Chennai Hosts the 7th Edition of Sports for Change National Finals 2025
Chennai, August 04, 2025: The vibrant city of Chennai buzzed with energy as HCLFoundation, the CSR arm of the global technology giant HCLTech, kicked off the much-anticipated 7th edition of the Sports for Change (SFC) National Finals. The event took place at the esteemed Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College, drawing attention not only for its competitive spirit but also for its commitment to social change through sports.
An Unprecedented Gathering of Talented Young Athletes
This year’s SFC National Finals showcased a remarkable participation of 12,256 young athletes from all corners of India. The journey to this grand finale was no small feat, as these young talents were meticulously selected through a comprehensive process involving district, state, and zonal qualifiers. Ultimately, 758 top-performing children from 14 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, made their way to the national stage, embodying a celebration of diversity and talent.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
In an inspiring move towards inclusivity, the SFC event saw the distribution of 131 basketball wheelchairs to five state federations—namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. This initiative underscores the HCLFoundation’s unwavering commitment to making sports accessible to everyone, thereby empowering athletes with disabilities to pursue their passion and compete at various levels.
A Multifaceted Sporting Extravaganza
The 2025 edition of the Sports for Change Finals featured 45 district competitions, 9 state championships, and 3 zonal competitions. A diverse array of sports was on display, including popular team games like Football, Volleyball, and Kabaddi, alongside individual sports such as Badminton and Chess. This eclectic mix not only ensured that every athlete had a platform to showcase their skills but also highlighted the importance of teamwork, strategy, and individual excellence in sports.
Advocating for Youth Empowerment through Sports
Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Senior Vice President of Global CSR at HCLTech and Director of HCLFoundation, articulated the organization’s vision, stating that “sports have the transformative power to unlock potential and uplift young lives.” She emphasized the foundation’s commitment to bridging the access gap and advocating for every child’s right to play. By nurturing grassroots participation, the initiative aims to create an environment conducive for talent development, thereby shaping future leaders who emerge as role models within their respective communities.
A Journey of Impact
Launched in 2017, the Sports for Change initiative has already made a significant impact, reaching over 64,000 young athletes. These participants not only gain physical skills but also develop valuable life skills that prepare them for future roles in society. In the financial year 2024–25, the initiative notably supported three athletes who proudly represented India on international platforms. Furthermore, a group of eight talented girls from Delhi showcased their skills at the National Games 2025.
Pathways to Education and Employment
The Sports for Change program goes beyond just sports training. It opens doors to academic and employment opportunities for its participants. Students like Lekha Shree and Dhana Priya benefitted immensely from sports-based admission channels to prestigious institutions like Reva University, Bengaluru, eventually securing jobs with firms like Ernst & Young.
Cultivating Community Leadership
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the Sports for Change initiative is the development of community leaders. Currently, 72 former participants have transitioned into roles as community coaches, with 24 of them certified by national sports federations. This not only enriches the community but also fosters a cycle of empowerment where experienced athletes give back by nurturing the next generation of sports talent.
The Sports for Change National Finals 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the role sports can play in transforming lives and communities, fostering talent, and building a brighter future for the youth of India. With initiatives like these, the landscape of Indian sports is being reshaped to be inclusive, empowering, and forward-thinking.