The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have unveiled the ‘Made of Bold Sports Development Programme’, a transformative initiative designed to identify and nurture athletic talent from across India. This program aims to establish a sustainable sporting ecosystem and encourage holistic development among budding athletes.
A Vision for a Sports-Forward Nation
The initiative is part of RCB’s broader vision of building a Sports Forward Nation. According to Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of RCB, the programme seeks to create a robust sports ecosystem in India by identifying young talent, providing comprehensive support, and initiating conversations among key stakeholders in the sports industry.
“We believe that sports combined with community efforts lead to long-term benefits, not just for the athletes but also for the socio-economic growth of their communities. Through the ‘Made of Bold’ programme, we aim to bridge gaps in underserved regions using sports as a powerful medium,” said Menon.
Inclusivity and Opportunity for Athletes
RCB cricketer Shreyanka Patil expressed her excitement about the initiative, emphasizing its potential to create inclusivity and provide a much-needed platform for Indian athletes to thrive. She highlighted the importance of tapping into the immense sporting potential across India and supporting athletes and their communities.
Empowering Mundgod’s Sprinting Talent
The programme’s journey begins in Mundgod, a town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, renowned for its Siddi tribal community, which boasts exceptional sprinting talent. Inspired by Olympic legends such as Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles, these young athletes see running as more than just a sport – it is a way of life.
Through this initiative, RCB envisions Mundgod becoming India’s “sprint capital.”
Strategic Partnerships for Holistic Development
The Made of Bold Sports Development Programme has been developed in collaboration with two non-profit organizations – the GoSports Foundation and the Bridges of Sports Foundation. Together, they aim to provide a comprehensive support system for athletes, including education, training, and nutrition, while integrating the tribal community into mainstream sports.
Programme Goals and Impact
The initiative will initially focus on supporting 25 junior athletes from Mundgod, who will receive tailored training under the guidance of the Bridges of Sports Foundation. These athletes will benefit from 300 sessions designed to prepare them for state and national competitions.
In addition, over 400 children will participate in a two-tier league, with two standout performers receiving advanced training under expert coaches and therapists who have previously worked with Olympic medalists.
Speaking about the initiative, Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, said, “The life of an athlete is challenging, and having a reliable support system at every stage is essential. This partnership with RCB will give deserving athletes the opportunity to grow and excel.”
Nitish Chiniwar, Founder of Bridges of Sports Foundation, shared similar sentiments, stating that the programme’s potential to create a lasting impact on the sporting ecosystem in Karnataka and beyond is immense. He added, “With consistent support, we believe Mundgod can emerge as India’s sprinting hub.”
Leveraging Sports for Community Growth
The initiative builds on the idea that specific regions often become hotspots for certain sports, such as wrestling in Haryana and hockey in Odisha. By nurturing local talent, the programme not only aims to produce champions but also to uplift the communities they represent.
RCB also plans to initiate dialogues around the continuous development of sports in India, inspiring more stakeholders to contribute to the country’s sporting future.
Through the ‘Made of Bold Sports Development Programme,’ RCB is taking a bold step toward fostering a culture of excellence in sports, empowering athletes, and driving positive change in underserved communities.
