- The Shaktidoot Scheme has changed grassroots sports in Gujarat, especially table tennis.
- Top players like Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, and Manush Shah have grown under this scheme, winning awards worldwide.
- More people are joining state-level events and tournaments, showing the scheme’s wide effect on sports growth.
Shaktidoot Scheme shows Gujarat’s strong support for grassroots sports talent, particularly in table tennis. Started in 2006, this government scheme helps young athletes by providing coaching, exposure, and financial support. This article looks at the scheme’s important contributions and how it has helped make Gujarat a table tennis stronghold.
Shaktidoot Scheme’s Effect on Grassroots Sports in Gujarat
Gujarat’s Sports Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, calls the scheme a “game changer” for grassroots sports. It has quietly changed the state’s table tennis scene, creating athletes who compete and win nationally and internationally. The idea began by encouraging grassroots players through financial help and organized support, helping them reach top levels.
Top Table Tennis Players Supported by Shaktidoot Scheme
Some of the top players supported by the scheme are Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, and Manush Shah. Harmeet Desai, an Arjuna Award winner and World No. 72, won gold and bronze medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and helped India win team bronze in the Asian Games and Asian Team Championships. He has been part of the scheme since 2007, showing the long-term support Shaktidoot provides.
Manav Thakkar, ranked World No. 48 and former top U21 player globally in 2020, has won many titles, including Commonwealth Championships and international doubles events. Manush Shah, who joined around 2014-15, recently won gold at the 2025 WTT Condenser mixed doubles in Tunisia and became National Champion earlier this year.
All three players played key roles in India’s bronze medals at the 2023 and 2024 Asian Team Championships and made history by representing Gujarat at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Organized Support and Financial Help for Athletes
“Dedication, hard work, and focus are needed for success. But without financial help, even the most talented players may find it hard to advance. Getting exposure and proper training facilities is very important,” said Harmeet Desai.
Shaktidoot provides steady funding, coaching, and mentoring through the Sports Authority of Gujarat. This full support helps young talents stay competitive and reach excellence without money worries.
More Participation and Tournaments at Gujarat State Level
Encouraged by the success of Shaktidoot athletes, more people at the grassroots level are participating. The Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) has seen a steady rise in player entries, with tournament participation growing from 571 in six events (2016–17) to over 660 in just three tournaments this season.
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Role of Gujarat Government and Sports Authorities
Sports Secretary Ashwani Kumar praised the scheme for building champions in sports like table tennis, which often gets less attention nationally. He also mentioned the focused mentoring and infrastructure upgrades made possible by Prime Minister Modi’s vision and the Shaktidoot Scheme.
GSTTA Secretary Hari Pillai recognized the important achievements of Shaktidoot athletes in international competitions, reinforcing Gujarat as a leader in sports growth.
| Key Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2006 |
| Top Supported Players | Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah |
| Major Achievements | Olympics representation, Commonwealth & Asian medals |
| Current Season Tournament Entries | Over 660 participants in 3 tournaments |
| Official Website | https://sgsu.gujarat.gov.in/ |
Thanks to the scheme’s support, Gujarat’s table tennis scene is growing steadily. You can see the spirit of inclusion and hard work in the success stories of young athletes. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, the Shaktidoot Scheme is a great example of how focused government programs can develop world-class talent from the grassroots level.