AHMEDABAD: Gujarat has produced several cricketers who have served the country with distinction over the years.
The state, however, has not made a mark as far as representing the country in the Olympic games.
That may be changing now.
As many as three athletes, all women, will represent India across various disciplines at the Tokyo Olympics.
The quadrennial event, postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be held from July 23 to August 8.
Three more will represent the country in the Paralympic Games scheduled a little later.
Ankita Raina will represent India in women’s tennis in doubles along with Sania Mirza, while swimming sensation Maana Patel will participate in the 100-metre backstroke.
Shooting star Elavenil Valarivan will aim for glory in the 10m air rifle event – both mixed and individual.
In the Paralympics, which will be held in Tokyo from August 24 to September 5, the three athletes from Gujarat who have made the cut are Parul Parmar in para badminton, and Bhavina Patel and Sonal Patel in para table tennis.
Last time an athlete from Gujarat had represented India at the Olympics was men’s hockey player Govindrao Sawant at the 1960 Rome Olympics, according to information provided by CV Som, additional chief secretary, sports, youth & cultural activities department, Gujarat government.
Prior to that, Shankarrao Thorat had represented pre-independent India in wrestling at the 1936 Olympics.
Both belonged to Baroda.
Chief minister Vijay Rupani congratulated the six athletes and wished them success at the Olympics.
In a press statement, Rupani said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing policy to motivate the youth of Gujarat in sports through programmes like Khel Mahakumbh are now yielding results.
This is the result of the state government’s policy of encouraging, assisting and training the youth in sports for the last two decades.” Six Gujarat women bask in glory of their success with Olympic cutIf Gujarat is able to register its presence at Olympics after decades, the credit goes to some women athletes who have slogged hard to make it possible.
Successful in their respective careers so far, the six athletes are thrilled at the opportunity of representing the country at the biggest stage.
Ankita Raina will represent India in women’s tennis in doubles along with Sania Mirza.
Speaking to TOI after her selection for the quadrennial event, Ankita said, “It is a dream come true.
I don’t think I can express my feelings in words.
Every athlete plays and trains every day in pursuit of the Olympic dream and for me now it is not a dream anymore.
It is a reality.
I am happy and looking forward to participating in Olympics.
I will be planning practice sessions in UK after the Wimbledon gets over and plan to leave for Tokyo from UK as of now.” Swimming sensation Maana Patel, whose career has been blighted by injuries, will participate in the 100-metre backstroke.
Maana got the nod through the ‘Universality Nomination’ qualification system.
The 21-year-old told TOI, “I am extremely thrilled and excited to represent my country at the Olympics.
I really want to perform well, get a personal best timing and put up a good show.” The swimmer recently won gold in 100m and silver in 50 m at the Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
Sonal Patel and Bhavina Patel (right) celebrate their inclusion in Tokyo ParalympicsShooting star Elavenil Valarivan will aim for glory in the 10m air rifle event – both mixed and individual.
The 21-year-old Ahmedabad girl, who is currently training in Croatia, said, “I felt very happy when I received the information from NRAI.
The ultimate dream of any athlete is representing the country at Olympics.
I was waiting for such a moment.
I am thankful to Gagan Narang — my mentor and my coach.
I will work hard to make my country proud.” In the Paralympics, the three athletes from Gujarat who have made the cut are 48-year-old Parul Parmar in para badminton, and Bhavina Patel and Sonal Patel in para table tennis.
Para badminton player Parul Parmar, ranked number one in the SL3 category, told TOI, “I was waiting for the moment when para badminton will be included in the Paralympics.
It is my dream to compete at the Paralympics and win a medal for the country.
I have medals at the World para badminton championship and Asian Para Games but as para badminton was not part of Paralympics, I have not been able to participate in it till now.” Bhavina Patel (35) and Sonal Patel (34) will compete in TTF4 category.
The duo started playing the sport at the Blind People’s Association (BPA) 13 years ago when they were students of ITI for the persons with disabilities.
Mehsana native Bhavina said it’s every athelete’s dream to represent the country at the biggest sporting event of the world.
“I am currently ranked eighth in my category in the world, which helped me qualify for the Paralympics.
The practice has been rigorous and we are following a strict timetable and diet,” she said.
Sonal, who hails from near Viramgam, said she would not have reached this place without support and encouragement of their families.
“It’s a dream come true, but I know we are shouldering expectations.
My exposure over the last few years in the international arena would help me stand in good stead,” said Sonal.