Tag: #InclusiveSports

  • Signify Khel Jyoti illuminates Haryana’s sports future

    Signify Khel Jyoti illuminates Haryana’s sports future


    Signify, the world leader in lighting, has illuminated four Kabaddi and Kho-Kho training centers across rural Haryana under its flagship CSR initiative, Signify Khel Jyoti, in a move designed to transform grassroots sports development across one of India’s most sports-rich states.

    The intervention, timed ahead of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, deploys industry-leading energy-efficient LED sports lighting to extend usable training hours beyond sunset, improve athlete safety, and drive inclusive participation — particularly among women and youth.

    “Sport has the power to bring communities together and create opportunities for young talent, especially in underserved regions,” said Nikhil Gupta, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Signify, Greater India.

    “Through Signify Khel Jyoti, we are enabling access to safe and inclusive sporting spaces by improving infrastructure at the grassroots level.”

    The centers were identified through a structured selection process in partnership with JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers, prioritizing active training ecosystems, coaching support, and long-term community impact. Ground-level execution was managed by Pro Sport Development.

    Divyanshu Singh, CEO of JSW Sports and Haryana Steelers, said the initiative unlocks significant potential at the grassroots level. “In a state like Haryana, where Kabaddi is part of everyday life, extending training hours and improving safety can directly influence participation and performance,” he said.

    The newly illuminated centers have historically produced athletes who have gone on to represent India at the highest levels, including the Pro Kabaddi League. Officials report increased enrollment across age groups, with a notable early rise in girls’ participation.

    The Haryana project forms part of a broader national effort: Signify Khel Jyoti has now illuminated over 200 grassroots sports centers across India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable sports ecosystem through the power of light.

  • HCLTech champions visually impaired cricket tournament

    HCLTech champions visually impaired cricket tournament

    HCLFoundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of HCLTech, is backing the National T20 Tournament for the Visually Impaired, a breakthrough five-day event running through Feb 19 in Pune that aims to champion inclusive sports across India.

    The tournament, organized by The Poona Blind Men’s Association (PBMA) and the Blind Cricket Association (BCA), brings together eight state teams competing at Deccan Gymkhana Ground and Tembekar Ground in Padmavati.

    Teams from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Punjab are vying for elite status in the visually impaired cricket tournament, which has evolved from a state-level competition into a nationally recognized platform since its 2011 inception.

    “Since its inception in 2011, the T20 Blind Cricket Tournament has grown from a state-level competition in Pune to a nationally recognized platform, hosting multiple state, national and international events—including World Cup league matches and national team selections,” said Ravi Wagh, President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in Maharashtra.

    The event provides comprehensive support to athletes, including accommodation, meals, travel assistance, medical care, sports kits and local transport throughout the tournament.

    Rajesh Shah, President of PBMA, said the organization has consistently championed inclusive sports, providing athletes with visual impairments competitive opportunities across India.

    Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director at HCLFoundation, said the visually impaired cricket tournament reinforces the foundation’s belief in sports as a tool to expand access and unlock potential.

    “For the past decade, Sports for Change has enabled inclusive sports pathways across India, with strong focus on gender inclusion, grassroots development and elite coaching,” Pundhir said.

    HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change initiative empowers young athletes from underserved communities and has reached over 64,000 athletes, with 25 para-athletes representing India internationally. The foundation has invested nearly 20 million rupees (USD 240,000) in para sports programs.

    The tournament has previously hosted World Cup league matches and served as a selection ground for national team members.