Synopsis
The Sports Authority of Gujarat has launched the Women's Cash Prize Scheme for 2024-25 to support female athletes. Applications open on March 18, 2025, and are aimed at those who have represented the state in various competitions. This initiative is part of Gujarat's commitment to promoting women's sports.Key Takeaways
- Application opens: March 18, 2025
- Eligibility: Women athletes representing Gujarat
- Single sport application: Only one sport allowed
- Full fees funded: For women in sports coaching
- Infrastructure development: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave
Gandhinagar, March 13 (NationPress) The Sports Authority of Gujarat has unveiled the "Women's Cash Prize Scheme for 2024-25", which seeks to promote female athletes throughout the state.
Under this initiative, women athletes who have competed for Gujarat in state-level school events (Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories) or national-level competitions organized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) during the year 2024-25 will receive monetary awards.
According to the official declaration, female athletes are permitted to apply for the cash prize in only one sport and for a singular achievement.
The application window will open on March 18, 2025, and will remain accessible until April 17, 2025.
Interested participants are required to visit the official website of the Sports Authority of Gujarat: https://sportsauthority.gujarat.gov.in and submit the necessary documentation, including a merit certificate, Aadhar card, and cancelled cheque, along with the application form.
In recent years, Gujarat has seen a notable increase in female athletic participation.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, six women from the state represented India, marking a historic milestone for Gujarat.
This group featured Maana Patel (swimming), Ankita Raina (tennis), Elavenil Valarivan (shooting), alongside para-athletes -- Parul Parmar (badminton), Bhavina Patel, and Sonal Patel (both competitors in para table tennis).
To further enhance women's engagement in sports, the Gujarat government has introduced measures such as a 40 percent reservation for female athletes in various programs.
Moreover, the state fully funds the course fees for women pursuing education in sports coaching, aiming to bolster and support their involvement in the sports arena.
A key aspect of these initiatives is the ongoing development of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave in Ahmedabad.
This vast complex, covering 236 acres, is poised to become one of India's largest sports facilities, featuring cutting-edge amenities like the Narendra Modi Stadium -- the largest cricket stadium in the world with a capacity of 132,000.
The enclave will cater to a diverse array of sports, such as football, tennis, and aquatic competitions, positioning Gujarat as a prospective host for international events like the Olympics.
In addition to infrastructure advancements, Gujarat has actively promoted women's sports participation.
The state hosted the 2025 Women's Premier League in Vadodara, marking the league's expansion to a home-and-away format.
This event not only created a platform for up-and-coming female cricketers but also highlighted Gujarat's dedication to enhancing women's sports.
