From Grassroots to Glory: Shivam Thakur’s SGADF Mission Materializes with 165-Medal Win in Nepal

The championship, conducted by SGADF and strongly supported by the Nepal Sports Council, was a vibrant celebration of international sportsmanship. The event was made possible by key sponsors zero7, KheloGram, and the Shivam Thakur Foundation, all of which share a unified vision of fostering youth talent.

The 185-strong Indian team competed with inspiring ferocity and skill across a diverse range of disciplines, including Silambam, Football, Handball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Judo, Karate, Boxing, Athletics, and Shooting. The breadth of this participation highlights SGADF's holistic approach to sports development, nurturing talent in traditional and Olympic sports alike. In a special recognition of the strength of SGADF's national network, the Tamil Nadu SGADF contingent was awarded the overall championship within the Indian team, showcasing the remarkable quality of athletes emerging from every corner of the nation.

What is the School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF)? A New Ecosystem for Sport.

For India to become a sporting nation, victory cannot be a matter of chance; it must be the result of a system. This is the core philosophy of the School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF). SGADF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization meticulously designed to build India's sporting future from the ground up.

Its mission is to create a robust and reliable pathway for young students, identifying raw talent in schools and nurturing it through a structured calendar of block-level, district, state, national, and international competitions. SGADF bridges the critical gap that has long existed between school sports and the professional athletic world.

What truly separates SGADF and validates the prestige of this championship is its formidable international recognition. SGADF is a proud member of TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All), IAKS (International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities), and ICSSPE (International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education).

These are not just acronyms; they are a direct and powerful link to the global sporting community. All three of these prestigious bodies are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This affiliation means that every event SGADF conducts, including the Indo-Nepal Championship, adheres to the highest global standards of fair play, development, and sports ethics. It ensures that an athlete's performance is measured against a credible, internationally-benchmarked standard.

The Visionary Behind the Movement: Mr. Shivam Thakur

The championship was graced by the presence of SGADF's founder, Mr. Shivam Thakur, who attended as the Chief Guest. Mr. Thakur is not just an administrator; he is an athlete in his own right-a country pistol shooter for the India Team. He understands the sacrifice, focus, and relentless dedication that sport demands. His presence on the field, interacting with the young athletes, was not ceremonial but deeply personal. It was a mentor, a national-level shooter, and a leader inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

Mr. Thakur’s guiding philosophy is encapsulated in a simple but profound question he constantly asks: "How will India become a sports country?"

His answer is SGADF. His vision is to fundamentally shift the Indian mindset, to build a culture where sports are not just a hobby but a respected and viable career path. He is creating an ecosystem where a child's talent is identified early, nurtured professionally, and rewarded meaningfully. His work is a quiet revolution, building the framework for a future where India doesn't just participate in the Olympics but dominates.

More Than a Medal: A Secure Future for India's Athletes

The most profound impact of SGADF's work is the tangible, life-changing value it provides to its athletes. In a nation where a secure future is paramount, SGADF ensures that an athlete's dedication pays real-world dividends.

The SGADF international certificate awarded at this championship is one of the most powerful documents a young athlete can possess.

Sports Quota Jobs: This certificate is a golden key, holding significant value for sports quota jobs in India at the international level. It empowers athletes to secure stable, respected careers in government departments, public sector units, and armed forces, honoring their talent with long-term security.

Sports Quota Admissions: The SGADF certificate has become a recognized benchmark for academic institutions. In the last year alone, over 258 students have successfully used their SGADF credentials for sports quota admissions into premier universities and colleges, allowing them to pursue higher education without abandoning their athletic careers.

Government Recognition and Scholarships: Athletes who excel at SGADF's internationally recognized events become eligible for scholarships provided by the Indian government, removing the financial barriers that so often stifle talent.

Official Documentation (Form-1): SGADF diligently provided Form-1 documentation for participants in this championship, ensuring their performance is officially recorded and recognized by national federations and bodies-a critical step in navigating India's sports bureaucracy.

International Diploma: As a mark of the event's bilateral prestige, the Nepal Sports Council also provided a special International Sports Diploma for merit participation, further strengthening the athlete's portfolio.

The Journey Continues: From Pokhara to the World Stage

For the 165 medalists, this victory is not an end, but a beginning. SGADF has a clear ladder of progression. The foundation announced that all medalists from the Indo-Nepal Championship are now qualified for the SGADF Asian Championship, with upcoming events scheduled in global hubs like Dubai, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Living up to its promise to "always support athletes," SGADF also made a game-changing announcement: it will provide 40% sponsorship for all merit athletes to take part in the upcoming SGADF Asian and World Championships. This commitment ensures that financial constraints will not stop India's best talent from competing on the world stage.

This championship was a clear signal to every young Indian with a dream and to every parent hesitant to support that dream. The message is clear: The era of sports being a mere hobby is over. The School Games and Activity Development Foundation, under the visionary leadership of Shivam Thakur, is building a new, secure, and glorious highway for India's champions.

The call to action from Pokhara resounds across India: "Come and show your talent." SGADF is ready to take you to the world.

About School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF)

The School Games and Activity Development Foundation (SGADF) is a premier non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and promoting sports talent from the grassroots level. Registered under the Indian Government Act 1882 and NITI Aayog, SGADF is internationally affiliated with TAFISA, IAKS, and ICSSPE, all recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). SGADF's mission is to run a sustainable sports development program that provides a clear pathway for school-level athletes to achieve national and international recognition, ensuring sports becomes a viable and celebrated career in India.

About Shivam Thakur Foundation

The Shivam Thakur Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to youth development and social upliftment. Founded by national-level shooter Shivam Thakur, the foundation actively supports initiatives in sports, education, and health, with a core focus on empowering young individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to nation-building.

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