Parth Shah wins Gujarat's Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award for speed skating
Synopsis
A decade after lacing up his skates at age six, Parth Suragbhai Shah has earned Gujarat's Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award — backed by five national championship appearances and two COE scholarships. His rise spotlights how private academies like Adani Sportsline are quietly becoming the backbone of grassroots sports development in India.
Key Takeaways
Parth Suragbhai Shah of Adani Sportsline Academy received the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award from the Government of Gujarat .
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented the award at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on 12 August .
The award carries a cash prize of ₹10,000 for junior recipients.
Parth has represented Gujarat at the National Championships on five occasions and received the COE scholarship twice.
He has trained at Adani Sportsline Academy for the past three years , beginning his skating career in 2016 .
Speed skater Parth Suragbhai Shah, a trainee at Adani Sportsline Academy, has been conferred the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award by the Government of Gujarat, recognising his achievements at the state and national levels. Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi presented the honour at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on 12 August. The award marks a significant milestone for the Ahmedabad-based skater, who began his sporting journey a decade ago at the age of six.
About the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award
Instituted by the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, Government of Gujarat, the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award is conferred on young sportspersons who demonstrate talent, dedication, and competitive achievement at the junior level. The award carries a cash prize of ₹10,000 for junior recipients.
Parth Shah's Journey in Skating
Parth took to the skating track in 2016, and has since built a consistent record of competitive performances. He has won multiple medals at the state level and has represented Gujarat at the National Championships on five occasions. His consistency has also earned him the Centre of Excellence (COE) scholarship on two occasions, underlining his standing as one of the state's promising young athletes.
Role of Adani Sportsline Academy
For the past three years, Parth has trained at Adani Sportsline Academy, which has provided him with dedicated coaching, world-class facilities, and competitive exposure. The academy is part of Adani Sportsline's broader initiative to build structured pathways for young Indian athletes to develop skills and compete at higher levels.
Parth credited the academy's support for his growth. 'Receiving the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award means a lot to me. It feels great to see that hard work recognised at this level. Adani Sportsline Academy has played a big role in my journey. My coaches have helped me improve my technique and given me the confidence to keep pushing myself. I want to thank the Government of Gujarat and Adani Sportsline for this support,' he said.
What the Academy Said
Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, said: 'Parth's dedication to skating reflects the commitment we seek to nurture at Adani Sportsline Academy. We are proud to see his hard work recognised by the Government of Gujarat. This award is an important milestone in his journey, and we will continue to support him as he works towards his sporting goals.'
As Parth sets his sights on higher competitive platforms, his story underscores the growing role of private sports academies in shaping India's next generation of elite athletes.
Point of View
But it also points to a structural shift in Indian grassroots sport: state recognition increasingly follows private academy investment. Adani Sportsline's backing — coaching, facilities, competitive exposure — did the heavy lifting that state infrastructure once struggled to provide. The Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award's ₹10,000 prize is modest, but its signal value is real. The more important question is whether Gujarat's sports policy is building enough such pipelines, or whether elite-track access still depends on which city a young athlete happens to grow up in.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award?
The Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award is a state sporting honour instituted by the Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department of the Government of Gujarat. It recognises young athletes for talent, dedication, and competitive achievement at the junior level, and carries a cash prize of ₹10,000.
Who is Parth Suragbhai Shah?
Parth Suragbhai Shah is a speed skater from Gujarat who trains at Adani Sportsline Academy in Ahmedabad. He has been competing since 2016, has represented Gujarat at the National Championships five times, and has received the Centre of Excellence (COE) scholarship on two occasions.
When and where was the Jaydeepsinhji Junior Award presented?
The award was presented by Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi at a ceremony held in Gandhinagar on 12 August.
What role has Adani Sportsline Academy played in Parth's career?
Parth has trained at Adani Sportsline Academy for the past three years, benefiting from dedicated coaching, world-class facilities, and competitive exposure. The academy is part of Adani Sportsline's initiative to develop young Indian athletes and create pathways to higher-level competition.
How long has Parth Shah been skating?
Parth Shah began skating in 2016, making his journey in the sport approximately nine years long as of the award ceremony. He started at the age of six and has trained consistently since then.
