The STAIRS Foundation is set to host one of India’s largest gatherings focused on youth and grassroots sports — the STAIRS National Games 2025 and the Ek Bharat Ek Lakshya (EBEL) Awards 2025. The event will take place on Monday, 19 May 2025, at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
The celebration aims to highlight the power of sport in uniting communities and transforming lives. Young athletes from over 20 states will participate in the STAIRS National Games, showcasing their talent and dedication in a fair and inclusive environment. The event also includes the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards, honouring coaches, educators, volunteers, and institutions who have contributed to the grassroots sports movement in India.
The evening will feature the prestigious EBEL Awards 2025, which recognise changemakers across areas such as education, wellness, innovation, inclusion, and youth leadership. These awards aim to celebrate both Indian and international contributors who are shaping the future of youth empowerment.
Chief Guest for the event will be Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Transport, and Information Technology. Guest of Honour will be His Excellency Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner of New Zealand to India and Ambassador to Nepal. Other special guests include Shri Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board; Shri Vikram K. Porwal (IPS), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Delhi; and Shri Ajit Sharan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and current Chair of the STAIRS Foundation Advisory Board.
STAIRS Brand Ambassadors — international boxing champion Gaurav Bidhuri, actor Amit Sadh, and para-athlete Rohtash Chaudhary — will also be present, inspiring attendees through their stories and support for the cause.
Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder & President of the STAIRS Foundation, said, “We are building a scalable and sustainable model of youth empowerment. By combining sports, education, equity, and ethical leadership, we’re nurturing not just athletes but visionary citizens. The STAIRS platform is about democratising opportunity, amplifying grassroots voices, and preparing India’s youth to lead, inspire, and transform. India’s future will rise from its playgrounds.”
The event will also feature cultural and sports performances including taekwondo, jump rope, and yoga. Audiovisual showcases will highlight STAIRS’ journey and impact. Red-carpet entries and media engagements will further amplify the message of youth-first leadership in sports.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the STAIRS Foundation’s efforts aim to promote health, education, gender equality, and peace through international collaborations and partnerships with embassies, sports federations, and youth organisations.
Through this celebration, the STAIRS Foundation reaffirms its mission to build a youth-powered, sports-driven India — where every child has the opportunity to lead, grow, and unite through sport.
