A Boost for Tribal and Rural Sports Talent in Mewar Region
In a significant move to promote sports development in Rajasthan, the state government has announced the establishment of a Lacrosse Academy in Udaipur as part of its 2025 budget. This initiative is expected to provide world-class training, equipment, and competition-level facilities to tribal and rural athletes, enabling them to hone their skills and compete on the global stage.
The decision has been widely applauded by the Lacrosse Association of India, Rajasthan Lacrosse Association, and Udaipur Lacrosse Federation, along with national and international medal-winning players, coaches, and sports enthusiasts. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, Sports Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Tribal Development Minister Babulal Kharadi, and other local representatives have been thanked for their support in making this possible.
Lacrosse Academy to Provide World-Class Training
Lacrosse coach Neeraj Batra emphasized that the academy will provide cutting-edge technical training, international-standard equipment, and specialized dietary support, helping players reach their full potential. This initiative is particularly significant as Lacrosse is set to feature in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, raising hopes that Indian players could represent the nation on the global stage.
The establishment of the academy in Udaipur is also expected to nurture young tribal athletes, who have already demonstrated exceptional talent in the sport.
National Recognition for Udaipur’s Lacrosse Stars
Rajasthan’s Lacrosse players have consistently performed at the national and international levels, receiving recognition from top dignitaries.
✔ President Droupadi Murmu praised Indian women’s team members for their achievements during her visit to Mangarh.
✔ Governor of Rajasthan honored Sunita Meena, the captain of the Indian Lacrosse team, with the Aadi Gaurav Khel Ratna Award during the Republic Day celebrations.
✔ CM Bhajanlal Sharma personally met the Asian Silver Medal-winning Lacrosse players in Udaipur, acknowledging their contributions to Rajasthan’s sporting success.
✔ Tribal players from Banswara, including Dali Gameti and Mohanlal Gameti, were also honored for their contributions to the sport.
Mewar Region’s Contribution to Indian Lacrosse
Lacrosse, originally a Latin American sport, has found strong roots in Rajasthan, especially in the Mewar region. The state has produced seven female and three male international players, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
Notable International Players from Udaipur:
🏆 Women’s Team:
✔ Sunita Meena
✔ Dali Gameti
✔ Meera Dauja
✔ Jula Kumari Gurjar
✔ Vishakha Meghwal
✔ Hemlata Dangi
🏆 Men’s Team:
✔ Mohanlal Gameti
✔ Khumaram Gameti
✔ Pranay Tripathi
The women’s Lacrosse team recently secured a silver medal at the Asian Championship in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with Sunita Meena scoring 22 goals, making her the tournament’s highest scorer. Meanwhile, male players from Rajasthan are showcasing their talent in Japan, proving the state’s dominance in international Lacrosse competitions.
Rajasthan’s Unmatched Dominance in National Lacrosse
Rajasthan’s Lacrosse teams have consistently excelled at national-level tournaments:
🏆 Senior National Championship (Udaipur 2024) – Gold in both Men’s and Women’s categories
🏆 Sub-Junior National Championship – Silver in both Boys’ and Girls’ categories
🏆 Federation Cup – Gold in both Men’s and Women’s categories
🏆 Junior National Championship (First Edition) – Gold in both Boys’ and Girls’ teams
🏆 Junior National Championship (Second Edition) – Gold in Girls’ category, Bronze in Boys’ category
With a total of 14 national-level competitions, Rajasthan has won 8 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal, further reinforcing its dominance in Indian Lacrosse. Notably, most of Rajasthan’s top players hail from tribal communities in Udaipur, highlighting the immense potential of athletes from these regions.
Lacrosse Academy: A Game-Changer for Rajasthan Sports
The announcement of Udaipur’s Lacrosse Academy marks a historic step in Rajasthan’s sports development. With world-class training and government support, local athletes will now have the resources to compete at the highest levels, potentially making their way to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This initiative will not only elevate Rajasthan’s standing in Indian sports but also serve as an inspiration for tribal and rural athletes, proving that with proper facilities and support, world-class talent can emerge from every corner of the nation. 🚀🎖️
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.