Nagpur: Sanjay (Bhau) Kane, renowned athletics coach and recipient of the prestigious Dadoji Konddev award, succumbed to cardiac arrest on Sunday night. A resident of Kothi Road, Mahal, Bhau dedicated his life to sports, producing 11 international athletes from the city.
Graduating as a gold medalist in MCom in 1973, Bhau pursued a career with the State Bank of India (SBI) until 2009, when he opted for voluntary retirement to focus entirely on nurturing and enhancing players’ talents.
As the founder of Nav Maharashtra Krida Mandal (NMKM), Bhau celebrated the golden jubilee of his club last year, where he actively engaged with former club members to strategize the club’s future endeavors. His influence played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous notable athletics players from the city.
Known for his strict discipline, Bhau’s commitment to sports elevated Nagpur’s stature on the national athletics map. Beyond his coaching prowess, Bhau possessed a deep understanding of spirituality and was revered as a leading orator on Ram Raksha.
Bhau leaves behind two brothers, a sister, and a large circle of relatives who mourn his passing. His final rites will be conducted on Monday afternoon, marking the end of an era in Nagpur’s athletics community.
