NAGPUR: Dadoji Konddeo awardee and city's well-known athletics coach Sanjay (Bhau) Kane, who spent a lifetime sweating it out on tracks to produce no less than 11 international athletes, passed away due to cardiac arrest on Sunday night.
A resident of Kothi Road, Mahal, the 75-year-old Bhau had dedicated his life to sports, producing international medal winning athletes from the city. A gold medalist in MCom in 1973, Bhau took VRS from SBI in 2009 and focused on nurturing players. For his contribution to sports, Bhau was bestowed with the Dadoji Konddeo award in 1992-93.
Founder of Nav Maharashtra Krida Mandal (NMKM), Bhau celebrated the golden jubilee of his club on November 26 last year. He discussed various activities to take the club in particular, and city's sports in general ahead with club members.
In 2008, Bhau also trained basketball teams of Nagpur. While motivating the players, the humble coach made an honest confession: "I am neither an athlete nor a basketball coach. I am a M.Com gold medalist who has learnt five things from commerce - Forecast, Planning, Organisation, Coordination and Control - which when implemented in life gave me success."
In 2020, Bhau was named as the Krida Maharshee during the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav. In his 45-year journey on the sports field, he initially guided kho kho players, then trained young athletes.
He is survived by two brothers, a sister and a host of relatives to mourn the loss. His last rites will be performed on Monday afternoon.
Just hours before he suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday night, Bhau had a general discussion with his club coach Prashant Ulabhaje, a former kho-kho national player.
For the last 5-6 months, Bhau was not regular to the ground, but he took updates about youngsters from coaches Jitendra Ghordadekar and Naresh Shelke.
