admin 
New Delhi: Olympic and world champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has taken on a new role in grassroots sports by becoming the Co-owner of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup. Chopra, who has already served as the programme’s ambassador for the past two seasons, will now be directly involved in its next phase of growth and its mission to encourage children across India to participate in sports.
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup initiative aims to make sports more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive for children. The programme has already reached more than 250,000 children across 2,500-plus schools in five cities, establishing itself as one of India’s major grassroots sporting initiatives.
With Chopra joining as Co-owner, the programme has set an ambitious target of reaching one million children across India.
Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup Enters New Phase
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is entering a new stage after the celebrated Indian athlete became its Co-owner. His transition from ambassador to Co-owner reflects his growing commitment to developing grassroots sport and creating opportunities for young children to discover athletics.
The programme was designed to introduce children to sports through fun, inclusive and accessible competitions. Instead of focusing only on high-level performance, it encourages children to experience sport from an early age and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Chopra’s involvement is expected to provide additional visibility to the initiative while helping inspire young participants to take sports more seriously.
For the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup, his personal journey from a young athlete to an international champion provides an important source of inspiration for children taking their first steps in sport.
250,000 Children Already Reached
One of the most significant achievements of the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is the scale it has already achieved.
The programme has engaged more than 250,000 children through activities conducted across more than 2,500 schools in five cities. This reach demonstrates the growing demand for accessible sporting opportunities among schoolchildren.
By taking sports directly to schools and communities, the initiative aims to remove some of the barriers that can prevent children from participating in athletics.
The programme focuses on making competition enjoyable and welcoming. This approach can help children develop confidence while discovering their individual sporting interests.
With Neeraj Chopra now becoming Co-owner, the initiative is expected to build on this existing foundation and expand its presence across more parts of India.
Chopra Wants to Inspire One Million Children
The next major goal for the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is to reach one million children.
Chopra has said that every child should have an opportunity to discover and showcase their talent. His new role as Co-owner reflects his belief in the programme’s long-term vision and its potential to create a stronger sporting culture in India.
The one-million-child target represents a major expansion from the programme’s current reach. Achieving it would allow thousands more children to experience organised sports and potentially identify their own athletic abilities.
The initiative also aims to encourage youngsters to adopt active lifestyles rather than viewing sport only as a pathway to professional competition.
Focus on Confidence, Discipline and Active Lifestyle
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is not solely focused on identifying future champions. The initiative also aims to develop important qualities such as confidence, discipline and a lifelong interest in physical activity.
Participation in sports can give children opportunities to work with teammates, manage competition and learn how to deal with both success and setbacks.
The programme’s emphasis on fun and inclusion is intended to make these experiences available to a broad range of children.
Chopra’s own participation adds an inspirational element to the programme. Having experienced the journey from grassroots athletics to becoming one of India’s most successful sporting personalities, he can share experiences that may motivate young participants.
Girls Make Up Nearly 50% of Participants
Another important feature of the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is its focus on gender inclusion.
According to the programme, nearly 50 per cent of its participants have been girls. The figure highlights the initiative’s effort to ensure that sports opportunities are accessible to children regardless of gender.
Encouraging more girls to participate in athletics at an early age can contribute to a broader and more diverse sporting ecosystem.
The participation of girls in large numbers also demonstrates that grassroots programmes can play an important role in creating opportunities for young athletes who may otherwise have limited exposure to organised sports.
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup therefore aims to create an environment where every child can participate, learn and enjoy the experience of sport.
From Ambassador to Co-owner
Chopra has been associated with the UBS Athletics Kids Cup as an ambassador for the previous two seasons. His decision to become Co-owner marks a deeper level of involvement with the initiative.
Reflecting on his experience with the programme, Chopra said he had seen the impact it had created among children in schools during the previous two seasons.
His new role allows him to become more closely involved with the programme’s vision and expansion.
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup will now look to use his experience, public profile and passion for athletics to encourage more young people to participate in sports.
Building India’s Grassroots Sporting Culture
India has produced several world-class athletes, but developing a strong sporting culture requires opportunities for children at the grassroots level.
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is designed to contribute to this process by introducing young people to competition in a friendly and accessible environment.
The initiative can help children understand that sport is not limited to professional athletes or elite competitions. Instead, physical activity can become part of everyday life.
By reaching schools, the programme can also give teachers and educators an opportunity to encourage children to participate in athletics.
The long-term ambition is to create a stronger pipeline of young sporting talent while simultaneously encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles.
Neeraj Chopra’s Role Could Inspire Future Champions
Neeraj Chopra’s journey has made him one of India’s most recognisable sporting figures. His success in javelin throw has inspired a new generation of athletes, and his involvement in grassroots sport could extend that influence to even younger children.
Through the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup, children will have the opportunity to participate in sporting activities while learning from an athlete who has reached the highest levels of international competition.
Chopra has expressed his desire to share his experiences with children, teachers and schools. His message is centred on encouraging more children to play sports and creating opportunities for future champions to emerge.
1 Million Children Is the Next Big Target
The target of reaching one million children represents the next major milestone for the Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup.
Starting from more than 250,000 children across 2,500-plus schools, the programme now has an opportunity to expand its reach considerably.
Its combination of school participation, inclusive competition and an emphasis on enjoyment could help attract more children to athletics and other sporting activities.
The involvement of Chopra as Co-owner is expected to strengthen the programme’s identity and help communicate its message to a wider audience.
A New Chapter for Grassroots Athletics
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup is entering an important new chapter with Chopra moving from ambassador to Co-owner.
With more than 250,000 children already engaged, nearly half of participants being girls and an ambitious target of reaching one million children, the programme has established clear goals for its future.
Its broader objective extends beyond producing elite athletes. By encouraging children to play, compete and remain physically active, the initiative aims to contribute to India’s long-term sporting culture.
Neeraj Chopra’s involvement brings additional experience and inspiration to that mission. As the programme expands to more schools and communities, the focus will remain on making sports fun, inclusive and accessible to every child.
The Neeraj Chopra UBS Athletics Kids Cup therefore represents a significant step toward bringing more young Indians closer to sport while creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes to discover their potential.
About The Author
