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Gujarat Titans’ Junior Titans initiative, in partnership with Pokémon, concluded a successful second season, engaging over 5,000 children across Gujarat. COO Colonel Arvinder Singh emphasised its goal of fostering a love for outdoor sports, with plans to expand further next year.
The Gujarat Titans’ Junior Titans initiative has successfully concluded its second season, expanding its footprint across Gujarat and introducing an exciting partnership with Pokémon. With over 5,000 children from 106 schools participating, the programme has reinforced its commitment to promoting outdoor sports and an active lifestyle among young children.
A Vision to Get Children Moving
Colonel Arvinder Singh, COO of Gujarat Titans, highlighted the core objective behind Junior Titans. “We are not here to identify the next big cricketer or athlete. The idea is simple: to create a platform that encourages children to step outdoors, engage in physical activity, and embrace a sporting culture,” he explained in an exclusive interview with News18 CricketNext. The initiative, which began last year, was designed to be inclusive and not limited to cricket alone, despite the Gujarat Titans’ strong association with the sport.
Reflecting on the programme’s expansion, Colonel Singh added, “Last year, we started with six cities, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Bhuj. This year, we reached beyond the major cities and took Junior Titans to Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, and Palanpur. The response has been overwhelming.”
Pokémon Joins the Initiative
A major highlight of this season was the collaboration with Pokémon, a globally loved franchise. This partnership introduced Pikachu as a special guest at select locations, bringing an element of joy and excitement for the young participants. “Children were absolutely thrilled to meet Pikachu, and the excitement was evident across all our venues,” said Colonel Singh. Pokémon also distributed goodie bags and stickers in Palanpur and Ahmedabad, adding a unique touch to the initiative. The collaboration is set to extend into Gujarat Titans’ cricket season, where selected children will get a chance to experience a live match day in association with Pokémon. Fans can also look forward to interacting with Pikachu through digital integration at the Narendra Modi Stadium’s fan zone.
A Holistic Sporting Experience
The Junior Titans programme was not just about cricket but about fostering a comprehensive sports culture. Spanish football league LALIGA continued its association for a second year, conducting football workshops to introduce young participants to the fundamentals of the game. Bisleri ensured hydration for the children, while SG provided high-quality sports equipment.
Children took part in various activities, including ‘Titan Says’—a warm-up session, a LALIGA masterclass, a showcase of Gujarat Titans’ most memorable moments, and an engaging sports quiz. The hands-on experience extended to skill-based challenges, such as facing a bowling machine, hitting the stumps, and penalty shootouts.
Colonel Singh shared his perspective on what made these sessions unique: “We don’t interfere with technique or try to coach them in a specific way. The idea is to encourage participation and show them that sport can be fun and rewarding. We ensure that every child leaves with something—whether it’s a certificate, a goodie bag, or simply an experience they cherish.”
Creating a Lasting Impact
One of the standout aspects of the initiative has been its ability to provide children, particularly those from smaller towns, with an opportunity to connect with Gujarat Titans. “Not every child in Palanpur or Junagadh will have a chance to visit the Narendra Modi Stadium or see an IPL trophy up close,” Colonel Singh remarked. “But through Junior Titans, they can feel a part of something bigger. That’s why we use the phrase ‘I am a Titan’—because every child has the potential to achieve greatness.”
The success of Junior Titans has paved the way for further expansion. “Last year, I said we would reach tier-two towns, and we’ve done that. Next year, we’ll go even further into smaller towns and villages, ensuring that every child in Gujarat has the opportunity to play and stay active,” he confirmed.
With its commitment to inclusivity, fitness, and fun, the Junior Titans initiative continues to make a significant impact. As Gujarat Titans look ahead to their cricketing season, their efforts off the pitch are proving just as influential as their performances on it.
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