New Delhi, May 12, 2025: STAIRS Foundation, (The Society for Transformation, Inclusion, and Recognition through Sports), a National Sports Promotion Organization recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, will host the inaugural EBEL (Ek Bharat Ek Lakshya) Awards and the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards on May 19, 2025 at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.
The EBEL Awards aim to celebrate visionary individuals and institutions that are driving positive change in youth development through sports, education, leadership, and inclusion. In parallel, the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards recognise grassroots contributors—including educators, coaches, and volunteers—who have actively championed STAIRS’ mission at the community level.
David Forde, former Republic of Ireland footballer, will be present at the event to show his support for STAIRS initiatives. The event will also bring together a wide range of changemakers, including youth leaders, educators, coaches, volunteers, and development professionals dedicated to fostering positive societal change. Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder and President of STAIRS Foundation, and Former Governing Council member – Sports Authority of India, stated, “The EBEL Awards 2025 and the STAIRS National Sports Excellence Awards 2025 are two significant initiatives that celebrate the spirit of inclusion, ethical leadership, and innovation in youth and sports. At a time when global challenges test the resilience of communities, these awards serve as a platform of hope and a testament to the transformative power of sports. They honour those who are building the future from the grassroots level and inspire emerging leaders to envision a stronger, more unified nation. Through this recognition, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the philosophy of ‘Ek Bharat, Ek Lakshya’—One India, One Goal.”
The evening will also include inspirational stories and reflections from award recipients whose journeys embody resilience, service, and innovation.
The Second STAIRS Youth National Games and the First STAIRS School Games have also been scheduled from May 19 to May 22, 2025, at New Delhi. The National Championship will include 4000 + gold and silver medalists selected from 20 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
The medalists have been selected from over 400 District games spread across 15 sports disciplines, conducted by our 2,500 coordinators/Coaches in 20 states and union territories. These talented individuals, aged 8 to 19, will be accompanied by 200 coaches, 300 officials, and 150 volunteers. STAIRS is at the forefront of grassroots sports development across India, positively impacting over 25,000,000 lives. With a presence in 26 states and 500-plus districts and a network of 2500 coaches and volunteers, STAIRS is committed to advancing sports, education, health, and skill development for children throughout India.
