Nari Shakthi Tournament: A Journey of Empowering Women Through Sports

Almost ten years ago, a thought struck Mr. Thanigaivelan’s mind. As the founder of one of the most reputable sports NGOs, he still felt a void. Even though he had been running sports philanthropic activities for more than a decade, he realized that while several men’s tournaments were being organized regularly, women’s tournaments were far fewer. Even when tournaments were held, the turnout was often low, as fewer women participated compared to men.

A Moment of Inspiration that Sparked Change

The Nari Shakti Puraskar is an annual award presented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, to individual women or institutions working toward women’s empowerment. 

Dr. Sailakshmi Balijepally, the founder of EKAM Foundation, was one such recipient, honored for her remarkable work in maternal and child health. This recognition served as a moment of inspiration for Mr. Thanigaivelan, as Victory Sports Foundation had closely collaborated with EKAM Foundation on several occasions. Dr. Sailakshmi Balijepally was a true inspiration to all of us.

Her achievement not only celebrated the power of women leading social change but also deeply inspired Mr. Thanigaivelan and Victory Sports Foundation to initiate the Nari Shakthi Tournament, a platform dedicated to empowering women through sports.

Seeds of Empowerment Sown in Childhood

While Dr. Sailakshmi’s achievement inspired the idea of the tournament, the seeds of women’s empowerment were planted in Mr. Thanigaivelan’s mind long ago during his childhood. His mother was an inspiring woman who always cared deeply about society, especially the well-being of women. 

She firmly believed that women play a crucial role in shaping society. She used to say that women must be self-reliant — because if they are not, the entire family and society suffer as a result. She personally helped many women gain employment opportunities and supported others in obtaining loans to start their own businesses.

Her dedication made him realize the importance of taking concrete steps toward empowering women — not just in words, but through action. It strengthened his resolve to create meaningful opportunities for women to participate, lead, and succeed in sports.

“Empowering women is key to building a future we want.” – Amartya Sen

Overcoming Challenges and Building Momentum

When Mr. Thanigaivelan decided to organize the Nari Shakthi Tournament, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. He faced several challenges — some expected, others surprising. 

Earlier, organizing general tournaments meant handling logistical issues like finding the right ground, improving facilities, and managing food and accommodation. Teams with financial resources could participate easily, while those from underprivileged backgrounds often struggled to join.

But when it came to the Nari Shakthi Tournament, the main challenge was participation. The number of teams registering was low, and fewer girls showed interest. Many faced restrictions from their families, communities, educational institutions, or workplaces, often due to a conservative and regressive mindset that women are not meant for sports.

While Mr. Thanigaivelan could address infrastructure or funding issues, this was different — participation couldn’t be forced. He could only counsel and motivate the girls and their families, which worked in some cases but not all.

From Modest Beginnings to Meaningful Impact

Despite a modest start, his determination never wavered. Over the years, participation gradually increased. The first Nari Shakthi Tournament was held in 2017 at Don Bosco School, Yelagiri Hills, Tirupattur District. It was an 11-a-side open category tournament with participation from five districts and eight teams. Since then, the tournament has been conducted regularly in Chennai and Tirupattur districts.

While Nari Shakthi was one of Victory Sports Foundation’s first initiatives dedicated to women’s empowerment, over the years, we have proudly launched several other programs — both sports and non-sports — aimed at helping girl students and women realize their potential. Because ultimately, empowering women benefits everyone: it strengthens families, drives economic growth, fosters peace, and builds a more inclusive and equitable future.