Sarita Gayakwad credits Modi’s support for her rise to Asian Games gold

Sarita Gayakwad, a talented athlete from Gujarat’s Dang region, has made the nation proud with her achievements, but her path to success was shaped by hardship, determination, and timely support from Narendra Modi, who was Gujarat’s Chief Minister at the time.

Her journey began with access to education through the Kanya Kelavani initiative, aimed at promoting girls’ education in Gujarat. This program opened doors for Sarita and many other girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sarita’s passion for athletics was nurtured through Gujarat’s Khel Mahakumbh, a state-level sports initiative, where she caught everyone’s attention. She recalls, “I couldn’t afford sports shoes. The first gift I received was a pair of shoes from Chief Minister Modi!”

Her performance earned her Rs 25,000 from the Gujarat government, a turning point that helped her pursue her dreams. With continued support, she trained at a sports hostel and went on to represent India at the Jakarta Asian Games, where she won a gold medal.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated her victory and awarded her Rs 1 crore, also helping her secure a government position. Sarita’s story reflects the success of countless girls from remote corners of India who, with the right support, have broken barriers and achieved greatness. On International Day of the Girl Child, her journey stands as a testament to the power of education and opportunity.