Gujarat Launches Shaktidoot 2.0 to Elevate Sports and Support Athletes
Gujarat's New Sports Initiative
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 11: In a bid to enhance the sports landscape in Gujarat and uplift talented athletes who bring pride to the state and nation, the Gujarat Government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, has unveiled significant reforms to the 'Shaktidoot Yojana' and introduced 'Shaktidoot 2.0'.
With the slogan 'Ramshe Gujarat, Jitshe Gujarat', the Deputy CM is set to launch this initiative statewide on August 12 from Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, as per an official announcement.
Additionally, the Deputy CM will honor 799 exceptional athletes and will conduct the e-Bhoomi Pujan and e-inauguration of various sports complexes and libraries, amounting to over Rs 388 crore across the state. Athletes will receive prestigious awards such as the Eklavya Award, Sardar Patel Award, and Jaydeepsinhji Award.
The primary aim of this initiative is to discover and nurture the potential of promising athletes in Gujarat by providing essential sports facilities, nutritious meals, modern equipment, training both domestically and internationally, expert coaching, and medical support to prepare them for global competitions like the Olympics and Asian Games.
Since its inception in 2015, athletes under this program have collectively secured 1,604 medals, comprising 831 at the national level and 773 internationally, showcasing the state's prowess.
Under the revamped 'Shaktidoot 2.0', financial support for athlete development has been notably increased. The maximum assistance available has been raised from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh, based on the athletes' needs and performance.
Moreover, the initiative emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that para, deaf, blind, and Divyang athletes receive equal opportunities and support. The number of athletes benefiting from the scheme will also expand gradually. To scout new talent from the grassroots level, the minimum age for applications has been lowered from 12 to 9 years.
As part of the new reforms, athletes will receive ongoing support based on their performance, with the previous time constraints eliminated. A scientific point-based evaluation system has been introduced to enhance the selection process, involving sports experts in the Screening and Selection Committee, prioritizing competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
Additionally, athletes not included in the Shaktidoot Yojana but who excel during the year will receive immediate financial aid through the 'Shaktidoot B' initiative. A transparent system has been established to upgrade athlete categories based on performance through regular evaluations.
The Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities will host a grand event for the inauguration and foundation laying of development projects worth over Rs. 388 crore across various districts, led by the Deputy CM.
These projects encompass 11 taluka-level sports complexes, 7 libraries, and 2 study halls, along with 7 district-level sports complexes, 5 libraries, and 2 municipal libraries. The initiatives include public-oriented works such as modern libraries, sports hostels, 400-meter athletic synthetic tracks, astroturf hockey fields, and campus development across districts including Ahmedabad, Amreli, Anand, Botad, Dahod, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir-Somnath, Jamnagar, Kutch, Mahisagar, Mehsana, Morbi, Navsari, Patan, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Tapi, Valsad, and Swarnim Gujarat Sports University in Vadodara.
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, three athletes were selected to represent India, and another three are set to compete at the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024.
During the 17th Asian Games in South Korea in 2014, three athletes represented India, followed by seven at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018 and another seven at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023.
One athlete also represented the country at the Asian Winter Games in 2017 and is set to compete again in 2025. Recently, nine athletes supported by the Shaktidoot Scheme have been chosen to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi, Japan, in 2026.
At the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014, two athletes were selected, followed by two at the 21st Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018 and another two at the 22nd Commonwealth Games in England in 2022. Recently, one athlete was selected for the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026.
In summary, athletes under the Shaktidoot Yojana have achieved a remarkable total of 1,604 medals, including 831 at the national level and 773 internationally, thereby bringing immense pride to Gujarat.