The country's delegation at last month's Summer Universiade in Taipei presented a "project plan of effective equality between men and women in sport".

They beat off entries from Palestine, Kenya and Israel to be selected as winners.

All of the contenders showed proposals "for incorporation and development of gender equality policies in their countries and continental regions".

In Costa Rica, strategies have been developed in cooperation with the country's National University Sports Federation (NUSF).

Rocío Carvajal, the head of Costa Rica's Universiade delegation, received the award from FISU President Oleg Matytsin alongside NUSF President Gerardo Corrales.

Carvajal was delighted that her country has been recognised.

"It is an honour for Costa Rica to receive this award," she said. 

"It commits us to continue to build scenarios for the incorporation of more women in all spheres of Costa Rican sport."