STAIRS Foundation (Society For Transformation, Inclusion and Recognition through Sports) has been recognised as National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, for promoting sports at the grassroots and community level.

Expressing happiness over receiving the recognition as NSPO, Mr. Siddhartha Upadhyay, member, Governing Body — Sports Authority of India and Founder & Secretary General of STAIRS, said We are tankful to Govt of India for this recognition.“We are committed towards recognising and promoting sports talent in the country. It is immensely heart-warming to see that your efforts are appreciated and recognised. Government of India has shown continuous confidence in us by not only recognising our efforts but honouring us with the most coveted award the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2016; making STAIRS a part of Sports Authority of India (SAI),apex sports development and governing body of the country. The NSPO recognition to STAIRS Foundation by the government of India reiterates the efforts made by STAIRS towards creating opportunities for young children at the grassroots level across the country. India is on a growth trajectory and is on its way to become the strongest economies in the world. And this recognition places the onus on our shoulders to optimally contribute towards India’s growth story through sports development and youth empowerment”.

In line with its grassroots approach, STAIRS School Football League (SSFL) was conceptualised in 2012 and launched in 2014to promote football at grassroots level and reach out to the youth-base in Indian schools to facilitate an organised talent identification program and economy.

STAIRS was the first organization in the country to introduce the concept of grassroots sports development with the launch of its program Khelo India in 2001. Khelo India was a sports initiative that acknowledged ever child’s right to play. It was designed especially for underprivileged youth with the aim to provide them free access to sports equipment, infrastructure and space. The program was divided into Khelo Dilli, Khelo Haryana, Khelo UP, Khelo Himachal, Khelo Jharkhand, Khelo Odisha.

STAIRS was the first organization in the country to initiate state-based sports development program which was started in Himachal Pradesh as Khelo Mahaotsav where a number of talented youth participated.