With a passion for indigenous sports and holistic fitness, Mr. Pankaj Mohan Shinde is the driving force behind Viraj Sports Academy, which specializes in the traditional and highly demanding sport of Mallakhamb. A seasoned coach, he has expertise across Rope, Pole, Hanging Mallakhamb, as well as floor gymnastics, trekking, yoga, and physical fitness.A decorated athlete himself, he has won several medals at state and national levels in Mallakhamb across various age categories. Adding to his many achievements, Mr. Shinde is an International Mallakhamb Judge and currently serves as the Team Manager for the National Mallakhamb Games 2024–25. His vision continues to shape a new generation of disciplined, agile, and grounded athletes rooted in traditional Indian fitness practices.
With an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, Coach Arun Pawar stands as a cornerstone of basketball coaching in Pune. As a player, he has represented at the U-17 and U-19 levels, competed in university tournaments three times, and played at the senior state level on six occasions, building a strong foundation in competitive basketball. Since the past 19 years, Coach Arun has been associated with Vidyanchal School and Vidyanchal Sports Academy in Baner, Pune, where he has played a key role in nurturing young athletes. On the national front, he has led the Maharashtra U-18 team to two bronze medals and has twice been selected as the Junior NBA National Coach. Deeply committed to the growth of basketball at the grassroots and state level, Coach Arun Pawar continues to inspire and guide the next generation of players with unmatched dedication and passion.
A seasoned cricketer and dedicated mentor, Mr. Avadhoot Dandekar brings over 15 years of rich cricketing experience. A former Maharashtra Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy player, he has also represented the state at the U-22 and U-25 levels. He served as the Assistant Coach for Puneri Bappa during the 2025 season and continues to make significant contributions to the sport through his coaching journey. With over 6 years of international coaching experience in the United Kingdom, he has been actively involved in youth development programs with the Northern Ireland Youth Team, shaping the next generation of cricketers.
With a distinguished career rooted in a lifelong passion for football, Coach Kailash Shamlu brings unparalleled expertise and dedication to the sport. As a former Pune University football player (1996-1997), Kailash Shamlu competed at the elite level, gaining deep insights into the game’s intricacies.Holding a D-License certificate, Kailash Shamlu has also served as a selector coach for Savitri Bai Phule University for over a decade, identifying and nurturing top talent at the university level. tHappy and fulfilled in this journey, Kailash Shamlu is committed to inspiring players of all ages, fostering skill development, teamwork, and a love for the game through personalized and passionate coaching.
