Two athletes from Gujarat have brought pride to India by securing a bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy. Asha Thakor from Mehsana and Pinkalben Chauhan from Dahod showcased their remarkable skills in floorball, playing a crucial role in India’s medal-winning performance. Their contribution not only highlighted their individual talent but also placed Gujarat and India in the spotlight on the global sports stage.
Floorball is an indoor sport similar to hockey, played with a lightweight plastic ball and specialized carbon fiber sticks. The games were held from March 8 to 15, during which a 30-member Indian contingent participated across various disciplines. Among them, Asha and Pinkal stood out with their outstanding display in the floorball matches.
As per agency report, in the context of the international body Special Olympics, “Special Olympics Bharat – Gujarat” is the nodal organization recognized by the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG). Since 2010, SAG has been organizing the Special Khel Mahakumbh, a dedicated sporting event for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Athletes excelling in these events qualify for national-level competitions, and subsequently, get selected for the World Games held every two years in different countries. The consistent participation and victories of Asha and Pinkal in the Special Khel Mahakumbh have paved the way for their rise to the international level.
The Special Khel Mahakumbh was launched in 2010 by then Chief Minister and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote a culture of sports, enhance physical fitness, and increase youth participation in Gujarat. Since its inception, the event has evolved into a massive sporting movement, hosting competitions from village to state levels. The number of registered athletes has grown significantly from 1.65 million in 2010 to over 7.13 million in the 2024–25 edition, setting a new record.
Furthering the vision of a robust sports environment, the Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, launched the Sports Policy 2022–27 with the objective of building a comprehensive sports ecosystem. The policy aims to establish Gujarat as a leading state in sports and create more opportunities for talented athletes to pursue their dreams. Over the past two decades, Gujarat's youth have made remarkable progress in sports, which is a testament to the state’s consistent investment and policy support.
With the launch of initiatives such as the Khel Mahakumbh, Shakti Doot Yojana, and District Level Sports Schools (DLSS), Gujarat has ensured structured training, financial assistance, and recognition for emerging athletes. Under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi, Gujarat’s sports budget has grown 141 times — from just Rs 2.5 crore in 2002 to over Rs 352 crore today — marking a transformational journey in the development of sports infrastructure and talent in the state.
