Udaipur, April 22, 2025 – On the occasion of Civil Services Day, during the State-level ceremony held at HCM RIPA Jaipur, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma honoured Udaipur Divisional Commissioner Pragya Kevalramani with the Chief Minister’s Excellence Award 2025 for her motivational efforts in promoting excellence in the Olympic sport of lacrosse in tribal-dominated areas.

Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant was also present at the ceremony.

The Lacrosse Federation of India and lacrosse players from across the country, particularly in Udaipur, have lauded the conferment of the prestigious award on Kevalramani.

Divisional Commissioner Kevalramani has been instrumental in popularising the game across the tribal regions of Rajasthan. With the help of CSR funds, essential financial support (sponsorship) was provided to players for participation in national and international tournaments. In addition, facilities like a hockey astroturf for practice, hostel accommodations and floodlights for national competitions were made available.

Inspired by the Divisional Commissioner’s initiative and under the guidance of lacrosse coach Neeraj Batra, seven women and three men represented India at the international level. And the Women’s team was also successful in winning a silver medal at the Asian Championship.

At the national level, Rajasthan dominated with the Women’s Senior team winning gold in the first and second competitions as well as in the Federation Cup. The junior team secured gold medals in the first and second competitions, while the sub-junior team won silver in the second national competition. In the Men’s category, the senior team won gold in the Federation Cup and the second national championship. The junior team bagged gold in the first competition and bronze in the second, while the sub-junior team won silver in the second national competition.

In light of Rajasthan lacrosse team’s recent successes and the outstanding performance of tribal players, the Rajasthan government has announced the establishment of a lacrosse academy in Udaipur under the State budget. Work is currently underway to bring this vision to life.