Neeraj Chopra takes Grassroots Sports Mission To The Next Level
Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra has taken a new step to promote sports among children. The two-time Olympic medallist has become the co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup after serving as the programme’s ambassador for the last two seasons.
The aim of the initiative is to get children into athletics through fun, simple and inclusive competitions. It’s already reached more than 250,000 children in over 2,500 schools in five cities.
With Chopra now a co-owner of the programme, the ambitious goal is to reach one million children in India.
Neeraj Chopra Wants More Children To Play Sports
Chopra has witnessed the positive impacts of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup in his two years as ambassador. He thinks every child should have a chance to discover their sporting talent.
Chopra said that becoming a co-owner was a natural next step as he really believes in the idea of the programme.
He also said he wants to share his experiences with children, teachers and schools. His aim is to encourage more youngsters to take part in sports from an early age.
The Olympic medallist believes that more participation from the grassroots level will help India to find future sports champions.
Programme Has Reached 2.5 Lakh Children
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup has grown considerably since its inception. The programme has reached more than 250,000 children through more than 2,500 schools in five cities.
The competitions are designed to make athletics enjoyable and accessible for children, regardless of their sporting background or experience.
The initiative focuses not only on competition but also on helping children develop important qualities such as confidence, discipline and teamwork.
Target of reaching one million children
With Neeraj Chopra having become co-owner, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup is now in a new phase of expansion.
The programme has a great aim of reaching one million children in India. Organisers want to bring more kids into athletics and get them to take sports into their daily lives.
Chopra could also help raise awareness of grassroots athletics, particularly in kids who may not otherwise get involved in organised sporting events.
Nearly half of participants are girls
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup is one of the very best ideas to encourage girls to get involved in sports.
Nearly 50 per cent of the programme’s participants are girls, an indication of the programme’s desire to create equal opportunities for children.
The programme must be inclusive of all children from all backgrounds, in a fun and supportive environment, the organisers say.
Chopra's bigger vision for Indian Sports
Neeraj Chopra is doing more than throwing a javelin. He is also co-owner of the programme and is a key player in sport promotion at the grassroots level.
India has produced numerous successful athletes but finding future champions requires children to get access to sport at an early age.
Chopra would like to encourage more kids to play, compete and discover their abilities through the UBS Athletics Kids Cup.
As the programme targets one million kids, Chopra's experience and involvement would give India’s grassroots athletics effort an important boost.