Gujarat’s government is stepping up its support for women in sports. Officials shared on Monday that they’re handing out more than Rs 147 lakh in financial aid to 13 talented women athletes through the Shaktidoot Yojana for 2024-25. This program, which kicked off back in 2006, gives targeted help to up-and-coming sportspersons aiming to shine on national and international stages.
Over the years, stars like tennis player Ankita Raina, swimmer Maana Patel, sprinter Sarita Gayakwad, shooter Elavenil Valarivan, and para table tennis champion Bhavina Patel have all gotten a boost from this scheme. It’s part of Gujarat’s bigger push to empower women athletes, including a special cash prize initiative that’s already distributed over Rs 11 crore.
One standout effort is Khel Mahakumbh, Gujarat’s flagship sports program launched in 2010 by then-Chief Minister Narendra Modi. This has grown into Asia’s biggest grassroots talent hunt, drawing in more than 26.5 lakh women participants so far. Athletes like Raina, Patel, and Gayakwad have not only put Gujarat on the global sports map but also inspired a fresh wave of young women to pick up sports.
In the last two decades, Gujarat has completely revamped its sports scene. Back in 2002, the state’s sports budget was a modest Rs 2.5 crore. Now, it tops Rs 484 crore, showing a real commitment to building athletes and facilities. The current 2022-27 Sports Policy, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, ramps things up even more with a focus on world-class training, cutting-edge coaching, and international opportunities for players.
This growth has turned Gujarat’s sports infrastructure from basic setups into top-tier hubs. The state poured money into modern stadiums, sports complexes, and training academies across districts after launching Khel Mahakumbh. Today, you’ll find impressive spots like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad, the massive Narendra Modi Stadium—the world’s largest cricket venue—and specialized centers for athletics, swimming, shooting, and tennis.
These changes mean more opportunities for budding athletes in Gujarat, helping the state nurture talent that could compete on the world stage.
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