May 7 marks World Athletics Day, a global celebration of sports, pursuit of excellence and hard work. The day encourages youth participation in sports through the initiative Athletics for a Better World, being launched by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). It is a mission that resonates firmly across India.
This day is more than symbolic for Gujaratis. Gujarat’s often claimed to be best for raising the businessmen and leaders in India. However, it is a chance for them to honour their hometown sports heroes today. The stories of grit, persistence, and triumph- putting the state on the global map. There are victories signalling that India is no longer a sleeping giant in global athletics. It is rising faster, fuelled by athletes from every state, including Gujarat. Let’s start with praising India’s recent successes on the world stage first.
India’s Recent Successes on the Global Stage
Last year has been a turning point for Indian sports. Six medals were sealed by India, with outstanding performances at the Paris Olympics 2024 by shooters like Manu Bhakerand Sarabjot Singh delivering. What was equally historic? The achievements at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, where India won a record-breaking 29 medals. Sheetal Devi, the armless archer, was among the stars. Her bronze win in the mixed team compound event caught the world’s heart.
Nonetheless are the Gujarat’s stars who shines bright in the light:
Gujarat’s Forgotten Hero: Govind Sawant
In the archives of Gujarat’s sporting history, Govind Sawantstands tall. The legend from the Vadodara remains the state’s only Olympic medallist. He won silver with the Indian hockey team at Rome Olympics 1960. After his playing career he served as a Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP), where he mentored athletes and built a grassroot sports culture in Vadodara. A powerful reminder to his legacy and a learning from his journey is that: A real champion never stops giving back.
– Maana Patel: Making Waves in Swimming
Pride of Ahmedabad- Maana Patel started at the age of 7. She is a beacon of inspiration in Indian swimming. She broke national records by the age of 13 and became the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Besides, she has also won over 130 medals from which 90+ are gold. What proves her mental toughness is her comeback from major shoulder injury in 2017. Her story is a blueprint for young girls in Gujarat who are chasing dreams in unconventional sports/careers.
– Sarita Gayakwad: The Sprint Queen from Dang
Sarita Gayakwad from the tribal village of Kharadi Amba dashed her way into history. She became the first woman from Gujarat to win Asian Games gold being a part of the 4*400m relay team. Also, she has represented India at the Commonwealth Games and endures to inspire athletes from the marginalized communities. She and her journey are a testament that determination defines success and not the privilege. Today is serving as a Deputy SP.
– Ankita Raina: Gujarat’s Tennis Trailblazer
Gujarat’s tennis powerhouse, Ankita Raina was is from Ahmedabad. She started at the age of five. Braking into the WTA Top 200, she made headlines at the 2018 Asian Games, winning bronze in singles and gold in mixed doubles. She represented India at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, bringing global attention to tennis talent emerging from Gujarat. Her resilience is a lesion in believing when few others do.
Rising Stars from Gujarat in Diverse Sports
Beyond mainstream fame, Gujarat is producing trailblazers across a wide range of disciplines:
Manav Thakkar: Table Tennis Prodigy
From Surat, Manav Thakkar made history by becoming world no. 1 in both the U-18 and U-21 ITTF rankings. A Commonwealth Games contender and Asian medallist, his swift reflexes and tactical brilliance mark him as a future global champion.
Mayur Parikh: Champion of the Court
Vadodara’s Mayur Parikh has made a name in badminton doubles, consistently excelling in national competitions. His rise in a sport dominated by other regions shows that Gujarat is becoming a force in racquet sports.
Kiran Parmar: Kabaddi Warrior
Kiran Parmar has emerged as a fierce kabaddi talent from rural Gujarat. He is well-known for his fearless raids and his speed. He is eyeing a breakthrough in the Pro Kabaddi League with powerful performances in national-level tournaments. Such athletes inspire many others along the way.
Why Gujarati Youth Should Embrace Athletics?
More than a competition, Athletics builds discipline, resilience, and a sense of community. All these leading athletes prove that with right support, dedication and hard work, global-level success is within reach. Today’s youth have access to better coaching, infrastructure, and exposure than ever before. What they need now is encouragement—from families, schools, and the society at large. Let’s celebrate our champions, but more importantly, let’s invest in the dreamsof tomorrow’s icons.
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