Pune, June 22, 2026
The Indo Athletics Society’s (I.A.S) 10th Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari concluded with record‑breaking participation and heartfelt devotion. A total of 2,350 cyclists completed the 235‑kilometre journey from Dehu’s Gatha Mandir to Pandharpur, making it the largest cycle wari in India’s history.
🌟 A Decade of Growth
Started in 2016 with just seven riders, the wari has steadily grown into a national phenomenon. Founder member Gajanan Khaire highlighted that this year’s milestone firmly establishes the event as India’s biggest cycling pilgrimage. Core members Ajit Patil and Ganesh Bhujbal shared insights into the meticulous route planning and logistics that made the event possible
🚴♀️ Diverse Participation
Wari chief Giriraj Umrikar noted that nearly 300 women and over 100 child cyclists joined the ride this year, alongside participants from outside Maharashtra.
Prominent dignitaries present included:
- Bapusaheb Gaikwad, Joint City Engineer, PCMC
- Prakash Shetbalé, MIDC Officer
- Entrepreneur Annare Biradar
- Tatya Saheb Shevalé
- Dr. Sandeep & Anil Sanap (Vaidyanath Hospital, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar)
- Ram Panzade, Senior Education Official, Department of School Education, Government of Maharashtra
The key Indo Athletics Society office bearers — Gajanan Khaire, Ajit Patil, Ganesh Bhujbal — were also present, underscoring the leadership behind this landmark event.
🛣️ The Route
🙌 Volunteers & Community Support
The event’s success was powered by a vast volunteer network. The planning team included Giriraj Umrikar, Shrikant Chaudhary, Ajit Gore, Ramesh Mane, Madan Shinde, Maruti Vidhate, Prashant Tayde, Sushil More, Avinash Chougule, Amruta Patil, Ravi Patil, Kapil Patil, Nitin Pawar, Amit Pawar, Pratik Pawar, Yogesh Taware, Avinash Anushe, Pramod Chinchwadé, Pranay Kadu, Deepak Naik, among others.
The core volunteer group featured Sunil Chako, Pradeep Take, Santosh Nakhate, Sudhakar Tilekar, Anup Kohale, Mandar Shende, Vivek Kadu, Shailesh Patil, Narayan Mhadgut, Ajay Chaurasia, Hemant Dangat, Manoj Kashid, Tushar Mane, Rahul Jadhav, Rahul Rane, Deepak Burkul, Devidas Khurd, Abhijit Sarvade, Prashant Jadhav, Abinit Suryavanshi, Sudhir Jadhav, Ravi Bhoite, Amardeep Yadav, Pawan Aher, and many more.
Local leaders also lent support: Bharatbhai Shah (Indapur Municipal President), Sanjay Baba Kokate (Senior Shiv Sena Leader , Tembhurni), and entrepreneur Vitthal Katkamwar (Pandharpur).
🤝 Sponsors & Supporters
The 10th edition Pune–Pandharpur Tour de Wari 2026 was strengthened by the backing of sponsors and partners who ensured smooth arrangements and rider comfort. Their contributions ranged from hydration and nutrition to logistics and medical support.
Key sponsors and supporters included:
- FIT India Movement
- Vann Harvest
- Baidhyanath Hospital
- Suttee’s Food
- BVG
- Strokes India
- Astha Hospital
- KLB Realty
- Enerzal
- S24 Bicycle World
- Velocraft
- Allwin Finserv Pvt. Ltd.
- Food partners such as Daha Swaad and Khakatoa
Together, these organizations embodied the event’s spirit of Faith, Fitness, and Fellowship, making the wari not just a cycling challenge but a holistic experience of health, devotion, and community.
🗣️ Voices from the Ride
Participants shared their experiences, capturing the spirit of the wari in their own words:
- Ankit Agrawal: “My first ride to Pandharpur — unforgettable and timeless. The dedication of Gajju Sir and IAS over 10 years is inspiring.”
- Balvinder Singh Batish: “The 200+ km challenge was made possible by superb planning — hydration stops, hot meals, and safety at every stage. Truly a benchmark event.”
- Sachin Mudholkar: “From Bangalore to Pune, the arrangements were flawless — hydration, medical support, and encouragement. A tradition filled with devotion and friendship.”
- Rajesh Phatale: “Riding in the summer heat was tough, but devotion to Vithu Mauli kept us going. IAS prepared us with training and diet plans — cycling is health and faith together.”
- Dinesh Yadav & daughter Prital (11): “Completing 235 km together as father and daughter was magical. Thanks to IAS and volunteers for making our first wari so memorable.”
- Amar Jadhav: “The 200+ km ride was unforgettable — excellent arrangements by IAS made every kilometre smooth.”
- Smita Patil: “This was more than cycling — it was a spiritual journey of faith, discipline, and teamwork. Chanting ‘Ram Krishna Hari’ gave us energy all along the way.”
- Mandar Deshpande: “Cycle Wari 2026 was exceptionally well‑organized and supported. Hats off to all IAS volunteers for their relentless effort to make it happen.
🌍 A Message Beyond Cycling
The Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari has become more than a sporting event. By blending cycling, health, environmental awareness, and spiritual tradition, it delivers a powerful social message of sustainability, devotion, and community spirit.
📰 Final Word
With its record‑breaking participation, seamless organization, and heartfelt rider experiences, the 10th Pune–Pandharpur Cycle Wari has set a new benchmark for cycling events in India. It stands as a shining example of how sport can unite communities, promote health, and preserve traditions.
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