Reshaping lives through sports: S.K. Thanigaivelan story
When life sidelined S.K. Thanigaivelan’s boxing career, he championed grassroots sports, founding Victory Sports Foundation and inspiring thousands.
Snapshot
In 2000, while recovering from a painful boxing injury, S.K. Thanigaivelan found himself at a personal crossroads. His sidelined passion for sports pushed him to a greater calling—coaching. Starting with just five boys from a local fisherman community, he offered them free training, teaching not just the art of the game but also life skills and resilience. This spark would eventually ignite a journey of transformation for underserved children.
Determined to make a bigger impact, Thanigaivelan launched Victory Sports Foundation (VSF). Starting with minimal resources—donated footballs and coaching on makeshift grounds—he reimagined neglected spaces into vibrant playgrounds. Through systematic coaching, skill-building, and exposure to competitive sports, VSF opened doors for students, enabling many to represent India and secure stable careers. Yet, the journey demanded grit—convincing skeptical parents and overcoming resource constraints to create opportunities.
Guided by the ethos that “every child deserves to play,” Thanigaivelan has extended his impact beyond sports, providing relief during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, he envisions establishing a sports-integrated school and running a continuous league for grassroots talents. His work exemplifies how passion and persistence can uplift entire communities.
For the detailed account of S.K. Thanigaivelan’s journey, please check out the Deep Dive Full Story section.
Impact at a Glance
Over 13 playgrounds transformed from neglected spaces into vibrant sports fields.
Trained thousands of students, with 25 securing stable jobs in railways, police, and education.
3 students represented India on international platforms through his training programs.
Improved attendance and morale in schools through rehabilitated sports spaces.
Supported 30,000+ families with relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognized as one of India’s top 12 grassroots changemakers by the Government of India in 2012.
Dive Deeper: Full Story (5 mins read)
Growing up in the bustling neighborhoods of Triplicane, Chennai, young S.K. Thanigaivelan was no stranger to the constraints of urban life. "There were hardly any playgrounds—just congested spaces. The first time I saw a proper ground was at my school, Hindu High Secondary School, at the age of 11. It was a basketball court, and for me, it felt enormous," he recalls. This seemingly mundane encounter with a basketball court marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually turn a passion for sports into a vehicle for social change.
Today, Thanigaivelan is the founder of Victory Sports Foundation (VSF), an NGO dedicated to ensuring “every child deserves to play.” Since its inception in 2004, the organization has transformed neglected playgrounds into buzzing sports hubs, trained hundreds of students in rural and urban communities, and propelled several to prestigious opportunities, both nationally and internationally. But the path leading here was anything but straightforward.
From Athlete to Changemaker
Thanigaivelan’s early years were marked by determination as well as setbacks. His talent on the basketball court earned him a spot in the district and state-level teams, but success came only after he spent years as a bench player, fighting for his moment. By the time he reached college, he had discovered a new love—boxing—and was training rigorously for competitions when an unfortunate nose fracture derailed his aspirations. Yet, this injury planted the seed for something bigger.
"While recovering, I decided to focus on coaching," he explains. Using his free time, he began training five young boys from a nearby fisherman community, free of cost. These weren’t just boxing lessons—they were moments of mentorship, discipline, and hope for children who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. Around the same time, Thanigaivelan also pursued a Master’s in Social Work (MSW), learning how to use sports as a medium to engage and uplift communities.
This passion eventually materialized into Victory Sports Foundation. "When I started, I joined a local school run by an NGO as a value education teacher and noticed that students there were playing football with makeshift balls. It broke my heart. So I gathered some old footballs and began coaching them," he shares. The results? Students became disciplined, focused, and engaged. Realizing the transformative potential of sports, Thanigaivelan formally registered his NGO and began expanding his vision.
A simple motto and a transformative Model
Under the motto “Every child deserves to play,” VSF developed a unique three-pillar model:
Ground Rehabilitation: VSF identifies unused or neglected spaces—often used as dump yards—and turns them into functional playgrounds. One such success story is a football field near Marina Beach, where Thanigaivelan and his team repurposed a bare, underutilized ground into an energetic space for local schoolchildren. "Attendance and morale in the school improved dramatically once the ground came to life," he notes.
Skill Development: Training went beyond the physical. While students gained proficiency in sports such as football, basketball, boxing, and athletics, they also learned critical life skills like handling pressure, overcoming fear, and managing failure.
Opportunities: From district-level tournaments to state and national championships, VSF ensures students have exposure to competitive events. Some even went further than Thanigaivelan could have dreamed.
To date, three students trained by VSF have represented India at international tournaments, while 25 others secured stable jobs in the railways, police forces, and as physical education teachers. Perhaps more extraordinary is the life turnaround for school dropouts who, through sports, were motivated to complete their education—with several going on to obtain postgraduate degrees.
Beyond the Field
Thanigaivelan’s work didn’t stop at the sports boundary lines. During testing times such as the Chennai floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, Victory Sports Foundation extended its reach beyond sports. The organization provided critical relief to families in need, supporting over 30,000 households during the pandemic alone.
"If we’re teaching teamwork and resilience on the field, we also need to show it during crises," he shares with conviction. The NGO also actively engages in tree plantations and other environmental activities as part of its broader community support initiatives.
To put this impact into perspective, Thanigaivelan emphasizes a key point: “Sports isn’t just about winning. It’s about creating individuals who can win in life.” And indeed, his organization embodies this philosophy—working tirelessly to build stronger, happier, and more confident communities.
Challenges that became Stepping Stones
The road to impact wasn’t without its obstacles. Access to resources—be it land, equipment, or funding—was a persistent challenge, especially in the beginning. "At one point, we were collecting used footballs and basketballs just to provide something for the kids," he recalls. Convincing parents to allow their children to prioritize sports was another uphill battle.
Yet, these limitations never deterred Thanigaivelan. "When you connect with the parents and show them how discipline and focus from sports positively affect their child’s behavior, their perspectives slowly begin to change," he adds. Support from volunteers like Vinod Balan, who began as a social media manager and eventually became involved in event coordination and life skills coaching, further energized the NGO.
However, Thanigaivelan is quick to credit the children themselves for inspiring him to keep going. “When you see a child, once shy and unsure, stand with confidence on the field or graduate after years of struggle—it’s worth every hurdle.”
Recognition and the Road Ahead
Tireless commitment often garners attention, and the Victory Sports Foundation is no exception. In 2012, the Government of India recognized Thanigaivelan as a grassroots changemaker in sports, one of only 12 individuals to receive such an honor. His story has also been documented in Incredible Champions by Sandra Shagger, a book detailing his transformative journey and the challenges he overcame.
Yet, for Thanigaivelan, these accolades are not the end goal. "Recognition is humbling, but there’s so much more to do," he says. Among his aspirations is the establishment of a dedicated sports school in Tamil Nadu, combining academics with athletic training. He’s also planning a six-month continuous sports league to ensure his students get regular exposure to competitive environments. Nutrition, often overlooked in grassroots sports programs, is another area of focus through their “Nutrition for All” campaign.
Joining the Movement
The work of Victory Sports Foundation is far from a solo effort. Thanigaivelan is actively encouraging individuals to join hands with the initiative. "You don’t need to be a sportsperson to contribute. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds—photographers, writers, app developers, event organizers—anyone who can help us make an impact," he shares enthusiastically.
For example, one volunteer began by simply creating English-language proposals for potential donors but quickly found himself deeply involved in event management and coaching activities. It’s a reminder that skills of all kinds can find purpose in grassroots movements.
Readers inspired by his story can support the foundation by visiting their website at VictorySportsFoundation.org or following them on their social media platforms.
A Legacy in the making
As we wrap up the interview for ImpactStories.in, there’s a sense of quiet passion that underlies Thanigaivelan’s words. Having built something transformative from the ground up, his story is a reminder of how one individual’s perseverance can uplift entire communities.
But above all, his journey underscores a simple yet profound truth: “The joy of seeing a child discover their potential is immeasurable. That’s what keeps me going.”
Make an Impact
Here’s how you can contribute to Victory Sports Foundation’s mission and help empower children through sports:
Visit the Website: Explore their mission, initiatives, and success stories by visiting VictorySportsFoundation.org.
Sponsor/Donate Equipment: With just a small contribution, you can provide sports equipment to children in need. Donate now at https://victorysportsfoundation.org/donate/.
Follow on Social Media: Stay updated and engage with their inspiring work on:
Volunteer Your Skills: Whether you’re a writer, event organizer, or app developer, your skills can make a difference. Reach out to see how you can help!
Connect on WhatsApp: Have questions or ideas to contribute? Start a whatsapp conversation with the foundation.
Share This Article: Inspire others by sharing this story on social media. Together, we can amplify the impact and build a stronger movement.
Your small step can bring a big change. Be a part of this journey today!
Message from the Founder
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Abhilash Shah
ImpactStories
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