imported>Ira Leviton: Fixed another typo.

2021-08-21T15:57:29Z

Fixed another typo.

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Sports retain a very valuable position in the culture of Gujarat. Some of the popular sports played in Gujarats are [[cricket]], [[kho kho|kho-kho]], [[badminton]], [[association football|football]], [[kabaddi]] and [[table tennis]]. [https://www.sportsauthorityofgujarat.in/ The Sports Authority of Gujarat] presides and supervises the sporting activities under the [https://sycd.gujarat.gov.in/index.htm Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department]. There have been many successful and popular initiatives undertaken by the authority to encourage the sports culture in Gujarat, 'Khel Mahakumbh' being an example.Gujarat has various levels of sports competitions including events of both larger and smaller scales.

== Important sports events ==

=== Khel Mahakumbh ===
Under the leadership of [[Narendra Modi|Shri Narendra Modi]], the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime minister of India]] also the former [[List of chief ministers of Gujarat|Chief minister of Gujarat]] the initiative of ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ (KMK), a mega sporting event was undertaken in the year 2010.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-khel-mahakumbh-47-lakh-students-to-take-part-in-event-this-year-says-cm-rupani-5977920/|title=Gujarat: 47 lakh students to take part in 'Khel Mahakumbh' this year, says CM Rupani|date=2019-09-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-09-09}}</ref> [[Khelo India Youth Games|Khel India]] was initiated nationwide by the Indian Central government keeping Khel Mahakumbh as the base of the initiative.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.khelmahakumbh.org/about-us.php|title=Khel Mahakumbh About Us}}</ref> [[Khelo India Youth Games|Khel India]] was initiated nationwide by the Indian Central government keeping Khel Mahakumbh as the base of the initiative.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.khelmahakumbh.org/about-us.php|title=Khel Mahakumbh About Us}}</ref>

Sports promote holistic development: This is the reason why KMK is organized in Gujarat every year. The event lasts for about a month and each budding talent showcases their skills and hard work. It not only gives platform to sportsmen but also encourages a competitive but friendly atmosphere among the participants. As there are no age limits; people from any age group can participate in it. It commences at the [[Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act 1996|panchayat]] level and subsequently, moves on to [[Tehsil|taluka]] level and [[List of districts in India|district]] level. Then, winners at this level meet at state level competitions.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}}

Every year a record participation of 3 million participants is observed.<ref name=":4" /> Outstanding performers of KMK get benefits of various schemes run by Sports Authority of Gujarat, District Level Sports School (DLSS), Shaktidoot, Centre of Excellence (COE), Khele Gujarat Summer Coaching Camp, In school Program, Khel Pratibha Puraskar, Mahila Puraskar, etc. are also awarded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/khel-mahakumbh-gets-into-a-professional-mode/|title=Khel Mahakumbh gets into a professional mode|date=2014-09-15|website=The Indian Express|language=en-IN|access-date=2019-09-09}}</ref>

There is also Special Khel Mahakumbh for [[Disability|Divyang]] players (Physically Challenged) in which more than 35,000 players participate with cash prizes more than ₹5 Crore.

==== Age Groups Participating in Khel Mahakumbh ====
Khel Mahakumbh has no restrictions on age bar. The bifurcation of age groups is as follows:<ref name=":5" />

* Under 9 Boys/ Girls
* Under 11 Boys/ Girls
* Under 14 Boys/ Girls
* Under 17 Boys/ Girls
* Above 40 Veterans Men/ Women
* Above 60 Veterans Men/ Women
*Open Age Group

=== Pro Kabaddi League ===
[[Pro Kabaddi League]] is an initiative by Mashal Sports Pvt. Ltd and Star India Pvt. Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/about-prokabaddi|title=About PKL |website=VIVO Pro Kabaddi |language=en|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> There have been many innovations since its commencement in 2014, which is a reason for its tremendous growth in popularity. It is backed by [[Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India]], and supported by participating members of the [[International Kabaddi Federation]] and the [[Asian Kabaddi Federation]]. The League is currently participated in by 12 teams, each split region-wise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/|title=vivo Pro Kabaddi League 2019 |website=VIVO Pro Kabaddi|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> [[Gujarat Fortune Giants]] represents the state in this league. The Pro Kabaddi League matches are hosted in [[The Arena (Ahmedabad)|The EKA Arena]] by [[TransStadia]] in Gujarat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/features/the-five-biggest-talking-points-from-the-ahmedabad-leg|title=The five biggest talking points from the Ahmedabad leg|date=2019-08-17|website=VIVO Pro Kabaddi Website|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref>

=== Indian Premier League ===
Gujarat is represented in the [[Indian Premier League]], by its team [[Gujarat Lions]]. Cricket matches are often played in [[Sardar Patel Stadium]], and many Indian Premier League matches are hosted there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricwindow.com/ipl-8/sardar-patel-stadium-ahmedabad-schedule.html|title=IPL 8 Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad Match Schedule {{!}} IPLT20 2015|website=www.cricwindow.com|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> There's a huge craze for its matches in the people of Gujarat and India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/news/GUJ-VAD-OMC-ipl-craze-in-baroda-young-stars-live-match-watch-in-hotel-news-hindi-5568478-PHO.html|title=IPL क्रेज, यंगस्टर्स ने होटल-रेस्टारेंट में डिनर के साथ लिए मैच के मजे|date=2017-04-06|website=Dainik Bhaskar|language=hi|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref>

=== Beach Khel Mahakumbh ===
Beach Khel Mahakumbh refers to the beach-sports fest, a spin off of the Khel Mahakumbh. This fest was held to promote the feasibility of beach-sports and garner new attractions towards the different beaches of Gujarat State.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Beach Sports Proposal|last=Beach Khel Mahakumbh|publisher=Sports Authority of Gujarat|year=2014|location=Gandhinagar|pages=All}}</ref> After the event's success and introduction, the [[Government of Gujarat]] has strangely not announced any other editions of the fest. The setup of the sports on beaches requires not much efforts, but just a marked area, ball and a goalpost.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/slideshow-beach-sports-in-khel-mahakumbh-1629342|title=Beach sports in Khel Mahakumbh {{!}} Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|date=2011-12-23|website=DNA India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> The fest concluded with a prize distribution ceremony on February 13, 2013, a month later after its commencement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/beach-khel-mahakumbh-to-conclude-at-sabarmati-riverfront/articleshow/18449306.cms|title=Beach Khel Mahakumbh to conclude at Sabarmati Riverfront|last=Darji|first=Himanshu|date=2013-02-11|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> [[Sabarmati Riverfront|The Sabarmati Riverfront]] witnessed artificial sandy beach creation to create the same atmosphere as that of a beach and maintain the theme for the final event.<ref name=":0" />

=== Gujarat Premier League ===
[[Gujarat Premier League]] is a state and franchise - based [[Twenty20|T20 cricket tournament]]. It was hosted for 12 days in 2018 and the matches were played in [[Surat]], [[Ahmedabad]] and [[Rajkot]]. A total of 18 matches were played between the participating six teams. Each team consisted of one former Indian cricketer, three former International players, three new-cap players and domestic stars.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/gujarat-premier-league-to-start-on-may-28-118031900638_1.html|title=Gujarat Premier League to start on May 28|date=2018-03-19|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> The winning team gets a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh(~$71,000), while the runners-up get cash prize of Rs 21 lakh(~$29,000). Also, each participating team gets Rs 2 lakh(~$2800) in addition to the prize amount.<ref name=":2" />

=== The 6th Asian School Table Tennis Championship ===
The 6th Asian School Table Tennis Championship is scheduled to be held in [[Vadodara]], Gujarat in August 2019.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/baroda-to-host-asian-school-tt-tournament/articleshow/70666677.cms|title=Baroda to host Asian school TT tournament|date=August 14, 2010|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08|last3=Ist|first3=4:11}}</ref> A total of eight countries including China, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand and UAE are participating in the Championship.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://connectgujarat.com/vadodara-to-host-utt-6th-asian-school-table-tennis-championship/|title=Vadodara to host UTT 6th Asian School Table Tennis Championship|date=2019-08-12|website=Connect Gujarat|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/96-players-for-6th-asian-school-tt-tournament-119081201045_1.html|title=96 players for 6th Asian School TT tournament|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2019-08-12|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.statetimes.in/96-players-for-6th-asian-school-tt-tournament/|title=96 players for 6th Asian School TT tournament|website=State Times|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref>

== Cricket ==
The governing body for [[Cricket]] in the state is the [[Gujarat Cricket Association]]. It is affiliated to [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gujaratcricketassociation.com/|title=GCA-Gujarat Cricket Association|website=www.gujaratcricketassociation.com|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> There are three international standard stadiums in Gujarat - in [[Ahmedabad]], [[Rajkot]] and [[Vadodara|Baroda]]. There are many other stadiums where domestic level cricket is played. There are many prominent players from Gujarat including [[Cheteshwar Pujara]], [[Parthiv Patel]], [[Ravindra Jadeja]], [[Irfan Pathan]], [[Yusuf Pathan]], [[Hardik Pandya]], [[Krunal Pandya]], [[Jasprit Bumrah]], [[Axar Patel]], and Priyank Panchal.

== Badminton ==
[[Badminton]] as a sports is still developing in Gujarat under its regulating authority, the [[Gujarat Badminton Association]]. It is affiliated with the [[Gujarat Olympic Association]] and [[Badminton Association of India]]. The Association finds talented pool of players and refers them for higher level tournaments by organizing various competitions.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gujaratonline.in/about/sports|title=Sports Activities in Gujarat, Stadiums in Gujarat, Khel Mahakumbh|website=www.gujaratonline.in|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> Many prominent players in Badminton hail from Gujarat, including Tasnim Mir and [[Ami Ghia]]. There are district, state and national level tournaments held in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.badmintonindia.org/events/tournaments/1087/|title=Project Name|website=www.badmintonindia.org|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref>

== Volleyball ==
[[Volleyball]] is played extensively in schools and residential colonies. Open Gujarat Volleyball Tournament is a famous event. Prominent players from Gujarat in Volleyball include the Vala Sisters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/108741/dangal-how-volleyball-transformed-this-gujarat-village-produced-world-champions/|title=Real-Life Dangal: How Volleyball Transformed This Gujarat Village & Produced World Champions|date=2017-07-17|website=The Better India|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/four-sisters-of-sarakhdi-village-star-in-dangal-tale/articleshow/59625531.cms|title=gujarat sisters win medal: Four sisters of Sarakhdi village star in 'Dangal' tale |date=July 17, 2017|first=Bharat|last=Yagnik|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> Gujarat holds many district, state and national level tournaments. to develop this sport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/sports/local-sports/asc-win-volleyball-meet/articleshow/68945420.cms|title=ASC win volleyball meet|last=Apr 19|first=Ahmedabad Mirror {{!}} Updated|last2=2019|website=Ahmedabad Mirror|language=en|access-date=2019-09-08|last3=Ist|first3=06:16}}</ref>

== Table Tennis ==
The [[Gujarat State Table Tennis Association]] is responsible for developing this sport in the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gstta.in/|title=Gujarat State Table Tennis Association {{!}}|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-08}}</ref> It is affiliated to governing body of country for this sport. It organizes various competitions to find young talent among the crowd.<ref name=":3" /> Some eminent players include Pathik Mehta and [[Harmeet Desai]] from Gujarat. In 2019, [[Harmeet Desai]] was honored with the [[Arjuna Award]] for his outstanding performance in year 2018-2019 as well as his contribution and dedication towards game. Also, Gujarat State Table Tennis Association is coming up with ''Gujarat Super League Table Tennis''.

== Chess ==
Gujarat has produced many grand masters including Tejas Bakre and [[Ankit Rajpara|Ankit Rajpare]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/In-Rajpara-Gujarat-gets-its-2nd-grandmaster/articleshow/31378684.cms|title=In Rajpara, Gujarat gets its 2nd grandmaster|website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> There are many national level competitions organized in the state by [[All India Chess Federation]] for many age groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aicf.in/national-u-13-round-2-4/|title=National U-13 Rd.2-4: Nine Players with Full Score |language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aicf.in/gm-rohit-lalith-babu-wins-national-chess-rapid-title/|title=GM Rohit Lalith Babu wins National Chess Rapid title – All India Chess Federation {{!}} Official Website|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> One International GM Open was held from 5 October 2018 to 12 October 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aicf.in/event/1st-gujarat-international-gm-open-185065-185066-185067-guj-2018/|title=1st Gujarat International GM Open |language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref> and the second International GM is scheduled in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aicf.in/event/2nd-gujarat-international-open-gm-chess-tmt-2019-212798-212799-212801-guj-2019/|title=2nd Gujarat International Open GM Chess Tmt 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-04}}</ref>{{update needed|date=August 2021}}

==References==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sports in Gujarat}}
[[Category:Sport in Gujarat|Sport in Gujarat]]

Sports in Gujarat - Revision history

imported>Ira Leviton: Fixed another typo.