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Testimonials

Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu Retd.

Former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Services

STAIRS’ Youth National Games made a significant impact. The enthusiasm of the young players is a clear indication of the foundation’s success.

They are doing a fantastic job in creating opportunities for children to excel in sports. Their vision, aligned with the visions and aspirations of our country and youth, of becoming a global sporting power is inspiring, and I believe we will achieve it.

Sh. Praveer Ranjan (IPS)

Additional DG, CISF

I think that sports is a big medium, because it does not exist in isolation. All other spheres are related to it. So sports is a really great way to promote our economy, our industry, our culture.

I am impressed by STAIRS’ commitment to sports as a medium for personal and community development. The opportunities they provide to these children are invaluable.

Sh. Gaurav Bidhuri

International Boxer

The enthusiasm and spirit displayed by the young players at the STAIRS Youth national competitions were incredible.

STAIRS Foundation’s commitment to sports development at the grassroots level is exemplary. They are providing a platform for children to discover and nurture their talents, fostering a new generation of athletes.

Sh. Amit Sadh

Bollywood Actor

STAIRS’ focus on grassroots development is essential for empowering our youth. By providing a platform for young players, they are fostering a new generation of leaders.

The STAIRS Youth National Games showcased the immense talent and potential of our youth.

The opportunities provided are invaluable for the personal and professional growth of these children.

PT Usha

President, Indian Olympic Association | Olympian

The ultimate aim is to position India as a global sporting powerhouse and hosting future Olympic Games in 2036. The STAIRS Youth National Games perfectly aligns with this vision, offering a vital platform to showcase the potential and prowess of our young athletes.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you on the occasion of STAIRS Youth National Games.

Padma Shri Satpal Singh

Deputy Director of Education, Delhi

I wish there were initiatives like these in our days. Trust the structure and the organization to help you do your best and come out with flying colors.

​​Dr. Jasper Wieck

Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy New Delhi and Head of the Department for Economic and Global Affairs

I have learnt that STAIRS is doing a great work in the development of sports in the country and SSFL is one of the biggest and the most promising talent spotting and training platforms in India. There is no dearth of talent, as was evident in today’s training session, I believe right guidance and coaching guidance and professional coaching at a young age can help in nurturing the talent that can potentially bring laurels to the country.

Shri Ajit M Sharan

Former Secretary (Sports)Ministry of Youth Affairs and SportsGovernment of India

It’s a great initiative by Stairs. I am overwhelmed to see such great participation. We promise all possible support to this initiative.

Mr. Markus Weidner

The German Football Associations (DFB)Director for Coaching and International Relations

We had a great engagement with SSFL players and coaches at the joint training camp. I am impressed with the grassroots football talent in India and look forward to having such camps and larger association with STAIRS in future.

Shri Bhim Sain Bassi

Ex Commissioner of Police, Delhi

The movement that team Stairs has started is appreciable. It is engaging hundreds of young children and is positively channelizing their energy. At the same time, it has also become a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent.

Shri RK Jain

Group President (Corp. F & A), Uflex Ltd

Initiative like these can change the fate of football in our country. I feel more corporate should come forward and support this initiative.

Shri Vijay Goel

Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India

STAIRS is providing a golden opportunity to the young footballers in the country, and with the initiatives like STAIRS School Football, we will be able to take Indian football to great heights.

Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi

Member of Parliament,Lok Shabha

I am glad to see so many youngsters from my constituency getting an opportunity to exercise their right to play and a chance for budding footballers to showcase their talent. I wish the programme will scale and engage more children in future.

Shri Anantshree Chaturvedi

Director, Uflex, New York

We are going to change the life of children who are talented and can show their worth while playing in SSFL. We’ll leave no stone unturned to nurture a promising footballer from this league.

His Excellency Michael Steiner

German Ambassador to India

With these initiatives, India’s participation is guaranteed in the World Cup-if not in 2018, then definitely the next.

Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya

Former Sri Lankan Cricketer and Captain

I have not seen this kind of thing in Sri Lanka. It is a good thing that apart from cricket, other sports are also getting importance and India is bringing other sports to a higher level.

Shri Ashok Chaturvedi

Chairman and Managing Director Uflex Ltd

We believe that without sports, the personality development of a child would be incomplete. Our association with SSFL will help providing a complete personality package to the children.

Shri Rajiv Yadav

Secretary, Sports , Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs .Government of India

STAIRS is doing appreciable work and its engagement with so many children at the grassroots is commendable. I believe these children will bring glory to the country and grow up to be responsible citizens.

Shri Sanjay Seth

Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Government of India

I congratulate the STAIRS Foundation and its Founder & President Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay for spearheading a national movement that resonates deeply with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji — to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse.

As we chart our course toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is crucial to recognise that empowering our youth through sports is not merely an initiative—it is a national duty. The STAIRS National Games exemplify how grassroots sports can become the foundation for character, discipline, and unity in our country.

My best wishes to the entire STAIRS team and every young athlete who is becoming a part of this inspiring journey for India.

P. T. Usha

President, Indian Olympic Association | Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) | Padma Shri Awardee | Recipient, EBEL Ratna Samman

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the STAIRS Foundation and its Founder & President Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay for the successful launch of the STAIRS National Games and the EBEL Awards.

It is truly inspiring to witness thousands of children from across India being given a platform to showcase their potential. Coming from a humble background myself, I deeply value the power of opportunity—and that is exactly what STAIRS is offering through its grassroots movement.

Shri Ajit Sharan

Chair, Advisory Board, STAIRS Foundation | Former Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India

The STAIRS National Games is not just a sporting event — it is a national movement for youth empowerment.

It serves as a transformative platform that instills discipline, promotes teamwork, and drives social change at the grassroots level. I commend the unwavering dedication of Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, whose visionary leadership has shaped STAIRS into a national force for youth development.

This is the kind of long-term institution-building India needs to harness the full potential of its young population.

Shri Vijay Goel

Former Union Sports Minister | Vice Chairman, Gandhi Smriti | Recipient, EBEL Ratna Samman

I applaud Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay for his tireless efforts in building a strong grassroots sports movement through the STAIRS Foundation. His work is not only inspiring but also directly aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of transforming India into a global sporting nation.

By nurturing talent at the grassroots and empowering youth through fitness, discipline, and opportunity, STAIRS is playing a vital role in shaping India’s future. The government must find ways to support and collaborate with organisations like STAIRS to truly unlock the sporting potential of our country.

Patrick John Rata

High Commissioner of New Zealand to India

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay and the STAIRS Foundation for organising the STAIRS National Games and EBEL Awards — a significant initiative that reflects the spirit of grassroots empowerment through sports.

I am especially grateful to STAIRS for organising the special street cricket match with children during the recent visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand — a moment that beautifully captured unity, inclusion, and cultural exchange.

Sports serve as a powerful bridge to understand the potential of young people while fostering teamwork, resilience, and character. I deeply value the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to youth empowerment through meaningful, community-driven engagement.

Shri Vikram K Porwal (IPS)

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Economic Offence Wing, Delhi

I sincerely commend Siddhartha Upadhyay and the powerful vision of the STAIRS Foundation. True to its name, STAIRS is providing real steps for children to climb the ladder of success — from local playgrounds to national platforms and global arenas.

The Foundation’s dedication to nurturing grassroots talent is building a future where every child has a fair chance to shine in sports. I urge young athletes to stay focused and disciplined — because with the right mindset, even the Olympic podium is within reach.

Shri Amit Sadh

Actor | Adventurer | Youth Icon | STAIRS Brand Ambassador

STAIRS Foundation is doing truly meaningful work by reaching out to children and youth in even the farthest corners of the country. The dream of Ek Bharat Ek Lakshya is not just a slogan—it’s a mission that STAIRS is making real every day, and it’s a cause very close and personal to me.

I firmly believe that giving kids the right environment to play is the first step in shaping strong, responsible individuals. STAIRS is not just building athletes, it’s building citizens. I deeply admire the visionary leadership of Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay and his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and nation-building

Shri Rohtash Chaudhary

Guinness World Record Holder | Fitness Icon | Youth Motivator | STAIRS Brand Ambassador

It’s rare to find an organisation like STAIRS Foundation that is genuinely changing lives through sports. I’ve seen many platforms, but STAIRS stands out for its deep commitment to reaching the youth who need it the most.

STAIRS is not just about games—it’s about giving young people a chance to grow, to compete, and to transform their lives through discipline and opportunity. I’m proud to be associated with a mission that is empowering the next generation of India.

Shri Gaurav Bidhuri

Boxer | International Champion | Youth Inspiration | STAIRS Brand Ambassador

STAIRS is nurturing budding players and building the foundation for India’s future champions. With the right mentorship and opportunities, any determined athlete can rise—and STAIRS is making that possible every day across the country.

Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu (Retd.)

Former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army

STAIRS is not just a sports movement, it’s a mission to build the national character of India.

I commend STAIRS Foundation and its visionary Founder & President, Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay, for laying the groundwork for a stronger, united, and character-driven India. This initiative is fast becoming a powerful instrument for realising our Olympic dreams — sending a clear message to the world that Indians have arrived, not only in sports but in every arena of excellence.

Shri Shashi Dubey

Spiritual Life Coach | Founder, The Indian School of Natural Spiritual Sciences | Recipient, EBEL Ratna Samman

I am deeply honoured to receive the EBEL Ratna Samman. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay and the STAIRS Foundation. Their work is not just transforming sports — it is shaping lives.

Through STAIRS, young people across the country are being given a chance to grow not only as athletes but as complete, conscious individuals. This mission is close to my heart, and I am proud to be part of it.

Mr. David Forde

International Footballer | Coach | Author | EBEL Utkrisht Samman Awardee

It is a true honour to receive the EBEL Utkrisht Samman. I express my deepest gratitude to the coaches, teachers, and mentors who dedicate their lives to shaping the youth of today into leaders of tomorrow.

In my journey, I’ve discovered that transformation — both athletic and personal — begins from within. Through the power of breath, mantras, and mindfulness, we tap into our true potential. I thank STAIRS Foundation and Shri Siddhartha Upadhyay for creating a platform that empowers young minds across borders with purpose and heart.

Mr. Tahsin Zahid

CEO, Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure Sector Skill Council | Recipient, EBEL Khel Protsahan Samman

If anyone truly deserves this award, it is Siddhartha Upadhyay and the STAIRS Foundation. Their relentless work at the grassroots is not just commendable — it is transformative. I wholeheartedly acknowledge their role in building a transformative national movement in youth and sports.

I am honoured to receive the EBEL Khel Protsahan Samman. Together with visionary organisations like STAIRS, we are creating an inclusive, empowered future for Indian sports.