MUMBAI: Game, set, match! Sanand is playing for keeps. Khele Sanand, Gujarat’s buzzing grassroots sports movement, is back for season 3, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brimming with community pride.
Launched with fanfare at Sanskardham campus, the Vijayi Bharat foundation’s flagship league was inaugurated by international kho kho stars Pratik Waikar and Nirmala Bhati. What began in 2023 with just 2,500 students has now surged into a powerhouse involving over 7,000 young athletes from more than 120 schools.
The numbers tell the story of its rise: a 400 per cent jump in girls’ participation in kho kho, a 39 per cent spike in team registrations, and the involvement of 150 volunteers handling everything from refereeing to hospitality. Backing from 20 village sarpanchs and local businesses has stitched together a genuine community effort, making Khele Sanand much more than a sports league, it’s a movement.
“This is not just a league, it’s a platform that instils teamwork, discipline and resilience,” said Bhati, calling the initiative a bridge between raw talent and bigger opportunities. Waikar agreed and added, “Khele Sanand nurtures ambition and builds belief. It’s giving rural and urban youth alike a chance to compete in a structured, professional environment.”
Season 3 raises the stakes with new venues, expanded formats and enhanced coaching, running through to April 2026. The finale promises not only medals and trophies, but also a celebration of resilience, teamwork and the spirit of participation.
With each season, Khele Sanand proves that sport isn’t just about winning games, it’s about winning communities.