About the theme
Launched in 2024, the Grassroots Kreedakul programme is the Tata Trusts’ first Hub-and-Spoke sports development model designed to nurture rural talent and build local ecosystems for sustainable sporting excellence. Implemented by Jnana Prabodhini Kreedakul (JPK), a pioneering sports school with over 25 years of experience, the programme integrates sports, academics, mental conditioning, and Ayurvedic health practices to create well-rounded athletes.
Over the years, JPK’s holistic approach has enabled more than 200 athletes to win national medals, with seven representing India at international tournaments. The Grassroots Kreedakul programme builds on this proven model to reach deeper into rural India, empowering local organisations to manage 10–12 grassroots centres across nearby villages.
The problem statement
Access to quality sports infrastructure and training remains limited in rural areas, where young talent often lacks exposure, resources, and structured coaching. The need to foster active, healthy lifestyles among children and create pathways for aspiring athletes has been a long-standing priority for the Trusts. The Grassroots Kreedakul initiative addresses this gap by combining scientific training methods, community participation, and traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda to develop physically and mentally resilient youth.
Building a culture of sport and wellbeing
The programme seeks to replicate JPK’s proven model by setting up hubs and grassroots centres across rural clusters around Pune, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, and helping children build immunity, confidence, and life skills through sport. It focuses on creating pathways where all children engage in play while talented athletes receive structured training and opportunities for competitive success.
Inspired by the Mizoram Badminton Initiative, Centre Management Committees (CMCs) are being formed at each centre, comprising trainers, parents, and community members. These committees foster local ownership and ensure effective management, paving the way for long-term sustainability of the centres.
Impact so far
The programme covers over 25 villages in Maharashtra, and currently operates through four hubs, each managing between six and nine spokes, reaching over 1,200 rural children with structured, play-based sports training. Trainers are equipped to instil healthy habits, discipline, and resilience in children alongside sports skills.The initiative has improved immunity and wellbeing among participating children through active play, nutrition, hygiene, and rest awareness.
It is also creating local employment opportunities, training rural youth as coaches, administrators, counsellors, and Ayurvedic practitioners. Talented athletes are being identified and supported to participate in district and state-level competitions, ensuring a continuous talent pipeline for higher levels of play.
- 1,200+ rural children gaining access to structured sports and healthier lifestyles
- Sustainable grassroots ecosystem with community-led centres and locally trained coaches and counsellors
- Talent pipeline created for district- and state-level competitions
Partners
The programme is implemented in partnership with Jnana Prabodhini Kreedakul (JPK), Pune—a sports branch of Jnana Prabodhini established in 1998 with the mission of nurturing young athletes into national-level competitors. Backed by scientific research, JPK combines sports science, psychology, and Ayurvedic health systems in athlete training.
Marking its Silver Jubilee, JPK published “Vijetaa: Decoding the Nurturing of Athletes”, a compilation of 31 research papers on sports medicine, psychology, and training methodology. Its faculty have contributed extensively to sports curriculum design, teacher training, and national and international research dissemination. Over 50% of JPK’s athletes are state or national medallists, a testament to its model’s effectiveness.
