Project Nanhi Kali: Empowering Girls Through Education and Sport
Recognition and Impact
Project Nanhi Kali recently received the distinguished Sports for Social Good award at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026. This recognition underscores its significant efforts to uplift girls from underserved communities in India through a combination of education and sports initiatives. The award was presented to key representatives of the project, including Sheetal Mehta, Trustee and Executive Director of K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, along with Swati Srivastava and Farida Balsara, at a ceremony hosted by prominent figures from the sports and media sectors.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Since its inception in 1996, Project Nanhi Kali has devoted itself to empowering over 870,000 girls across 15 states in India, with a primary focus on those studying in government schools. The program’s reach has expanded significantly, spreading to various regions including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. This extensive geographical coverage ensures that the initiative addresses the educational needs of girls in often overlooked areas.
Incorporating Sports into Education
In 2018, Project Nanhi Kali took a transformative step by launching the Sports for Life programme, which has become a vital segment of its mission. A grassroots initiative, Sports for Life aims to promote fitness, confidence, and leadership among young girls through multi-sport engagement. In the fiscal year 2025 alone, the program involved approximately 94,000 girls, successfully forming over 1,000 football teams with more than 18,000 participants. This substantial engagement highlights the project’s commitment to fostering not just physical fitness, but also teamwork and leadership skills.
Committed to Inclusivity
The initiative extends its focus to Tribal Welfare Ashram Schools, especially in the ASR district of Andhra Pradesh. Here, Project Nanhi Kali encourages regular sports participation for students in Classes 6 to 9, ensuring inclusivity and access for marginalized communities. By providing these opportunities, the program contributes to holistic development, combining both educational and physical growth.
Training Future Leaders
A standout element of the Sports for Life programme is its dedication to developing women leaders in the field of sports. Through its comprehensive training structure, Project Nanhi Kali has successfully trained 130 women as AIFF E-level coaches, five women as AIFF D-level coaches, and six as AIFF Level 8 referees. This focus not only empowers women in coaching roles but also sets a precedent for future generations, dismantling gender barriers in sports.
Community and Leadership Development
The merging of sport, education, and community leadership demonstrates the initiative’s transformative potential. By engaging girls actively in sports while ensuring they continue to pursue their education, Project Nanhi Kali is helping to pave the way for new opportunities. This dual approach fosters resilience, confidence, and a sense of community among participants, who can emerge as role models for others in their communities.
Broader Recognition
The 2026 Sportstar Aces Awards celebrated not only the achievements of Project Nanhi Kali but also highlighted the importance of such initiatives in driving social change. Sponsored by notable brands like Amul and supported by institutions such as SRM Institute of Science and Technology, the event underscored the collective effort of various organizations dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through sports and education.
By strategically combining these elements, Project Nanhi Kali continues to lead the charge in advancing opportunities for girls across India, demonstrating how grassroots programs can inspire real change and empower future generations.