Roots Foundation & Hyundai Motor India Foundation is spearheading transformative initiatives in Punjab and Haryana with its innovative Sports Lab project 2024, which stands as a leading effort in enhancing the prospects of underprivileged children in the sports sector. This unique program offers extensive training, state-of-the-art equipment, and robust support to expose young talents to a wide array of sports. By aiming to elevate these athletes to international standards, Roots Foundation is committed to boosting India’s global sports stature.
Mr. Ritwik Bahuguna, the visionary Founder of Roots Foundation. His organization is dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged through innovative interventions in, Skill Development, and Community Development. Roots Foundation has garnered noteworthy success and is making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
ROOTS Foundation believes every child has the right to play. Recognizing the connection between healthy bodies and happy minds, they provide essential playing facilities in their communities. Their mission extends beyond promoting physical activity; they aim to discover and nurture exceptional grassroots sporting talent.
Among the project’s remarkable successes, former students such as Ms. Kiran Godara and Ms. Sangeeta Malik have emerged as shining examples. Ms. Godara, an Indian freestyle wrestler, achieved a bronze medal in the women’s 76kg freestyle wrestling category at the 19th Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The initiative has made a significant impact, providing over 7,000 aspiring sportspersons with a platform to realize their potential and shine on the international stage.
Kiran Godara, Indian Freestyle WrestlerBronze Medalist Asian Games 2022, Bronze Medalist Commonwealth Games 2018, Gold Medalist Commonwealth Wrestling Championships 2017 and Brand Ambassador, Project Sports lab, says, “I am Kiran Godara, a bronze medalist at the Asian Games. My journey in wrestling began in 2010. Before that, I was studying in my village with my grandfather. I was good at academics, so I initially wanted to pursue education and excel in that field. However, my grandfather encouraged me to advance in wrestling alongside my studies. It was because of him that I entered this field. Following the path he showed me, I started my career in sports. Unfortunately, he passed away four months later, but I have continued striving to fulfil the dream he had for me.
In 2011, I won a silver medal at the Junior Nationals. Following that, I was selected for the India camp. The next year, in 2012, I won a gold medal at the Junior Nationals and was selected for the Asian Championship. In my first international tournament, I secured a bronze medal, which gave me the confidence that I could win a medal on a grand stage like the Olympics.
In 2013, I suffered an injury that took me one and a half years to recover from. But I didn’t give up. After undergoing knee surgery, I made a comeback in 2015 at the Senior Nationals and won a gold medal. This victory gave me such encouragement that I was able to forget my injury. I felt that I was now fitter than ever and capable of preparing even better for the future.
From 2015 onwards, I consistently won gold medals at the Senior Nationals. In 2017, I won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship, and in 2018, I won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. In 2020, due to the pandemic, I couldn’t qualify for the Olympics. After that, I set my sights on the Asian Games and began my preparation, which led to me winning a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
I want to sincerely thank Roots Foundation and Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s Project Sports lab for supporting me during competitions, ensuring I had the necessary resources in terms of finance and equipment. Playing a dual role in the Sports lab project, I not only competed at the highest levels, like the Asian Games but also engaged with students in Government schools in Haryana and educated parents on supporting their children’s sports journey.”