Overview.
In 2018, the Bansuri Foundation commemorated the birth centenary of Charanjit Rai—industrialist, parliamentarian, and former member of the All India Hockey Team—by celebrating his deep love for the sport. As a formidable forward, Rai captained the Punjab University Eleven and played alongside hockey greats like Dhyan Chand and Roop Singh. But his contributions didn’t stop at the edge of the field; he later served as President of the Bombay Hockey Association and Chairman of the Bombay region of the National Sports Club of India, working tirelessly to promote the sport. He turned to the administration of hockey, because, as he said: ‘it offered me a way of serving, in my humble way, the great sport that taught me innumerable lessons in life’.
To honor his legacy and continue his mission, the Bansuri Foundation partnered with the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society to elevate the Girls Under-17 tournament, providing young female athletes with a platform to shine and pursue their passion for hockey.
We believe that if modern India is to reach greater heights, the women of our country must have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The participation of women in sport is a significant avenue of empowerment but we also hope through our collective ideas and support, we could use this platform to inspire and empower girls to excel in whatever field they choose. Twice in the past years, the tournament has propitiously overlapped with the International Day of the Girl Child.
A Game-Changer for Young Women in Hockey.
Through a series of targeted initiatives, the tournament has evolved into a high-impact event that nurtures young talent and inspires the next generation of players:
- Talent Discovery: Scouts from Hockey India attend matches, identifying promising athletes for national training camps and potential selection for Indian teams.
- Role Models & Mentorship: Established hockey stars engage with participants, sharing experiences that inspire confidence, ambition, and resilience.
- Live Streaming: Matches are broadcast on YouTube, enabling families and communities to celebrate their players’ achievements and allowing teams to analyze performances.
- Community Engagement: Local schools are invited to matches, encouraging young girls to take up sports and see hockey as a viable career path. But also for the sheer joy of it and to come out to watch, cheer and support the teams.
- Enhanced Rewards: Increased prize money provides tangible motivation for athletes to invest in their training and future in the sport.
- Inspiring Spaces: Tournament venues are designed with messages from legendary sportswomen, creating an environment that fuels determination and pride.
Highlights from Tournaments with Roll of Honor & Distinguished Guests
Each year, the tournament grows in prestige and impact, bringing together some of the most promising young athletes in Indian hockey:
Creating a Lasting Impact.
The Bansuri Foundation remains committed to championing young female athletes, fostering a culture of sportsmanship, determination, and excellence in Indian hockey. By investing in talent and creating opportunities, we hope to inspire future generations to dream big, push boundaries, and make their mark on the world stage.
Duration of support:
2018 – ongoing
Funding provided by:
People’s Empowering Movement
A Shared Vision for Empowerment
