PBKOJP Kabaddi and Football

Paschim Banga Krira-O-Janakalyan Parishad (PBKOJP) is a non-government organization (NGO) located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The organization focuses on promoting sports and physical activities among underprivileged youth in the urban areas of Kolkata. It also runs several residential facilities for children. One of the main challenges faced by the community is poverty, which often acts as a barrier for children to pursue their dreams in sports and education.

In collaboration with Ekipi, PBKOJP runs two sports programs that aim to empower and develop local youth:

Football (Soccer) Training:
- Provides training for boys under 18 years of age
- Focuses on children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Aims to develop physical fitness, teamwork, and football skills

Kabaddi Training:
- Offers training for girls under 18 years of age
- Promotes the traditional Indian sport of Kabaddi
- Emphasizes physical development, strategic thinking, and empowerment of young women

Ekipi started its partnership with PBKOJP in May 2022, starting with a pilot program. Following the success of the initial program, Ekipi's board decided to continue and expand the project.

Despite challenges such as limited access to training grounds and the impact of monsoon weather conditions, the programs have shown remarkable progress. The football program has maintained a regular attendance of 18-22 boys, while the Kabaddi program consistently engages 14-18 girls.

Key achievements of the programs include:
- Providing free training, nutrition, and sports equipment to participants
- Organizing friendly matches and local tournaments to enhance competitive skills
- Conducting motivational sessions and physical fitness classes to support holistic development
- Encouraging academic pursuits alongside sports training
- Fostering community engagement, with parents and locals showing increased interest in the programs

The impact of these programs extends beyond the direct beneficiaries and sports. PBKOJP and Ekipi are committed to expanding these programs and exploring opportunities for participants to pursue careers in sports management or coaching. The organizations are actively working on building networks with local schools and sports authorities to provide more exposure and opportunities for young athletes.

Your contribution to this project goes a long way in supporting the dreams of underprivileged youth in Kolkata. By providing them with access to quality sports training, equipment, and nutrition, you're not just promoting physical health but also instilling valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. If you're interested in supporting this project or expanding its reach to include other student activities, please get in touch with us.