Background

In India, sports and games are a significant part of one’s childhood, whether through traditional games like kabaddi and kho kho, or the national penchant for cricket. However, despite this inherent love for sports amongst Indians, the stark socioeconomic gaps in the country have resulted in disparity in access to quality sporting facilities and opportunities, particularly for marginalized communities.

Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in India face numerous barriers to entry, and this holds true in accessing sports infrastructure as well. First, they are likely to be residing in economically disadvantaged areas, where basic amenities and public recreational facilities are lacking. Furthermore, with the education system in India prioritizing academic performance above all else, there is little attention given to the development of extracurricular and sports programs in government schools. This lack of access to infrastructure and coaching, coupled with limited sports equipment, restricts children from engaging in physical activities and developing their athletic skills.

This issue has a huge impact on several levels – the youth miss out on the numerous opportunities and benefits that sports brings. Examples of this include the inability to cultivate essential qualities such as self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership, to physical strength and fitness, while the larger sporting community loses out on talented youngsters who would further India’s sporting prowess. 

Cognizant of these challenges, Sporting Dreams was founded in June 2023 with the goal of breaking down structural barriers that hinder sports access, with a particular focus on empowering youngsters.