15 September 2025
On 14th February 2025, we hosted the second edition of Khel Paathshala (A Flagship Conference on S4D Impact Evaluation) at IF.BE, Mumbai. What started as an idea to bring people together around the power of sport has now grown into a platform that unites voices from across the Sport for Development (S4D) sector. This year, we were proud to welcome 120 participants from over 40 organisations, supported by Innoven Capital, Upshot, and IF.BE.
Right from the start, there was an inspiring energy in the room. Ashok Rathod, OSCAR Foundation Founder, started the day off by telling us his story and reminding us that sport is more than simply a game, it is a tool that can unite, break down barriers, and provide opportunity where opportunity is most desperately needed.
During the day, we have been listening to voices that are designing the future of S4D in India. Vita Dani (Dani Sports Foundation) talked of how grassroots initiatives are breaking down gender stereotypes and developing leadership, while Aarti Mohan (Sattva Consulting) pointed out how sport is able to make a direct impact on the Sustainable Development Goals. Their messages were straightforward: partnership, collaborations, and evidence-based interventions are the way forward if we wish to produce long-term change.
The panel sessions provided us with an opportunity to go deeper. We learned about how impact evaluation needs to go beyond counting figures to measuring change, how funders are transforming into strategic allies, and how storytelling has the power to motivate and unite communities. A special session from Dream a Dream introduced us to the Life Skills Assessment Scale, a measurement tool that captures the sort of individual transformation that statistics tend to overlook.
The most significant moment of the day was Govind Rathod‘s testimony. From being a dropout and cleaner to a mentor and sports management academic, his history reminded us that sport does not only transform the lives of individuals but also lifts up communities as a whole.
The day concluded with closing remarks by OSCAR Trustee, Rajee Bhattacharyya, who emphasized the need for stronger grassroots interventions and combined efforts. It was the perfect note on which to end a day full of learning, reflection, and hope.
For OSCAR, Khel Paathshala 2025 was not merely a conference. It was a call to remember that sport holds the ability to create futures, develop leaders, and generate social change when we collaborate together.
Read the 2025 Event Summary – KHEL PAATHSHALA
The 3rd Edition of Khel Paathshala is set to return in February 2026, bringing together changemakers, innovators, and sport-for-development leaders for another powerful celebration of impact through sport.