UBS Athletics Kids Cup Hosted Ahmedabad City Final on 12 January 2026
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup marked an important milestone in its second season by hosting the Ahmedabad City Final on 12 January 2026. The event took place at the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) Athletics Ground in Nikol, Ahmedabad
- Bilkul Online
- Ahmedabad, 12 January 2026
Launched just two months ago, the Ahmedabad pilot of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup had already sparked strong enthusiasm for grassroots athletics. Starting with 20 schools and two sports academies, the initiative engaged more than 5,000 children through school-level competitions. From these, the top 500 young athletes qualified to compete at the Ahmedabad City Final—a celebration of movement, confidence, and joy in sport.
Ahmedabad Pilot at a Glance
- 5,000 children participated in school-level competitions
- 500 finalists competed in the City Final
- Participating schools included Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, A-One Xavier’s School, Maharaja Agrasen Public School, among others
- Sports academies: Grow Academy and Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG)
At the City Final, boys and girls aged 7 to 15 competed in the core athletic disciplines of the initiative: the 60m sprint, long jump, and ball throw. The finalists experienced a professionally staged event environment reflecting the values of the UBS Athletics Kids Cup—inclusivity, participation, and all-round physical development. Winners of the Ahmedabad City Final were awarded medals, certificates, and prizes, making it a memorable highlight for participating children and schools.
With its second season, the initiative had reached over 250,000 children across five cities in India, underlining its growing national impact and relevance. From city schools to remote communities, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup gave children the opportunity to move, compete, and grow. Across the country, schools demonstrated remarkable creativity and commitment by organizing local competitions on beaches, in courtyards, or even on temporarily closed streets—showing that a passion for movement needs no perfect infrastructure, only the will to make it happen.
“The UBS Athletics Kids Cup has quickly become a powerful tool in shaping India’s sporting future,” said Daniel Schenker, CEO of Dspowerparts and co-founder of the initiative. “When over 250,000 children are already part of this movement in just our second season, one can imagine what this could mean in ten years—how many children might be inspired to become more active, self-confident, and perhaps even form the next generation of Indian champions.”
Inspiration for the next generation
Olympic champion and UBS Athletics Kids Cup ambassador Neeraj Chopra expressed pride in seeing the initiative gain momentum across India. “It was wonderful to see so many children discovering athletics in such a joyful and accessible way,” said Neeraj Chopra. “What I love about the UBS Athletics Kids Cup is that it gave every child—regardless of their background—the opportunity to play sport, challenge themselves, and dream big. These experiences can change lives and build self-confidence far beyond the sports field.”
Between 1 November and 17 January, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup hosted 14 Regional and Grand City Finals across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. These events brought together the best young athletes from hundreds of schools, competing in professional settings that celebrated effort, talent, and the joy of movement.
“It was not just about winning medals,” said Matthias Schacke, Head of UBS India Service Company. “It was about nurturing a culture where sport becomes a natural part of every child’s life—empowering them to grow stronger, healthier, and more connected to their communities. That’s how we build a better future, together.”
Event Details
Date: 12 January 2026
Venue: Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG) Athletics Ground, Nikol, Ahmedabad
