On 28th February 2026, the Tau Devi Lal Stadium hosted the 9th edition of Khel Yatra, an inter-school track and field event aimed at children from underprivileged backgrounds. Organised by Grade 11 student volunteers from the American Embassy School – Anya Ramani, Diya Shrivastava, Tej Singh, and Tejasva Pandey – the event offers a rare platform for young athletes who otherwise have limited access to organised sports.
Since its launch in April 2017, Khel Yatra has grown significantly. From 175 children representing 15 schools, this year saw 228 athletes from 17 NGO schools, including Udayan Care, The Happy School, and Salam Balak Trust, participate. Beyond a day of races, the event functions as a talent identification hub, bridging slum-dwelling youth with professional athletics. Notable alumni include Hasibor Sheikh (Naya Savera) and Suman Mohapatra (Divine Youth Foundation), both scouted during previous editions for state and district-level teams. Organisers continue to support promising athletes with stadium practice sessions and professional coaching.
The official schedule ran from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, featuring 100m, 200m, and 400m races, 4x100m relays, and long jump events for boys and girls across U12, U14, U16, and U18 divisions. Every detail, from event t-shirts to nutritious meals, was provided through student-led fundraisers and donations, ensuring a professional and supportive environment for all 250 participating athletes.
“Through these races, we want children to channel their energy into healthy competition and proudly display their skills,” said Anya Ramani, lead organiser. “For many, this is a rare chance to step away from daily challenges and enjoy sport. Our goal is to show them that athletics fosters personal growth and healthy living.”
Educators working with the participants echoed this sentiment. “Khel Yatra is a significant learning opportunity,” shared Bharti and Kalpana Joshi from Spreading Smiles Gyan Kendra, Nathupur. “Children who win races take medals home proudly. Visiting a large stadium and competing is an unforgettable experience, made possible only by Khel Yatra.”
Managed under Jyoti Yatra, a registered non-profit, Khel Yatra continues to uncover hidden talent, promote physical excellence, and bring joy to children living in challenging conditions, while inspiring them to pursue their dreams through sport.
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