CWG Gold Medalist Dilip Gavit Waits Nearly 2 Hours, Fails to Meet Raj Thackeray in Nashik

Commonwealth Games gold medallist and para-athlete Dilip Gavit reportedly waited for nearly two hours in Nashik on Thursday but could not meet MNS chief Raj Thackeray, despite being invited for a meeting, according to his coach.

Gavit, who recently created history at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games by winning gold in the men’s 100m T47 final, had been invited to meet Thackeray during the MNS leader’s visit to Nashik, coach Vaijanath Kale said.

However, the much-anticipated meeting did not take place as Gavit and his coach waited for a considerable period. A video from the spot showed MNS workers attempting to pacify Kale and asking him to wait for some more time.

“We were waiting for quite some time.... Sir (Thackeray) is busy. We will meet him later,” Kale was heard saying in the video.

There was no immediate reaction from the MNS regarding the incident.

Gavit’s gold medal in Glasgow was part of a historic achievement for Indian para-athletics. India secured a one-two finish in the men’s 100m T47 final, with Gavit taking the top spot and fellow Indian para-athlete Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath winning silver.

The achievement marked a significant moment for India’s para-athletics campaign at the Commonwealth Games, with the two athletes finishing ahead of the field in the prestigious sprint event.

While Gavit’s sporting triumph brought him national attention, his unsuccessful attempt to meet Thackeray in Nashik has now drawn attention after his coach spoke about the prolonged wait.