India’s premier not-for-profit organisation in broadbasing of sports at grassroots —STAIRS (Society for Transformation, Inclusion and Recognition through Sports) Foundation has today announced the joining of Shri Ajit M Sharan, Former Sports Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports [MYAS] as its Chairman of the Board.

Shri Ajit M Sharan contribution to the development of sports and sports entrepreneurship in his previous roles has been a game-changer. He’s a supporter of the role of the non-profit model in the development of sports taking advantage of CSR competencies of corporate houses.

Shri Ajit M Sharan Chairman, Board, Stairs Foundation, said “Sports is today at an inflection point and has great growth potential. In the sports ecosystem of the country, STAIRS Foundation is one organisation that helps in nurturing and honing talent thus helping in realising the potential of youth and children. There’s a need for a concerted effort, not only by the government but by society at large. In the years to come STAIRS Foundation will play a big role in creating the right ecosystem to hone talent and realise India’s sporting potential and I am excited to join as its chairman of board. I look forward to working closely with the team and continuing to contribute in my own small way.”

Welcoming Shri Sharan, Siddhartha Upadhyay, Member of the Governing Body of Sports Authority of India and Founder of STAIRS, said “STAIRS Foundation is committed to make India a sporting nucleus in the world. Sports is one of the most potent ways to engage society productively and the best way to hone talent. STAIRS have been for many years, providing the necessary support, infrastructure and encouragement to underprivileged youth and children to play a sport of their choice. We are happy to announce the association of Shri Ajit M Sharan with STAIRS, whose experience and expertise will guide us towards achieving our vision as we set forward on some path-breaking programs which will be announced soon.

Stairs has won the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar in 2016 and recognized as NSPO by government in 2019 amongst other accolades and recognition it has won.

About STAIRS

STAIRS is a Delhi based not-for-profit, non-governmental organization which aims to empower the underprivileged youth and children of India. STAIRS Foundation is committed to providing opportunities to the young Indians to hone their talent, productive outlet to their energies and, in the process, a life of dignity. Since 2000, STAIRS have been nurturing and encouraging talented sportsmen at the bottom of the income pyramid, not only to do justice to their inherent potential, but also to secure means of livelihood and respectable careers in sports. STAIRS also conducts educational and health programmes to ensure a healthy life of dignity and equality to all, irrespective of their caste, creed or gender. STAIRS runs more than 400 centres spread across seven states of India.

STAIRS Foundation have also been recognized in the past for its efforts.

• Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2016
• SPORTS COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR 2016
• Steering Committee under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
• Best NGO for Promoting Sports in India
• Foundation Level- GuideStar India Transparency Key- 2016
• STAIRS Foundation recognized as NSPO by government- 2019