Empowering Marginalized Youth Through Table Tennis: A Success Story by Pro Sport Development

In collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation, Pro Sport Development (PSD) successfully implemented a journey to empower marginalized youth in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India through the Community Table Tennis (CTT) programme. Implemented from April 2021 to July 2023, the programme leveraged the potential of table tennis to address issues of gender inequality and foster soft skill development among young people from slum communities.

About the Programme

The CTT programme aimed to provide opportunities for personal and social development among marginalized youth in Bhubaneswar. By leveraging table tennis as a participatory tool, the programme focused on engaging participants from slum settlements and empowering them to confront gender norms while developing essential soft skills.

Programme Outreach

CTT reached out to 284 participants, including 151 boys and 133 girls, from four community schools in slum areas of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Through structured activities and training sessions, it fostered a sense of inclusivity and provided a platform for youth to express themselves freely.

Impact and Outcomes

Over the course of two years, the CTT programme yielded significant positive outcomes. Participants not only developed table tennis skills but also gained awareness about gender issues. Moreover, the programme facilitated the development of essential soft skills and values, empowering young people to become leaders within their communities. Particularly noteworthy was the impact on girls, who emerged as gender-sensitive leaders, challenging norms, and influencing positive change within their families, peer groups, and the broader community.

About Pro Sport Development (PSD)

PSD, an award-winning social enterprise, spearheaded the CTT program as part of its broader mission to empower young people through sports, physical activity, and play. With a decade-long commitment to fostering positive change, PSD has impacted over 12,500 young people across 16 states in India, with a significant emphasis on gender inclusion. Through capacity-building initiatives and strategic partnerships, PSD has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of marginalized youth and building resilient communities.

For more information about PSD and its initiatives, please visit PSD Website.