Gandhinagar, Dec 30 (NationPress) In an era where children are increasingly absorbed in mobile devices and digital entertainment, the Children’s Research University in Gandhinagar has initiated a remarkable program to draw Gujarat’s youth back to sports, fostering their talents through a scientific methodology. The university is set to host the state-level ‘Under-11 Athletics Meet Season 4.0’ in Surat from January 9 to 12, 2026.

This event has sparked tremendous enthusiasm, with over 4,500 young athletes registering from all over the state. Dubbed a ‘Mini Khel Mahakumbh’, this gathering is not just a competition but a strategic initiative aimed at discovering and promoting Gujarat’s emerging sports talent at an early age. The meet will feature a total of 11 athletic events, awarding prize money totaling Rs 22 lakh to 1,056 winners.

Moreover, victorious athletes will gain a direct pathway to enroll in the District Level Sports School (DLSS) administered by the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), a move anticipated to be transformative for their athletic journeys.

The competition will take place at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University in Surat and will have distinct categories for both boys and girls in the Under-9 and Under-11 age divisions. Events will include the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints, hurdles, tennis ball throw, medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, long jump, high jump, and javelin throw.

Organizers emphasized that sports extend beyond mere physical activity; they are vital for a child’s mental growth and character development.

By fostering sports skills through a scientific framework, they aim to help children achieve physical fitness, mental toughness, and readiness for future challenges. Over the past decade, Gujarat has developed a robust and modern sports infrastructure, establishing itself as one of India’s leading states in sports development.

The state boasts world-class facilities like the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest cricket stadium globally, along with international-quality venues for football, athletics, swimming, and various indoor sports.

With initiatives such as the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, district-level sports complexes, and a comprehensive network of District Level Sports Schools (DLSS), Gujarat is committed to providing access to top-tier training facilities from the grassroots level.

Consistent investment in stadiums, synthetic tracks, hostels, sports science support, and talent identification programs under the Sports Authority of Gujarat has been instrumental in nurturing young athletes, while successfully hosting both national and international events, showcasing the state’s dedication to sports excellence and athlete-focused development.