festival Head Punit Balan ensuring smooth darshan arrangements amidst celebrity visits.
Key Questions Answered
Southern Command GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, badminton star Saina Nehwal, and NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar visited the pandal on Saturday to offer prayers and participate in Ganeshotsav celebrations.
Speaking after offering prayers, Rohit Pawar stated that he missed Ajit Pawar during the festival and hoped he would get justice soon, while also praying for farmers facing drought-like conditions and for MPSC aspirants.
During her visit, Saina Nehwal emphasized the need to build a stronger ecosystem for young athletes by increasing parental support, better opportunities, and improved sports infrastructure, while expressing hope that India will host the Olympics.





