December 19, 2024: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has officially launched the ‘Made of Bold Sports Development Programme’, marking a significant step towards fostering athletic talent across India, especially in underserved regions. The initiative aims to unearth and nurture future champions by identifying talent, providing comprehensive support, and creating an inclusive sporting ecosystem in the country.
RCB’s Made of Bold initiative is aligned with the broader vision of creating a Sports Forward Nation—a concept designed to build a sustainable and robust sporting ecosystem in India. Rajesh Menon, Vice President and Head of RCB, expressed that the program aims to bridge gaps in sports development, particularly focusing on underserved communities and empowering them through sports. Menon emphasized the socio-economic impact this program would have on local communities, stating that it is not just about finding and developing athletic talent, but also about uplifting the communities involved.
Shreyanka Patil, RCB’s ace cricketer, also shared her enthusiasm, highlighting how the initiative is crucial for building inclusivity and offering athletes and communities a platform to thrive. She pointed out India’s vast untapped sporting potential and believes that the Made of Bold program is a positive step toward uncovering and nurturing this talent.
The Made of Bold Sports Development Programme takes its first step in Mundgod, a small town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The region, particularly known for its Siddi community, boasts a high density of sprinting talent. The children in this community idolize Olympic sprinters like Usain Bolt and Noah Lyles, and running has become more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. The programme is set to make Mundgod India’s future “sprint capital,” providing athletes with the resources they need to excel on the national and international stage.
In partnership with GoSports Foundation and Bridges of Sports Foundation, the Made of Bold initiative is designed to offer holistic support to athletes, including training, education, and nutrition. The program will focus on nurturing 25 junior athletes from the region, initially engaging over 400 children through a 2-tier league.
The top 25 performers will benefit from 300 training sessions, preparing them for state and national competitions. Additionally, two exceptional athletes will receive advanced training under top coaches and therapists who have worked with Olympic medallists. This performance program, led by the Bridges of Sports Foundation in the UK, is aimed at refining the athletes’ skills and improving their chances of success on the international stage.
Key figures from the supporting organizations expressed their excitement about the initiative:
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of the GoSports Foundation, emphasized the importance of creating bankable support systems for athletes at all levels to help them succeed. She expressed confidence that the program would offer deserving athletes a platform to grow and shine.
Nitish Chiniwar, Founder of the Bridges of Sports Foundation, noted that the program is designed to have a long-lasting impact on the sporting ecosystem in Karnataka and beyond. He shared his belief that Mundgod could become the “Sprint Capital” of India, similar to the renowned talent hubs of Haryana for wrestling or Odisha for hockey.
The Made of Bold initiative highlights the role of sports in community development. By focusing on specific talent hotspots like Mundgod, the program not only identifies and nurtures talent but also helps build the communities from which these athletes come. It underlines the power of sports as a tool for social change, contributing to local development and bringing long-term rewards for the communities involved.
RCB’s vision for the Made of Bold Sports Development Programme extends beyond just talent identification. The franchise plans to continue curating conversations around sports development, encouraging more stakeholders to contribute to the growth of sports in India. By initiating dialogue and building partnerships, RCB hopes to inspire a broader commitment to nurturing talent across the country and creating a more inclusive sporting culture.
The RCB Made of Bold Sports Development Programme is a promising initiative that combines sports excellence with community empowerment. By focusing on nurturing talent from underserved regions like Mundgod, RCB is playing a vital role in shaping the future of Indian sports. This holistic program, with its emphasis on mentorship, training, education, and community development, has the potential to create champions who will not only excel in their respective sports but also make a lasting impact on the wider community.
