Meet Amarsingh who is driving change in Indian Sports

In a country as young and dynamic as India, where more than half the population is under the age of 30, the role of youth empowerment through sports has never been more critical. Leading the way in this mission is Amarsingh Dilipsingh Chandele, a passionate advocate for grassroots sports development and a prominent figure within the Youth Games Council India (YGCI).

From humble beginnings to national recognition, Chandele’s journey is a testament to dedication, discipline, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sports.

A Grassroots Champion with a National Vision

Amarsingh Chandele has spent years championing the cause of youth sports, not merely as an organizer, but as a mentor, planner, and policy advocate. His work with the Youth Games Council India (YGCI) has been central to his mission to create opportunities for young athletes from underrepresented regions and marginalized communities.

YGCI is a non-governmental sports organization aimed at fostering talent at the grassroots level by providing platforms, infrastructure, and exposure to promising young athletes. As one of the driving forces behind YGCI, Chandele has been instrumental in shaping policies that focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and performance-based selection — a refreshing change from the often bureaucracy-laden conventional sports bodies.

Under his leadership and coordination, various national and state-level youth games have been successfully conducted across India, giving thousands of young athletes a chance to compete and showcase their talent.

Creating Platforms, Not Just Events

For Amarsingh Chandele, organizing sporting events is not merely about medals and media attention — it is about creating long-term platforms for engagement and empowerment. He believes sports should be an entry point for youth into broader conversations on health, education, character-building, and national pride.

His initiatives often go beyond organizing games — including workshops for coaches, motivational sessions for athletes, health and fitness camps, and even career guidance programs for sportspersons transitioning beyond active play.

One of his widely appreciated efforts is integrating gender parity and inclusiveness into sports programs. Chandele has consistently encouraged participation of girls and differently-abled youth, advocating for equal opportunity in talent scouting and team selection.

Championing Rural and Underprivileged Talent

Chandele’s commitment to the rural and tribal youth of India stands out as one of his defining contributions. He has consistently worked to identify talent from remote villages and smaller towns — youth who are often ignored by mainstream sports federations due to lack of access, infrastructure, or representation.

Whether it’s arranging transport and gear for young athletes or personally traveling to local schools to motivate children, Chandele has shown that true leadership lies in outreach and empathy. His advocacy has led to several state-level sports authorities collaborating with YGCI to streamline rural youth participation in competitive games.

Integrity and Leadership

Amarsingh Chandele is recognized not only for his work ethic but also for his transparency and ethical leadership — a rare trait in India’s sports ecosystem. Amid growing concerns about favoritism, corruption, and inefficiencies in sports administration, Chandele has always maintained a merit-first and athlete-centric approach.

Colleagues at YGCI often describe him as “firm but fair,” someone who balances discipline with compassion. His leadership style encourages open dialogue among stakeholders, allowing for inclusive decision-making and a sense of collective ownership in all events and programs.

Mentorship and Youth Guidance

Over the years, Chandele has emerged as a trusted mentor to hundreds of young athletes. He is known to follow up personally with players and their families — often helping them manage both their sporting and educational paths. For many first-generation athletes, Chandele is more than a mentor; he is a guide, a motivator, and often a friend who truly understands their challenges.

His mentorship philosophy revolves around confidence-building, character development, and national service. He frequently emphasizes that sports is not just about winning but about building resilience, teamwork, and ethical conduct — qualities that are essential to life beyond the playing field.

Vision for the Future: A National Youth Sports Movement

Looking forward, Chandele envisions YGCI as a key driver of a national youth sports movement that aligns with India’s broader goals of becoming a global sporting nation. He advocates for greater government and private sector collaboration, capacity-building in rural areas, and stronger policy-level support for grassroots sports federations like YGCI.

He is currently working on launching a digital talent registry — an initiative to track young athletes’ performance and potential from early stages, ensuring no talent goes unnoticed. Additionally, Chandele is keen on fostering international exposure opportunities for young Indian athletes through bilateral sports exchange programs.

In recent months, he has also spoken about the need for sports governance reforms, including fairer athlete selection processes, better infrastructure for local games, and systematic investment in sports education at the school level.