Volume 13 : Issue 13.1 (2026)

National Conference on National Sports Policy Grassroots Sport sand Talent Identification

Grassroots sports development plays a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and building a robust foundation for national and international sporting excellence. This research paper examines the conceptualization, implementation, and outcomes of the Under-11 Athletics Meet organized by the Physical Education Department of Children’s Research University, Gandhinagar. The initiative aimed at early talent identification and systematic preparation of children for competitive athletics, aligning with India's long term sporting vision, including preparation for the Olympics-2036 and the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047. The university conducted major athletic meets in 2022 (7266 registrations), 2023 (8514 registrations) at Nadiad Sports Complex, 2025 (3092 participants) at Vadodara, and 2026 (5336 participants) at Surat. With eleven athletic events and prize incentives exceeding ?11 lakh, the program demonstrated a structured grassroots model combining parental involvement, community mobilization, and institutional commitment. The study analyzes implementation strategies, participation trends, performance indicators, and long-term implications for national sports development. Findings suggest that systematic grassroots interventions significantly enhance early talent detection, physical literacy, and competitive spirit among children. The paper concludes that such initiatives form a foundational pathway toward Olympic excellence and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

Grassroots Sports, Talent Identification, Under-11 Athletics, Early Sports Development, Olympics-2036, Viksit Bharat @2047, Physical Education, Parental Involvement, Sports Policy.

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