Gujarat Shooter Elavenil Valarivan Awarded for Asian Games Success
Recognition for Elavenil Valarivan
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented a financial award of Rs 1.33 crore to Elavenil Valarivan, a rifle shooter from Gujarat, under the Khel Pratibha Puraskar Yojana. This recognition comes in light of her impressive achievement of winning two silver medals at the Asian Games 2026, as reported by the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.
Outstanding Performance at the Asian Games
During the Asian Games 2026 held in Japan, Elavenil Valarivan showcased exceptional skill in rifle shooting, earning accolades for both the country and her home state of Gujarat. She secured silver medals in the Women's 10m Air Rifle (Individual) and Women's 10m Air Rifle (Team) events.
Supporting Young Athletes in Gujarat
In his congratulatory remarks, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the Gujarat Government's dedication to fostering athletic talent by providing essential training and resources. He acknowledged that the success of athletes is a collective effort, highlighting the vital role of parents in instilling values and supporting their children's aspirations.
Financial Support Breakdown
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that Elavenil Valarivan, who trained at the Sanskardham complex through the state's DLSS scheme, has made Gujarat proud at the Asian Games. He mentioned that her achievements serve as an inspiration for countless young athletes across the state. To ensure her continued success, the Gujarat Government has allocated a total of Rs 2.41 crore in incentives, including Rs 1.33 crore from the Shaktidoot Scheme and Olympic Incentive Scheme, along with Rs 74 lakh from the DLSS Scheme and Khel Mahakumbh.
Elavenil Valarivan's Sporting Journey
Elavenil Valarivan, a 27-year-old rifle shooter from Ahmedabad's Maninagar area, has become a source of pride for both Gujarat and India. Since 2017-18, she has been associated with the Gujarat Government's 'Shaktidoot Scheme' and currently holds an 'A' category position, establishing herself as a leading figure in the state's sports community.
Career Highlights
Elavenil's career is filled with significant milestones. She represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In 2019, she clinched a gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Rio de Janeiro with a remarkable score of 251.7. Her international accomplishments earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award from the Government of India in 2022. Additionally, she has won multiple medals at Junior World Cups in Suhl and Sydney (2018), Asian Airgun Championships, World University Games in Chengdu, and various international events in Munich and Kazakhstan in 2025.