Maharashtra Kesari 2025: Referee Attacked by Shivraj Rakshe Over Controversial Decision, Suspended for 3 Years

The Maharashtra State Wrestling Association has suspended international referee Nitish Kablaiye for three years following a controversial decision during the Maharashtra Kesari 2025 final, according to the regional media reports. The 67th Senior State Wrestling Championship and Maharashtra Kesari tournament were held in Ahilyanagar from January 29 to February 2. The final bout in the mat division of the open category featured Prithviraj Mohol and Shivraj Rakshe.

During the match, referees ruled that Rakshe had lost by pinfall.Rakshe refused to accept the result. In a shocking turn, he assaulted match officials on the mat. He grabbed a referee’s collar and kicked him. Police were called in to control the situation. He was removed from the venue and later suspended for three years.

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According to the reports, a probe committee was formed by the state wrestling body under the leadership of international referee Vilas Kathure. The committee submitted its report on February 28. Based on the findings, the association decided to suspend chief referee Nitish Kablaiye from officiating in state-level matches for three years. The match had three referees. Kablaiye served as the match chairman while Dattatray Mane and Vivek Naikal were the side referees.