Sports are an excellent way of nation-building

For over 130 years, the Tata Trusts have been at the forefront of strengthening the nation’s energy, water, livelihoods, and agricultural landscapes through various interventions and policy engagements. Alongside, they have also furthered the cause of art and artisans, and nurtured and strengthened traditional arts and culture. The Trusts have also taken a keen interest in building sports from the ground up, offering world-class training facilities and opportunities to disadvantaged youth.

As part of their Grassroots Kreedakul Programme, implemented in association with the Jnana Prabodhini Kreedakul, the Trusts organised daily training for more than 1600 rural children in four centres in Maharashtra, which culminated in the annual sports festival held in Chiplun-Dervan.

Three hundred of the best players were selected through this project and were given the opportunity to showcase their talents in the annual inter-centre competition held at Chiplun, Maharashtra, on 9th and 10th December, 2025. They competed in team sports like Kabbadi, Volleyball and Kho-Kho, as well as track and field events such as 100 metres dash, 1500 metres race, and shot put.

Sports management and sports science experts, senior experienced coaches from Jnana Prabodhini Kreedakul, and more than 35 other grassroots sports trainers and referees collaborated to make this competition a success. The sports meet also had a team of Ayurvedic doctors in attendance to treat sports injuries, supported by students from BKL Walawalkar Physiotherapy College.

The closing ceremony was graced by retired Air Marshal Hemant Bhagwat; Dr Chandrashekhar, Principal of BKL Walawalkar Physiotherapy College; Neelam Babardesai, Head of Sports, Tata Trusts; Shrikant Paradkar, Head, Derwan Sports Complex; Dr Manoj Deolekar, Founder and Head, Jnana Prabodhini Kreedakul, and Swanand Hirlekar, Head, Jnana Prabodhini, Chiplun centre, among others. They expressed the view that to improve India’s performance at global levels (such as the Olympics), it was essential to provide opportunities to talent from rural areas.

The Grassroots Kreedakul Programme not only helps to develop athletes but also creates disciplined citizens with leadership qualities and team spirit. The initiative significantly increases the chances of creating future national and international champions from rural areas. The organisers are hopeful that this competition will lay the foundation for future Olympic medals.