Sports Achievers 2025 - 26
Pedals, Passion, and Perseverance:
Swarad Chopade’s 243kms Journey on the Bicycle
Pune. Maharashtra | 7th June, 2025
At just 11 years old, Swarad Chopade — a Grade VI student of S.B. Patil Public School — is proving that determination and discipline have no age limit. While many children his age are just beginning to discover their hobbies, Swarad is already a seasoned cyclist, adventurer, and young scientist.
On 7th June, 2025, Swarad accomplished a truly remarkable feat: he cycled 243 km from Bhakti-Shakti, Nigdi to Vittal Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur, as part of the prestigious IAS Pune to Pandharpur Cycle Wari. Starting his ride at 3:00 AM, Swarad pedalled through elevations of 1258 metres, completing the journey in an impressive 13 hours. For most, this distance would seem daunting — but for Swarad, it was yet another milestone in a growing list of achievements.
Over the past four years, Swarad has shown unwavering dedication to outdoor sports such as cycling, hiking, and running, often outperforming older participants and pushing boundaries with each new event. His major cycling milestones include:
• Pune to Gateway of India Night Ride (180 km, Republic Day Ride – 8 PM to 6 AM)
• Bhakti-Shakti to Lonavala Cyclothon (100 km) – 3-time participant (2022–2025)
• Pune to Tulapur Ride (70 km) – Participated annually, 4 times
• River Cyclothon Ride (25 km) – 4-time participant
• G20 Cycle Ride (25 km)
• Basweshwar Ride (50 km)
• Regular Pune to Kamshet Weekend Rides (50 km)
• Combined hike-and-bike events to Ghoradeshwar and Churidevi
But Swarad’s spirit doesn’t rest after the ride. When he’s not on his cycle, he’s scaling historic forts such as Vasota, Sinhagad, Lohagad, Raigad, Torna, Panhala, and Paranda, proving that his love for endurance, history, and nature go hand in hand.
Beyond the world of sports, Swarad is a budding scientist with a curious mind. He actively experiments with science projects and shares his creations on his YouTube channel, ‘Swarad’s Creation’
▶️ Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@swaradscreation
With such versatility, enthusiasm, and grit, Swarad Chopade is a role model for his peers — a young explorer whose wheels never stop turning, both on the road and in his imagination.
The following is his testimony:
“Hi, I’m Swarad, an 11-year-old cycling enthusiast. On 7th June, 2025, I fulfilled my long-awaited dream of completing the IAS (Indo Athletic Society) Pune to Pandharpur Cycle Wari — a 240 km ride in just one day!
The moment this ride was announced, I registered on the very first day. I had two months to prepare, and I was both excited and determined. Over the past four years, I have done several rides with TEAM IAS and my father – including Pune to Lonavala, Pune to Gateway of India (Mumbai), and Tulapur. These rides helped me build confidence and mental strength.
During my preparation, I completed a few 50 km and 100 km practice rides. Although the weather turned challenging with sudden rains, I stayed motivated and ready for the big day.
7th June, 2025: The Day of the Ride
The flag-off was at 3:00 AM from Bhakti-Shakti, Nigdi. I woke up at 1:30 AM, put on my new cycling jersey and bib, and got ready with my Marine road bike. My father joined me on his Java road bike.
I started with a strong pace and crossed the first 100 km ahead of my father. We had breakfast at Yavat around 6:30 AM, and another one at Kurkumb — enjoying poha, sheera, and bananas. Our target was to reach Indapur (170 km) by noon, and we made it on time despite heavy wind and rain at Kurkumb.
After a tasty lunch and an hour’s rest at Indapur, we resumed our journey toward Pandharpur via Tembhurni. Riding into Pandharpur, I directly headed to Namdev Payari as a proud Warkari on my cycle, joined by my family and new cycling friends. Many people asked my age in amazement and congratulated me for completing such a long-distance ride at my age.
We had a beautiful darshan of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. TEAM IAS awarded me a medal and appreciated my effort as the youngest cyclist in the event.
I felt extremely proud and grateful to have been part of this spiritual journey. I made wonderful new friends and made unforgettable memories. This ride has fuelled my passion even more, and I look forward to participating in many more sporting events. I hope to represent my school in upcoming competitions!”
— Swarard Chopade (VI-A)
Rising Star Shines in Football Tournament:
Om Patil Secures 2nd Place at the MLA Anna Bansode Football Chasak 2025
Pune, Maharashtra | 3rd May, 2025
On 3rd May, 2025, in an impressive display of skill and determination, Om Patil, a student of Class IX-B, showcased his football prowess at the MLA Anna Bansode Football Chasak 2025, held at H.A. Colony, Pimpri.
Organised by the Huligans Football Club, the tournament brought together a number of talented young athletes from across the region. Despite stiff competition, Om demonstrated remarkable stamina, strategic gameplay, and teamwork, ultimately leading his team to secure the 2nd Rank in the fiercely contested event.
Om’s performance throughout the tournament stood out not only for his athletic ability but also for his sportsmanship and leadership on the field. Representing the spirit of youthful excellence and dedication, his achievement is a proud moment for both his school and the local community.
The event proved to be an exciting platform for emerging footballers to display their talent, and Om’s accomplishment is a promising step in what could be a bright future in the sport.
Anvi Shelke Wins Gold at State-Level Championship in Nashik
Nashik, Maharashtra | 27th April, 2025
Anvi Shelke, a student of Grade IV, won the gold medal in the Under-10 Standing Long Jump at the NAF State-Level Athletic Championship held in Nashik on 27th April, 2025. She jumped an impressive 2.10 meters, beating the second-place mark of 1.93 meters.
Her performance not only earned her first place but also set a strong record in the event. Anvi’s achievement is a proud moment for her and a sign of great things to come in her athletic journey
Aarohi Gaonkar Races to Gold at District Skating Championships
Pune, Maharashtra | 27th April, 2025
On 27th April, 2025, young skating enthusiast Aarohi Gaonkar of Grade VI made her mark at the Summer Open District Skating Championships held at Hegdewar Krida Sankul, Pune.
Organised by Vaishnavi Kreeda Sangh, the competition drew talented skaters all over. Aarohi participated in the 500-metre race in the Under-13 Girls category and delivered a stellar performance, securing first place and winning the gold medal.
Her dedication, skill, and determination were evident throughout the event, earning her well-deserved recognition and applause.
Samanyu Chaudhari Brings Home a Bronze
Pune, Maharashtra | 20th April, 2025
Samanyu Chaudhari, a student from Grade III at S.B. Patil Public School, showcased excellent talent at the 3rd Roller Skating Championship organised by the Fit Skate Top Club in Bhosari, Pune, on 20th April, 2025.
Samanyu secured the third-place position, earning a bronze medal for his commendable performance. Competing against a field of skilled young skaters, he made his school proud with this admirable achievement.
Kartik Nivate Takes Gold at the 3rd Fit Skate Roller Skating Championship
Pune, Maharashtra | 20th April, 2025
Kartik Nivate, a student of Grade V, demonstrated outstanding skill at the 3rd Roller Skating Championship organised by the Fit Skate Top Club in Bhosari, Pune, on 20th April, 2025.
Kartik secured the first-place position and earned a gold medal for his remarkable performance, outpacing the competition with finesse. The event saw many young skaters competing at a high level, but it was Kartik who stood out, making his school proud with this impressive achievement.
Avnish Nivate Bags Silver at 3rd Fit Skate Roller Skating Championship
Pune, Maharashtra | 20th April, 2025
Avnish Nivate, a student of Junior KG Diamond, achieved a second-place finish at the 3rd Roller Skating Championship held by Fit Skate Top Club in Bhosari, Pune, on 20th April, 2025.
Avnish raced to claim the silver medal in a highly competitive event, showcasing his early promise in the sport. His accomplishment highlights the growing interest and talent in roller skating among younger athletes in the region.
Aarohi Gaonkar Shines at 3rd Fit Skate Top Speed Skating Championship
Pune, Maharashtra | 20th April, 2025
Aarohi Gaonkar of Grade VI clinched the bronze medal in the U-15 1000m race at the 3rd Fit Skate Top Speed Skating Championship, held at the Maruthi Kantala Skating Rink in Bhosari, Pune, on 20th April, 2025.
The event was organised by the Skating Association of Pune, bringing together some of the best young skating talents. Aarohi’s exceptional performance secured her a well-deserved podium finish, adding to the growing list of accomplishments in Pune’s competitive skating scene.
Becoming a Blackbelt Champ:
Wholesome Congrats to Arnav Pimpalkar
Pune, Maharashtra | 14th April, 2025
We are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Arnav Pimpalkar of Grade VIII on achieving the prestigious Black Belt in Karate on 14th April, 2025.
Arnav has been rigorously training at the Shotokan Karate-Do Fitness Academy since February 2022, demonstrating unwavering commitment, discipline, and resilience. Over the course of three years, he has successfully progressed through each level of karate proficiency – White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Maroon, Brown, Yellow-Brown, and finally, the highly esteemed Black Belt.
This achievement is not just a testament to Arnav’s physical strength and technique, but also to his mental focus, perseverance, and passion for the martial art. Balancing academic responsibilities with such intense training is no small feat, and Arnav has shown exemplary dedication every step of the way.
We are incredibly proud of his accomplishment and are confident that the qualities he has cultivated through his karate journey – discipline, respect, and determination – will continue to guide him to greater heights.
Congratulations once again, Arnav! We wish you continued success, strength, and excellence in all your future pursuits – both on and off the mat.
Anvi Shelke Wins a Gold and Silver at the District-Level Athletics Competition
Pune, Maharashtra | 14th April, 2025
On 14th April, 2025, Anvi Shelke, a Grade IV student of S.B. Patil Public School, Ravet delivered an outstanding performance at the Pune District-Level Athletics Competition jointly organised by the Maharashtra Mandal Pune and the Pune District Amateur Athletics Association.
In this competition, Anvi won a gold medal in the long jump event and a silver medal in the 80-meter sprint U-11 Girls categories. The event was held in Pune on April 14 and saw participation from a total of 36 schools.
Principal Dr. Bindu Saini congratulated Anvi on her success. We wish Anvi the very best for all future endeavours.
Aarohi Wins Gold at Roller Skating Championship 2025
Pune, Maharashtra | 13th April, 2025
Aarohi Gaonkar, a talented student from Grade VI made her mark at the Roller Skating Championship 2025 held on 13th April at the Viman Nagar Skating Rink, Pune.
Organised by the Champions Skating Club and approved by the Skating Association of Pune, the event saw fierce competition among young skaters from across the region
Organised by the Champions Skating Club and approved by the Skating Association of Pune, the event saw fierce competition among young skaters from across the region sporting spirit.
Coming in Second, Yet Tall
Pune, Maharashtra | 7th to 9th April, 2025
The 10th G.D. Birla Memorial Tournament was held from 7 th to 9 th April, 2025 at B.K. Birla Center for Education, Shirgaon, Pune. Students of our school participated in the U-17 Football and Cricket Boys' categories.
The football team won the second place after defeating three schools. Spandan Kande of Grade X was declared the Best Goalkeeper; and Ayush Gaike and Farhan Pathan - both also of Grade X - were declared the Highest Goal Scores of the tournament. We congratulate all of them, and wish the players all the very best for future games.