The ‘Toofaan’ is unstoppable: Toofaan Games Season 5

On January 29th and 30th, 2025, Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad became the stage for an extraordinary showcase of strength and determination as 150 Nanhi Kalis competed in the grand finale of Toofaan Games Season 5. More than just a sports event, Toofaan Games is a movement—a testament to the resilience, potential, and power of India’s girls and women.
Started by the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation as part of Project Nanhi Kali, Toofaan Games is one of the only grassroots sports initiatives in the country dedicated exclusively to girls and women. What began in 2019-2020 as a simple fitness routine for Nanhi Kalis has since transformed into a structured sports program that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and fosters a sense of community.

A Journey of Empowerment



The impact of Toofaan Games extends far beyond the competition itself. At its core, the program is designed to create a strong support system. Master coaches identify and mentor promising Skill Associates (SAs) and Nanhi Kalis, helping them develop their athletic potential while fostering leadership skills.

To ensure holistic development, Toofaan Games places a strong emphasis on nutrition and well-being. A dedicated nutrition team provided healthy snacks and hydration fluids to the girls throughout the day to keep them energised. Medical teams and a doctor were present at the event, ensuring that every participant received the care they needed.

The experience was transformative, especially for many of the girls who had never traveled beyond their villages or states before. For many, it was their first time in Hyderabad! The journey to the city of pearls wasn’t just about competing—it was about breaking barriers and gaining from new experiences.

The Spirit of Competition

Despite the sweltering afternoon heat, the young athletes displayed unwavering grit and determination, embodying the very spirit of Toofaan Games. To honour excellence and inspire the participants to dream big, they were divided into two groups, each named after a trailblazing Indian woman athlete ¬ —Hima Das and Swapna Barman. The competition featured a range of track and field events, including the 50m sprint, standing long jump, shuttle run, and endurance run.

With over 1 lac Nanhi Kalis competing at the village level, 1,946 girls advancing to the district-level games, and 150 finalists making it to Hyderabad, the journey to the top was nothing short of inspiring. Every race run, every jump taken, and every stride forward was a step towards empowerment—not just for the girls competing, but for every young girl watching, dreaming, and believing in the possibility of a future without limits.

More Than Just a Game

The true victory of Toofaan Games lies in the transformation it ignites. Many Skill Associates proved that investing in girls’ sports is not just about athleticism—it’s about leadership, confidence, and breaking stereotypes. The friendships formed, the independence gained, and the inspiration spread across villages and towns are testaments to the power of sports as a vehicle for change.

As we celebrate this successful edition, let us pledge to continue nurturing and empowering the next generation of female leaders and girls and women in sports. They are not just the future; they are the fierce winds of change, the unstoppable forces of progress, the ‘Toofaan’ that is about to take India and the world by storm!

Below is the list of medallists from 5^th edition of National Level Toofaan Games (2024-2025)