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Padma Shri Awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, Bundeli Martial Arts Pioneer, Dies at 83

Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, the pioneer and guardian of Bundeli Martial Arts, has passed away at the age of 83. He died at AIIMS Bhopal while undergoing medical treatment after a period of poor health. His funeral procession departed from his residence in Rampura, Sagar, and his last rites were performed with full state honours. Raikwar was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2026 for his invaluable work in preserving and promoting the ancient 'Akhada' martial arts tradition of Bundelkhand.

Key Points: Padma Shri Bhagwandas Raikwar, Bundeli Martial Arts Guardian, Passes Away

  • Padma Shri awardee passes away at 83
  • Pioneer of Bundeli Martial Arts
  • Funeral held with full state honours
  • Honoured for preserving Akhada tradition
  • Died at AIIMS Bhopal after illness
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Padma Shri awardee and Bundeli Martial Arts pioneer Bhagwandas Raikwar passes away at 83

Padma Shri awardee Bhagwandas Raikwar, pioneer of Bundeli Martial Arts, passes away at 83. Funeral held with state honours in Sagar.

"the pride of Bundelkhand and a guardian of the martial arts tradition - Official Tribute"

Sagar, April 19

Bhagwandas Raikwar 'Dau', the guardian of the weapon-based art form known as 'Bundeli Martial Arts' and a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2026, passed away on Saturday night at the age of 83.

His son, Rajkumar Raikwar, informed that Bhagwandas breathed his last at AIIMS Bhopal around 10:00 PM on Saturday.

On Sunday morning, his funeral procession departed from the Chhatrasal Akhada Complex, located at his private residence in Rampura, and his last rites were performed with full state honours at the Naryawali Naka Muktidham.

A large gathering of dignitaries, alongside members of the police and administrative departments, was present to pay their respects following the demise of Bhagwandas Raikwar--the pride of Bundelkhand and a guardian of the martial arts tradition.

Bhagwandas Raikwar, honoured with the Padma Shri for bringing international recognition to 'Akhada' (traditional wrestling/martial arts), the most ancient weapon-based art form of Bundelkhand, passed away while undergoing medical treatment.

He was 83 years old and had been in poor health for several days before his passing.

The Government of India had announced the conferral of the Padma Shri award for the year 2026 upon him, in recognition of his invaluable contribution toward the preservation, promotion, and training of martial arts and the 'Akhada' tradition as a vital component of India's traditional artistic heritage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
So sad to hear this. I read about his Padma Shri award just recently. It's heartbreaking that he passed away before the official ceremony in 2026. His legacy in martial arts will live on through his students.
V
Vikram M
Om Shanti. We need to ensure that the Bundeli Martial Arts and Akhada tradition does not fade away with him. The government should immediately support his son and senior disciples to carry forward his gurukul. This is our living history.
R
Rohit P
A great loss for Indian culture. While the Padma Shri is a fitting recognition, I feel we honour such icons only late in their life. We must identify and support our traditional artists and sportspersons when they are active, not just at the end. Rest in peace, Dau ji.
P
Priya S
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Seeing the funeral procession from Chhatrasal Akhada must have been a powerful sight. These traditions are the backbone of our regional identities. His life's work is an inspiration.
M
Michael C
This is a profound loss for the global martial arts community. Bringing international recognition to such a deep and ancient practice is no small feat. His contribution to preserving intangible cultural heritage is immense.

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