In an email interview with SME Times, Ritwik Bahuguna, Founder of Roots Foundation, said that they are playing a key role to empower underprivileged youth through sports.

Excerpts of the interview…

1. Can you tell us about the origins of the Roots Foundation and what inspired you to focus on sports as a means of community development?

Ritwik Bahuguna: The Roots Foundation was established with a vision to empower underprivileged youth through sports. We believe sports can teach invaluable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience while promoting physical and mental well-being. The inspiration came from observing the transformative power of sports in fostering community spirit and providing a pathway for young individuals to achieve their full potential.

2. How does the Roots Foundation identify and select talented children from underprivileged backgrounds for your sports programs?

Ritwik Bahuguna: We identify talented children through our grassroots initiatives like the Sports Lab program, School Sports Program and Utkarsh: Centre of Excellence for Sports. These programs operate in government schools, introducing basic fitness and sports culture. Talented children are scouted through systematic trials and assessments, ensuring that those with potential receive the necessary support and resources to excel.

3. Could you explain the role of the your program team in delivering infrastructure and coaching to rural children? What sports do you currently focus on?

Ritwik Bahuguna: Our program team plays a crucial role in providing top-notch infrastructure and coaching. We focus on various sports, including cricket, athletics, hockey, football, boxing, and handball. The team also overlooks if specialised coaching and mentorship is being provided to the students, to nurture the skills of young athletes.

4. How do you ensure that the children you support receive not just training but also the necessary fitness and nutrition to excel in their chosen sports?

Ritwik Bahuguna: We provide a holistic development program that includes personalized coaching, fitness training, and nutritional support. Our programs ensure that children receive balanced diets tailored to their specific athletic needs. Additionally, we educate both athletes and their families on the importance of nutrition and fitness in sports.

5. The Foundation has produced some remarkable athletes who have achieved national and international recognition. Could you share the journey of three or four athletes and how the Roots Foundation played a role in their success?

Ritwik Bahuguna: One of our success stories is Neha from the Sports Lab program, who recently won gold at the South Asian Championship Games. Another is Manjil, selected to represent India in handball at the FISU World University Handball Championship in Spain. These athletes were scouted through our programs, received personalized coaching, and had access to essential facilities.

6. Project Sports Lab seems to be a key initiative. Could you provide more details on what this project entails and its impact on the communities you serve?

Ritwik Bahuguna: The Sports Lab Program is a grassroots sports development initiative launched in 2022. It targets underprivileged children in government schools in Punjab and Haryana, focusing on enhancing physical fitness and instilling a sports culture. The program offers training in various sports and has impacted over 7,000 beneficiaries. It also identifies and nurtures sports talents, some of whom have achieved national and international recognition.

7. How does the Vision Football Academy in Gurugram operate, and what are some of the success stories from this initiative?

Ritwik Bahuguna: This dedicated football academy in Gurugram operates by providing structured training sessions, expert coaching, and competitive opportunities. One of the success stories is the team’s impressive performance in local, national and international leagues and tournaments, which has helped several players gain recognition and opportunities to advance their careers.

8- Beyond physical activity, how does participating in sports programs impact the overall development and well-being of the children involved?

Ritwik Bahuguna: Participating in sports programs significantly impacts children's overall development and well-being. It enhances their physical health, promotes mental resilience, and instills values such as teamwork and discipline. These programs also provide a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for the children's holistic development.

9- What are some of the challenges the Roots Foundation faces in providing sports facilities and training in rural areas, and how do you overcome them?

Ritwik Bahuguna: One of the main challenges is the lack of infrastructure in rural areas. We overcome this by collaborating with local communities and leaders to secure land and resources. Another challenge is ensuring consistent funding, which we address through partnerships and sponsorships. Additionally, we conduct regular parent engagement sessions to build community support and understanding of the benefits of sports.

10- Looking ahead, what are the future goals of the Roots Foundation in terms of expanding your sports programs and reaching more underprivileged children?

Ritwik Bahuguna: Our future goals include expanding our programs to more regions and increasing the number of beneficiaries. We aim to enhance our talent identification processes and provide more comprehensive support, including advanced coaching, better facilities, and increased nutritional and academic assistance. Our ultimate objective is to create a sustainable model that empowers a larger number of underprivileged children to achieve their athletic and personal goals.

**The interviewee is Founder of Roots Foundation. The views, opinions and beliefs of the interviewee do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions and beliefs of SME Times.
**SME Times and the interviewer assume no responsibility or liability for any views, opinions and beliefs of the interviewee.