The UBS Athletics Kids Cup is entering its third season with a bold ambition: to inspire one million children across the country to get active through sport. Following rapid growth in its first two years, the grassroots initiative is expanding its activities to new cities, scaling up its school-based model and systematically expanding its nationwide ‘train-the-trainers’ programme in order to embed sport within the Indian education system on a long-term basis.
It all begins with dreams. What happens when a simple idea meets the energy of India’s youth?
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup India is turning schoolyards into places where children run, jump and throw — and discover confidence, ambition and joy in movement. Built on the proven concept of Switzerland’s successful UBS Kids Cup, which has just produced the new indoor heptathlon world record holder, Simon Ehammer, organised in India by Dspowerparts and supported by UBS, the initiative has quickly evolved into one of the country’s most dynamic grassroots sports platforms.
From momentum to mission: the road to one million
After just two seasons, the initiative has already engaged hundreds of thousands of children and built a strong multi-city presence. Season 2026 now marks a shift from growth to ambition.
With a clear vision to reach one million children, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup is positioning itself as a movement — one that aims to redefine how young people in India experience sport. This milestone is not set for a single season, but as a guiding ambition for the years ahead.
A generation of Dreamers
At the heart of the new season is a powerful narrative: Dreamers.
Children who run faster than they thought they could. Who jump further than they imagined. Who discover not just sport — but belief in themselves. The initiative connects athletic activity with confidence, resilience and aspiration. Values that extend far beyond the field.
Expanding across India
The 2026 season will take place across Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chennai, with additional cities expected to join as the season progresses.
Schools remain the core platform, enabling large-scale participation through a simple, accessible competition format built around fundamental athletic movements.
Train-the-Trainers: scaling impact through educators
A key strategic focus for 2026 is the ongoing developement of the Train-the-Trainers program. By equipping sports teachers with practical tools, structured guidance and athletics know-how, the initiative ensures that impact is not limited to competition days, but becomes embedded in everyday school life.
This approach transforms the UBS Athletics Kids Cup from an event into a sustainable development model.
Part of a larger sports ecosystem
The UBS Athletics Kids Cup is designed as more than a competition. It is a grassroots foundation for a broader sports ecosystem — one that supports health, participation and long-term athletic development in India.
By focusing on the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing, the initiative creates an accessible entry point for all children, regardless of background. As demonstrated in previous seasons, participants can progress from school-level events to city finals in professional environments .
A movement taking shape
What began as a simple idea is now gaining national relevance. With increasing reach, institutional collaboration and a clear long-term vision, the UBS Athletics Kids Cup is becoming a key driver of grassroots sport in India.
Season 2026 is not just another season. It is a step towards a bigger belief:
That India’s future is shaped not only in classrooms, but on playgrounds.
And that every child deserves the chance to dream.