Infosys Foundation and GoSports Foundation are expanding their athlete sponsorship initiative, ‘Gear for Gold,’ supporting high-performance sports academies and creating integrated ecosystems. The program supports badminton, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, athletics, and shooting. Three new academies join the program, benefiting from infrastructure upgrades and modern sports science. Young athletes have already achieved 15 international and 58 national medals. Ojasvi Thakur won Gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025.
‘Gear for Gold’ Initiative Expansion
Infosys Foundation and GoSports Foundation are expanding their strategic collaboration, enhancing the ‘Girls for Gold’ initiative into a more inclusive ‘Gear for Gold’ program. This expansion aims to support male, female, and para-athletes, establishing a holistic talent development model with leading sports academies. This was announced on December 8, 2025.
Focus Disciplines and Support
The ‘Gear for Gold’ program focuses on six sports: badminton, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, athletics, and shooting. Support includes infrastructure upgrades, modern sports science implementation, and access to advanced equipment. Athletes will receive scholarships, coaching, competition support, nutrition, and injury management.
Academy Collaborations
Since 2022, Infosys Foundation and GoSports Foundation have supported five academies, including Lakshya Shooting Club and Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation. Three new academies now join the program: Usha School of Athletics, Karnam Malleswari Foundation (weightlifting), and Malik Badminton Academy.
Impact and Achievements
The focused approach has enabled young athletes to achieve 15 international and 58 national medals. Examples include:
- Ojasvi Thakur: Gold medalist at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in New Delhi; Silver medalist at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in Suhl, Germany (shooting).
- Isha Taksale: Gold medalist at the ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 in New Delhi (10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Junior category); Gold medalist at ISSF Junior World Cup 2024 in Granada, Spain in 10m Air Rifle Women Junior category.
- Ahona Ray: Gold and Bronze medalist in two WTT Youth Contender international table tennis events.
- Hithaishree L Rajaiah: Silver medalist at the 2025 All India Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton tournament.
- Anjali PV: Bronze medalist in the 4×100 relay at the Khelo India Youth Games.
Source: BSE