New Delhi, 9th April 2025: Reigning Pro Kabaddi League champions Haryana Steelers have launched a sport for development (S4D) initiative titled ‘Udaan’ in partnership with Pro Sport Development
(PSD) and the Martha Farrell Foundation (MFF) to promote gender equality and empower young people, especially girls, through kabaddi for the upcoming year. This initiative underscores Haryana Steelers’ commitment to fostering women empowerment, increasing meaningful sports participation, and sensitizing communities on gender issues and discrimination.
The ‘Udaan’ initiative will be implemented by Pro Sport Development (PSD), with support from the Martha Farrell Foundation (MFF), in rural and underserved areas of Panipat, Haryana. Through kabaddi, the program aims to create an inclusive and safe environment that encourages young people, especially girls, to participate in sports, develop life skills, and challenge societal gender norms.
While Haryana has long been a powerhouse in sports, particularly in disciplines like wrestling, boxing, and kabaddi, gender disparities in participation and access still exist. ‘Udaan’ recognizes those gaps by ensuring that girls and young women are equally represented and empowered. By leveraging kabaddi, a sport deeply rooted in the culture of Haryana, the campaign aims to inspire change from within the community and contribute meaningfully.
Empowering Girls Through Sports
As part of ‘Udaan’, 160 young people – including 80 girls and 80 boys from government schools in Panipat – will be engaged in a structured kabaddi-based program. The initiative’s weekly sessions will cover kabaddi coaching, life skills development, gender sensitization, adolescent health, and child rights. In addition, participating young people will take part in mixed-gender kabaddi-based tournaments, summer camps, and community events throughout the year.
To enhance the program’s impact, PSD and MFF will also work with parents and school teachers, conducting capacity-building sessions to raise awareness on gender equality, child rights, and the role of sports in personal development.
Building Sustainable Impact
As a team, Haryana Steelers has leveraged their platform to highlight the issue of gender violence in the state, with their players and coaches leading conversations to drive awareness and instil a sense of responsibility and action. Haryana Steelers’ long-term vision is to increase the participation of young girls in sports, empower them through kabaddi, and change societal perceptions of gender roles. Over time, the program aims to expand its reach to more young people, schools, and communities, creating a holistic and sustainable model for gender equality within and through
sports.
Additionally, Haryana Steelers will provide kabaddi kits to the young people, and basic support to partner schools to ensure a smooth and effective implementation of the initiative.
Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusivity
The initiative ensures a balanced gender representation by engaging equal numbers of boys and girls. Beyond participation, ‘Udaan’ will foster awareness of gender-based discrimination and violence, educate young people on adolescent health, nutrition, and menstrual hygiene, and work towards breaking stereotypes that limit opportunities for young girls.
“At Haryana Steelers, we believe in the transformative power of sport to drive meaningful social impact,” said Divyanshu Singh, CEO of Haryana Steelers. “Through this initiative, we are not only encouraging young girls to take up kabaddi but also fostering a broader conversation around gender equality and inclusivity in sports and society, while championing change.”
Pro Sport Development’s Founder, Suheil F. Tandon, added, “Pro Sport Development is delighted to partner with Haryana Steelers and the Martha Farrell Foundation on this unique initiative in rural Haryana that will utilize kabaddi to enhance gender equality and contribute to women’s
empowerment. By working with adolescent girls and boys, this initiative will build their capacities to recognize, resist and take action in their daily lives and local communities to tackle gender-based inequalities.”
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