Mumbai: Harshal Somnath Ghuge, an Income Tax Assistant with the Mumbai Income Tax Department, has been selected to represent India in the 7th Rollball World Cup, scheduled to be held in Dubai from 14th to 18th December. This marks his third representation for India at this level, a proud milestone for both the nation and Maharashtra’s sporting fraternity.
Born in Shevgaon, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, Harshal hails from a business family and has shown remarkable discipline and commitment from a young age. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s High School, Shrirampur followed by junior college education at Laxmanrao Apte College and Abasaheb Garware College, Pune. He holds a B.Sc. in Statistics from R.B. Narayanrao Borawake College, Shrirampur and has also completed a Diploma in Anti-Corruption Laws from New Law College, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, reflecting his strong academic foundation alongside sports excellence.
Harshal began playing Rollball in 2008, and over the years has built an impressive career with consistent performances at state, national, and international levels. His major achievements include a Gold Medal at the 1st International Indo–Nepal Rollball Championship (U-14), multiple podium finishes at Senior National Championships, Gold at the Federation Cup, Silver at the 6th Rollball World Cup (Pune, 2023) and Gold at the 22nd Senior National Rollball Championship held in (Indore, 2025). He has represented Maharashtra over 10 times in senior nationals and India in the World Cup with the upcoming World Cup being his third international appearance.
In recognition of his sporting achievements, Harshal was appointed as an Income Tax Assistant on 9 July 2024 with the Department of Direct Taxes, Ministry of Finance, Mumbai, under the sports quota. He has successfully balanced his responsibilities as a government officer with high-performance sport, setting an inspiring example for young athletes across the country.
Apart from Rollball, Harshal is an Ex-NCC Cadet (Army Wing) with three years of training from the 57th Maharashtra Battalion. He has also cleared the AFCAT-1-2023 examination and successfully attended the five-day SSB interview at the Air Force Selection Board, Mysuru, further highlighting his discipline, leadership qualities, and all-round personality.
Harshal credits his journey to the guidance of his childhood coach Anand Joseph Patekar, training under Prabhakar Vadwerao, and the mentorship of Rollball stalwarts including Mr. Raju Dabhade, Mr. Chetan Bhandwalkar, Mr. Pratap Pagar, and Mr. Tapan Acharya whose support has played a crucial role in shaping his career. He also credits his parents Mr.Somnath Ghuge and Mrs.Bhagyashri Ghuge, brothers Vedant Ghuge and Sarthak Avhad, his teacher Parul Chothani, Cousin Harshvi Chothani, Arya Shirsath, Swara Darade, Cousin Mrudani Chothani (Late),Uncle Rajendra Shirsath,Ajinath Shirsath, Ganesh Darade,Anandrao Avhad, Aunty Dnyaneshwari Shirsath, Rameshwari Shirsath, Mangal Avhad, Rani Darade, Grandmother Asha Darade, Grandmother Laxmibai Ghuge(Late), Grandfather Parmeshwar Darade, close friends Ajeet Lokhande and Dhiraj Pardeshi who has supported him throughout his journey.
Expressing his thoughts on the selection, Harshal Ghuge said, “Representing India at the World Cup is always an honour beyond words. This selection is the result of years of hard work, sacrifices, and the unwavering support of my family, coaches, mentors, and the Income Tax Department. I will give my absolute best to make the nation proud.”
Harshal Ghuge’s selection once again brings pride to Ahilyanagar district in Maharashtra, and the Indian Rollball community, reinforcing India’s growing strength on the global Rollball stage.
