Neeraj Chopra Brings UBS Athletics Kids Cup to Haryana
Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra returns to Haryana to host the UBS Athletics Kids Cup City Final for over 350 aspiring young athletes.
Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra is returning to his roots to inspire the next generation of Indian athletes. The sporting icon is bringing the UBS Athletics Kids Cup to his home state of Haryana, marking a significant expansion of the initiative into the region.
On October 24, the Sports University of Haryana in Rai, Sonipat, will play host to over 350 children for the region's first-ever City Final. This event is not just a one-time celebration but a strategic move to make Haryana and the Delhi NCR a permanent part of the program's footprint.
From Ambassador to Co-Owner
Neeraj's relationship with the initiative has evolved significantly. After serving as an ambassador for two years, he stepped into a larger role earlier this year by becoming a co-owner of SD Sports India, the company driving the project. This transition underscores his dedication to building a sustainable sporting ecosystem for children across India.
"Haryana will always be special to me because this is where my journey in sport began," Neeraj Chopra stated. "I believe every child, regardless of where they come from, deserves the opportunity to play, discover their potential and dream big."
The athlete emphasized that by increasing participation at the grassroots level, India improves its chances of discovering future world-class champions who can represent the nation on the global stage.
Building a Culture of Fitness
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup focuses on the long-term benefits of sports, including the development of discipline, confidence, and healthy lifelong habits. Sameer Chothani, Head of UBS India Service Company, noted that Neeraj's transition from ambassador to co-owner adds a special dimension to this new chapter in Haryana.
Daniel Schenker, co-founder of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup and co-owner of SD Sports India, highlighted that the goal extends beyond a single event. The aim is to ensure children in Haryana and Delhi NCR have consistent access to athletics, allowing them to experience the joy of sport and grow through physical activity.
Massive Scale and Expansion
The impact of the program is already evident in its numbers. In its third season, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup has already seen the participation of 250,000 children across various cities.
The Journey So Far:
- Inception: Launched in Mumbai in 2023.
- Previous Expansions: The program successfully reached Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad.
- Latest Milestone: The inclusion of Haryana and Delhi NCR into the network.
The upcoming City Final in Sonipat is the culmination of various school-level competitions held across the region. Neeraj Chopra will personally interact with the young participants and present awards to the winners, celebrating both their achievements and their spirit of participation.