National shooter Sambhaji Jhanjhan dies in road accident in Palghar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The city's sports fraternity was left in shock after emerging shooter and sports executive officer Sambhaji Shivajirao Jhanjhann (27), died in a road accident on Monday.Jhanjhan was travelling from Pune to Ahmedabad for practice ahead of a national-level competition when his car met with an accident near Manor, in Palghar district. The accident occurred in the morning, and he succumbed to his injuries on the spot, police sources said.A promising name in shooting, Jhanjhan represented the city and the state in several competitions over the years. Between 2011 and 2025, he won 75 medals and certificates at various district, state and national-level events, earning recognition as one of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's most talented shooters.At the time of his death, Jhanjhan worked as a sports executive officer at Balewadi in Pune. He was on his way to Ahmedabad to continue intensive training for the upcoming national competitions when the accident occurred.News of his death spread quickly, triggering an outpouring of grief from sportspersons, coaches and officials across the city. Many described him as disciplined, dedicated and deeply committed to promoting shooting sports among youngsters.His family members said the last rites will be performed on Tuesday morning at the crematorium near Central Naka in the Cidco N-6 area in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.Jhanjhan is survived by his father, Shivaji Jhanjhan, a retired chief fire officer of the municipal corporation, along with other family members.