GAIL (India) Limited has launched a grassroots athletics program ‘GAIL-Indian Speedstar’ on the 22nd of March, 2016 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. This initiative is aimed at unearthing young talent across the length and breadth of India.
This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by GAIL, is being executed by NYCS pan-India in the age group of 11-17 in 100, 200 and 800 metres track events, to identify, select and nurture the hidden talent in athletes. NYCS has tied up with Anglian Medal Hunt Company as its technical partner. This program aims to create a pool of athletes with potential and spark which will possibly bring honor for India in track events at the highest echelon of sporting events – the Olympics 2020/2024.
Legendary athlete P.T. Usha launched the initiative alongside the organizers Dr Ashutosh Karnatak, Director (Projects), GAIL (India) Ltd, Rajesh Pande – President, National Yuva Cooperative Society Ltd (NYCS) and Maneesh Bahuguna- CEO, Anglian Medal Hunt Company.
A panel of eminent sportspersons like P.T Usha, Rachita Mistry, Anuradha Biswal and Kavita Raut have been appointed in the selection committee to support selections and guide coaching camps. As members of the selection committee their role would include creating the selection criteria or the GAIL-Indian Speedstar program, and developing the training plan and module for the selected athletes at the National Level.
District trials were conducted under the watchful eyes of coaches and selectors, appointed by the selection committee. The selection of the athletes was based on talent identification and selection criteria set by the selection committee.
Sindhu Palakkad embracing Kerala State TrialsA runner must run with dreams in his heart. Because GAIL #IndianSpeedstar is making those dreams come true. Sindhu Palakkad, State Representative, NYCS, struck by the strength, optimism and connectedness expresses her boundless joy and gratitude towards this initiative, for giving young children this opportunity to participate. #GAILRaftaar
Posted by GAIL Indian Speedstar on Thursday, April 14, 2016
Earlier this year, initial trials were conducted at 55 districts across 10 states in which more than 25,000 children participated out of which 850 children made it to the State level.
The first state camp and trial was organised on February 27 and 28 at Sawai Maan Singh Stadium in Jaipur where 60 boys and girls participated out of which four qualified for the next level. The state trials were held in Odisha (14 Selected), Delhi (28 Selected), Kerala (28 Selected) and Jharkhand (4 Selected) followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat in the last week of April.
Treasa sharing her winning momentIt’s not the will to win that matters—everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. Treasa sharing her winning moment & her future plans for Tokyo Olympics. #IndianSpeedstar #GAILRaftaar
Posted by GAIL Indian Speedstar on Monday, April 18, 2016
The shortlisted children from the State trials will then participate in the National camp and selection which is scheduled to be held in May 2016 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
Participants at Kerala State TrailsToday they are doing what others won’t, so tomorrow they can accomplish what others can’t. Watch what our Future athletes want to say about their dreams at GAIL #IndiaSpeedstar #GAILRaftaar
Posted by GAIL Indian Speedstar on Saturday, April 16, 2016
Shortlisted athletes from state trials will attend an intensive national level camp. At the conclusion of the coaching camp, final trials will be held. Winners will be selected based on the qualification criteria and their potential. The winners will be given extensive training throughout the year. The top 9 athletes will then be provided with a world class coaching for over a period of 5 years with an ultimate objective of one of these athletes to represent India at the Olympics.
Dutee Chand, brand ambassador of Indian Speedstar, created a new national record of 11.33 sec in the 100m event at the Senior Federations Cup National Athletics Championships in New Delhi on 28th April, 2016. She missed out on qualifying for the Olympics by 0.01 sec.
For more information on Gail-Indian Speedstar please visit http://www.gailindianspeedstar.org