DATE
10 Jun 2025
LOCATION
In a world where grand launches and corporate sponsorships often mark the beginning of organizations, the story of the School Games & Activity Development Foundation (SGADF) is a refreshing and inspiring exception. Its roots trace back to a dusty playground, a borrowed whistle, and one young man’s relentless dream: Mr. Shivam Thakur, the visionary founder who started with nothing but belief. A Dream Born from Dust It was 2016. There were no funds, no offices, no team of professionals—only a burning desire to build a platform that would empower children and youth from all corners of India. Shivam Thakur saw what many ignored: the untapped potential of children from small towns and villages who were passionate about sports, arts, and cultural activities, but had no structured platform to showcase or nurture their talent. While many overlooked local talents because of lack of infrastructure, SGADF embraced them. It all started with simple inter-school meets organized in local fields, with handmade certificates and prizes sponsored by small shopkeepers and generous well-wishers. There were no proper sports kits or fancy gear—just raw passion, unfiltered determination, and endless energy. Rising from the Ground In those early days, chalk lines were drawn by hand to mark the race tracks. Local youth volunteered to serve water and manage participants. The “stage” was often a few stacked wooden benches with a microphone borrowed from a neighborhood DJ. Still, the impact was real. The participants, many of whom had never stepped onto a formal playing field, felt seen. They were no longer just faces in the crowd—they were champions in the making. Parents who had never imagined their children receiving medals saw their kids come home with pride in their eyes. Communities that had never hosted any formal event saw their village names printed on certificates. It was more than a sports foundation—it was a movement of hope. The First Big Step As word spread, participation grew. From 20 students in a village, the events soon welcomed hundreds across districts and states. What was once managed by a team of two became a small but passionate army of volunteers, educators, local leaders, and students. Shivam Thakur’s initiative began attracting attention—not for its size, but for its soul. People began to ask: “What is SGADF?” And the answer was always the same: It’s where potential finds its place. From Local Fields to National Arenas By 2018, SGADF organized its First Open National Championship in Noida Stadium, with over 700 participants—a monumental leap from its humble start. Each milestone wasn’t just about scale but about creating access, recognition, and pride for youth who otherwise might never have had a chance to shine. Shivam Thakur ensured that sports like kabaddi, silambam, athletics, yoga, boxing, and more were brought under one umbrella. He focused on inclusion—welcoming boys and girls, those from marginalized communities, students with disabilities, and others often overlooked. What Sets SGADF Apart? SGADF never claimed to be elite. It claimed to be for everyone. It runs without heavy government grants or corporate investment. Instead, it runs on trust, unity, and shared dreams. It provides real platforms, real opportunities, and real recognition. From ground-level events to international championships, SGADF has built a reputation for being authentic, passionate, and people-driven. The Legacy of Humble Beginnings What began with a chalk line is now writing golden chapters in the lives of young athletes across India and abroad. Today, SGADF is not just an organization—it’s a beacon of what’s possible when one person dares to dream and thousands join that dream. As Shivam Thakur often says, “We didn’t wait for facilities. We created opportunities. We didn’t wait for change. We became the change.”
