PSD marked a decade of achievements with its anniversary celebrations in Delhi on September 30, 2023.
Pro Sport Development (PSD) recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 10 years of utilizing the power of sport for positive change. To commemorate this landmark moment, the organization extended its celebratory spirit from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi with another vibrant ‘Khel Mela’ on September 30, 2023.
The festivities in New Delhi were a testament to the enduring success of PSD, drawing in 91 participants, including key stakeholders such as youth leaders, partner organizations, and supporters, among others. These individuals have played pivotal roles in contributing to PSD’s impactful initiatives over the years.
With a predominantly adult audience, the Khel Mela, inspired by traditional fairs, aimed to offer a nostalgic escape, allowing participants to reconnect with the joys of childhood and engage in sporting activities — an indulgence often sacrificed due to the hustle of daily life. As envisioned, attendees immersed themselves in fun and innovative games involving football, basketball, and table tennis, fostering an environment of enjoyment and camaraderie.
Linu Rachel Chacko, from one of PSD’s partner organizations, Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), shared her enthusiastic experience at the Khel Mela:
“Participating in the Khel Mela was truly exhilarating. Within minutes of entering, I was struck by the vibrant decorations that surrounded me, and I found myself engaging in delightful conversations with fellow attendees. It was an unforgettable experience, with a mix of captivating sights and exciting games, each with its unique names, all of which are sure to leave a lasting impression in my heart for some time to come.”
The celebration continued with the screening of a short clip narrating PSD’s impactful journey, achievements, and the countless lives touched through the transformative power of sport. PSD alumni, partner organizations, and youth leaders then took the stage to share their experiences of working and collaborating with PSD.
Anjali Kumari, from Team-Up for Transformation, one of the youth-led organizations in Seemapuri, Delhi, shared how her association with PSD has helped her learn and grow, highlighting the impact of PSD’s work on young people:
“I have attended many trainings led by PSD, and that has contributed greatly to my knowledge and capacity on the concept of sport for development. I have also had the opportunity to co-facilitate one of the workshops led by PSD, and that was quite an enriching experience. As I have now started an independent organization along with two close friends, I hope PSD continues to support us and provide us with valuable learning opportunities.”
Kaustav Bandyopadhyay, a senior team member at PRIA, reflected on the collaborative experience with PSD:
“Collaborating with PSD has consistently created an environment of mutual learning, where both organizations have gained valuable insights from each other. It has been wonderful working with PSD, especially considering that PRIA and PSD share the same set of values. It is great to see that PSD also embraces a participatory approach in its work.”
Rajita Mamgain, a former employee at PSD, spoke about her time at PSD and the impact of sport she witnessed on children and young people:
“It was through my association with PSD that I became acquainted with the concept of sport for development. And through some of the workshops that I was fortunate enough to be a part of, I witnessed the influential impact of sport on young people, especially women. I remember observing a sense of liberation and carefree spirit that girls experienced while participating in sporting activities during one of the workshops facilitated by PSD.”
To conclude the celebrations, Suheil F. Tandon, Director-Founder of PSD, expressed gratitude to all those associated with PSD’s journey over the last 10 years:
“I would like to thank all those who have been associated with PSD’s journey over the past 10 years. Starting with the young people we have worked with – some of whom started as participants and have evolved into key contributors in various roles like peer leaders and facilitators. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our partners, community schools, supporters and members of the PSD team who have been with us over the last 10 years.”
The 10-year anniversary celebration not only reflected on the past but also outlined PSD’s vision for the next decade. It reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to harnessing the power of sport and physical activity for sustainable development, showcasing the profound impact that sport can have on society. PSD looks forward to continuing its groundbreaking journey, creating lasting positive change through the medium of sport.