New Delhi : As India continues its emergence as a global sporting nation, the conversation is increasingly shifting from celebrating podium finishes to strengthening the systems that make those achievements possible. Recognising that lasting sporting success begins at the grassroots, Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation hosted a leadership engagement in New Delhi for corporate leaders, sports development experts, elite athletes and young sporting talent to explore how collective action can help build a stronger sporting ecosystem for the country.
The event brought together Intertek South Asia leaders Ankita Agarwal, Regional HR Director and Ashish Gupta, Regional CFO with Sportz Village Foundation’s Radhika Yelkur, Head of Delivery and Sandeep Rao, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Arjuna Awardee and Indian sport shooter Anjum Moudgil, along with a group of promising state and national-level athletes supported through Sports For All – a talent identification and athlete nurturance initiative launched this year by Intertek India, and implemented with the help of Sportz Village Foundation.
Sports For All seeks to identify India’s emerging young sporting talent and provide them with access to the guidance, opportunities and developmental ecosystem needed to progress towards higher levels of competition. While financial support remains important, the initiative reflects a broader philosophy – that athletes thrive when they are backed by an ecosystem that nurtures both sporting excellence and personal growth.
At the heart of the event was a panel discussion exploring how stronger collaboration between corporates, sports organisations, schools and public institutions can create more meaningful opportunities for aspiring athletes across the country.
The panel discussed several critical aspects of athlete development, including mental resilience, athlete livelihoods, access to quality coaching, sports science, the role of schools in encouraging participation and the importance of stronger public-private partnerships in expanding access to structured sporting opportunities. The conversation reinforced a shared belief that India’s sporting ambitions can only be realised through long-term collaboration across sectors, with each stakeholder playing a distinct yet interconnected role in supporting young athletes.
Delivering the keynote address, Anjum Moudgil reflected on her own journey as an elite athlete, sharing insights into the discipline, perseverance and resilience required to compete at the highest level. She emphasized that behind every successful athlete is an ecosystem of support – families, coaches, mentors, institutions and organizations – that invest consistently in an athlete’s journey, often long before success becomes visible.
“Every athlete’s journey is shaped by the support they receive long before success arrives. Initiatives like Sport For All create that foundation by giving young athletes the opportunities, guidance and belief they need to pursue their full potential.”
A significant highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official Sports For All jersey, symbolizing the shared commitment of Intertek India and Sportz Village Foundation towards creating structured development pathways for young athletes. More than a ceremonial moment, the jersey represents a collective promise to invest in potential, create opportunities and accompany athletes through every stage of their sporting journey.
Speaking on the occasion,
“At Intertek, our CSR commitment is to create sustainable social impact by empowering communities and expanding opportunities for future generations. Through Sports For All, we are proud to support India’s grassroots talent and contribute to the vision of a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive Viksit Bharat.”
– Ankita Agarwal
Regional HR Director, Intertek
“Through initiatives like Sport For All we’re working with Intertek India to build meaningful pathways that help young budding athletes access the support they need to grow, compete and succeed.”
– Radhika Yelkur
Head of Delivery, Sportz Village Foundation
As India strives to become one of the world’s leading sporting nations, the focus must extend beyond celebrating medals to strengthening the systems that identify and nurture talent from an early stage. Through its Sports For All initiative, Intertek India, in partnership with Sportz Village Foundation, is working to build stronger pathways for young athletes by expanding access to structured support, mentorship and development opportunities, while contributing to a more inclusive and resilient grassroots sporting ecosystem.