User:Sanchita Patil
DATTARAM DUDAM[edit]
It's a journey of 40 long years full of struggle and Enthusiasm and of course, Hard work and Dedication. It is the life story of our great personality Dattaram Dudam sir Born on 1 June 1961 at Sangmeshwar. So here we go. Residing in a small family the true legend has achieved all his achievements on his own. Being physically fit and having a goal set in mind, this sportsman played the Indian game 'Mallakhamb ' with enthusiasm. Lack of financial support led him to observe this game much more better and in no time, he wished to play it. At the age of 11, sir began playing Mallakhamb. This observation was later converted into self-practice. Thus, his constant practice was noticed by Uday Deshpande sir (national level player in Mallakhamb as well as in gymnastics and is also awarded with (Maha. Govt. krida puraskar & Shivchhatrapati Puraskar) and this was the turning point for him. Uday sir accepted him as his student. Truly said, "Failures are the stepping stone to success”! The improvement by Dudam sir made him shine brighter than others in 1976. This was his first state competition in which he participated. In fact, it was a test to explore his consistent efforts and guess what? Dudam sir was on the weekly stand holding a medal and a certificate. Being praised by people encouraged Dattaram Dudam sir to excel. Sir soon created a strong image in front of other coaches and opponents. In yr 1976 at Agartala, Tripura. sir played his first nationals. And Yes, the appealing performance was cheerfully applauded by everybody. This continued for yrs. together. Till the year 1982-83, Dudam sir had played for state & national competitions. Being enrolled at Kirti college for junior college n then Ruia for degree sir's college life continued. After facing difficulties, it was the time for Chatrapati award- the Greatest of all. The dream of every mallakhamb player! Sir had achieved it in the year 1979-80. This great victory was the beginning of their successful life. Next day itself, the news was flashed in the newspaper saying, National champion jobless" this report soon reached Delhi. This was further brought to notice to Mr Verma the railway minister of that time who asked Kareem sir, the coach of Hockey team to look into this matter. And in 2 days Mr Kareem was at Dadar offering Dudam sir a railway job. Sir was soon at the railway office, for the interview and other Physical tests. At the age of around 23-24, sir was the first Mallakhamb player owning a house of his own at Borivali, which was allotted by state Govt. of Maharashtra on the basis of his” Shiv Chhatrapati Award”. After being settled, sir proceeded towards the Marriage life on 7th May 1989. Hand in Hand with Ms Smita Bhuvad sir began his married life. This did not stop sir to be far from Mallakhamb. In fact, both of them equally supported and encouraged the game. Sir further started many centres from Dahisar to Goregaon where mallakhamb was taught. He also coached many mallakhamb players who played at the national level. Such is the illustrious journey of the Ajinkyatara ’Dattaram Dudam sir ' He is a true example of the living legend. His journey still continues on creating new achievements.