In a remarkable testament to a lifetime dedicated to sports, Bal Wadwalikar, former RCF sports officer and seasoned sports organizer, is set to make a debut of a different kind on Tuesday, November 21, at the age of 75. Wadwalikar, known for his exceptional organizational skills, earned accolades during his tenure at RCF, where he orchestrated a myriad of competitions spanning Kabaddi, Cricket, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Taekwondo, Swimming, and more at the RCF Sports Complex.
His commitment to fostering rural talent was evident as he consistently strived to develop the skills of aspiring players, providing job opportunities to numerous young talents at RCF. Under his leadership as the Sports Officer, the RCF team asserted its dominance in sports like Kabaddi, Hockey, Cricket, Football, and Volleyball, with many notable players finding their home in the RCF family.
Wadwalikar’s unwavering passion for country sports shone through as he worked tirelessly for the growth of these games. Notably, during his tenure, the Apna Bazar branch was established in the RCF Colony, a testament to his vision for holistic community development. Today, the branch stands as a thriving success, and Wadwalikar continues to serve as an official there.
With close ties to various sports organizations and cultural institutions, particularly in the Chembur area of Mumbai, Wadwalikar’s vast experience is harnessed by these groups. Even after retirement, he has remained a stalwart figure in the sports community and is now recognized as a senior sports organizer in Maharashtra.
His exceptional contributions were acknowledged with the Kabaddi Maharshi Late Shankarrao alias Buwa Salvi Gratitude Award in 2016, a fitting recognition of his significant impact on the game of Kabaddi.
Bal Wadwalikar’s journey from a sports officer to a revered figure in the sports organizing landscape stands as an inspiration, showcasing that age is no barrier to passion and commitment. As he embarks on this new chapter, the sports community eagerly anticipates witnessing the continued legacy of excellence that Wadwalikar embodies.
