A collaborative effort between New Zealand and STAIRS Foundation begins with a unique community sports initiative, focusing on empowering young athletes through grassroots engagement
In a landmark step towards strengthening youth and community development through sports, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, participated in a unique initiative led by the STAIRS Foundation, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration to strengthen grassroots sports in India.
To symbolise this shared vision, STAIRS Foundation, in association with the New Zealand High Commission, organised a street cricket match in New Delhi. The match featured Prime Minister Luxon and Indian cricket icon Sir Kapil Dev as team captains, showcasing the unifying and transformative role of sports in community building.
The event was graced by the presence of:
- H.E. Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India
- Mr Ross Taylor, Former New Zealand Cricketer
- Mr Ajaz Patel, New Zealand International Cricketer
- Mr Siddhartha Upadhyay, Founder and President, STAIRS Foundation
The day began with the ceremonial unveiling of the event T-shirt, followed by a coin toss and an engaging match that celebrated participation, sportsmanship, and the spirit of inclusion.
This collaboration reflects a joint commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through:
Structured training programs at the grassroots level
Development of community sports infrastructure
Scholarships and mentorship for emerging talent
Cross-cultural sports exchange and learning opportunities
Through this initiative, STAIRS Foundation and its partners aim to inspire and enable youth by creating sustainable platforms for growth, learning, and leadership—using sports as a tool for meaningful change.
