National News 2025-05-20

STAIRS Foundation Kickstarts National Games 2025 with Unmatched Fervor

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Transportation and Information Technology was invited as the Chief Guest, alongside His Excellency Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, who graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Shri Vikram K Porval (IPS), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic Offence Wing/EOW), Delhi, joined as the Special guest.

* STAIRS Brand ambassadors, renowned Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, boxing sensation Gaurav Bidhuri, and Guinness World Record holder the 'Push-up Man of India' Rohtash Choudhary, interacted with the young athletes
* David Forde, a former Republic of Ireland footballer, will be present at the event to show his support for the initiatives.
The Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi roared with energy as STAIRS Foundation, a National Sports Promotion Organisation, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the Second Edition of the STAIRS Youth National Games alongside the inaugural STAIRS School Games. The grand opening ceremony was a vibrant spectacle, bringing together over 4,000 young athletes from 20 states. Each was a proud gold or silver medalist, selected from over 400 district competitions, now ready to win glory on the national stage.

Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Transportation, and Information Technology, Delhi Government, was invited as the chief guest. His Excellency Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, lent his support as the Guest of Honour, underscoring a shared commitment to grassroots sports development and youth empowerment. Also present on the occasion was Shri Vikram K Porval (IPS), Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic Offence Wing/EOW), Delhi.

Indian and global icons connected to youth, politics and sports joined the celebrations, adding star power and inspiration to the event. Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman, Gandhi Smriti and Former Union Sports Minister. Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, former Republic of Ireland footballer David Forde, boxing sensation Gaurav Bidhuri, and the renowned 'Push-up Man of India' Rohtash Choudhary interacted with the young athletes, urging them to give their all while enjoying the thrill of competition.

The event proved to be a congregation of other youth leaders, educators, coaches, volunteers, and development professionals, all united under the philosophy of ‘Ek Bharat, Ek Lakshya’—One India, One Goal. Their presence electrified the atmosphere, reinforcing the spirit of perseverance and passion in every aspiring champion.

The occasion also witnessed the prestigious presentation of the EBEL Awards, celebrating visionary individuals and institutions that have driven impactful change in youth development through sports, education, leadership, and inclusion. Adding to the spirit of recognition, the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards were conferred upon grassroots heroes—including educators, coaches, and volunteers—who have passionately championed STAIRS' mission of nurturing talent and transforming lives at the community level. Their contributions stood as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in building the nation's sporting future.

Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder and President of STAIRS Foundation and Former Governing Council Member of the Sports Authority of India, commented: “Through the STAIRS Youth National Games and the inaugural STAIRS School Games, we are unlocking potential and building champions from the ground up. Our structured pathway—from district to state to national levels—ensures that the best talent is identified, nurtured, and given a platform to shine. This is our contribution to India's journey toward sporting excellence, with eyes firmly set on winning more Olympic medals as the nation aspires to host the 2036 Olympics. This aligns seamlessly with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of propelling Indian sports to unprecedented heights.”

Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay added, “The EBEL Awards 2025 and the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards 2025 are a testament to the spirit of youth and the boundless potential that sports can unlock. Our mission is to create champions from the grassroots, and today, we are one step closer to realising that dream by acknowledging the great work being done by organisations and individuals in promoting sports development. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare,

Transportation and Information Technology, and His Excellency Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, for gracing this occasion and their unwavering support towards our endeavours.”

“I also congratulate all the award winners whose dedication and passion have set the benchmark for excellence. Their continued efforts are pivotal in making India a global sporting superpower. Together, we are building not just athletes, but ambassadors of change who will inspire the next generation,” Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay concluded.

The sporting spectacle will continue from May 20-22, witnessing 4000 medalists competing across 15 sports disciplines. The championships bring together young athletes from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Supporting this massive undertaking are 200 coaches, 300 officials, and 150 volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to nurturing India’s next generation of sports