Vadodara: Sixteen-year-old Mischa Lemos is used to competing for titles on the basketball court. But the Class 11 student of Navrachana School in Sama, is now putting her sporting experience to a different use — bringing the game to children who may never otherwise get a chance to play it.“I wanted to give children who do not have access to organised sports an opportunity to play, learn and discover their potential,” says Mischa, who launched KhelUdaan in 2025. The initiative has since reached more than 1,500 children from underprivileged communities across Gujarat through coaching sessions and sports workshops.At the heart of KhelUdaan is a network of volunteers. Mischa has brought together 15-20 fellow state and national-level basketball players, who set aside time to teach children at schools, community courts and homes for street children, including Don Bosco Snehalaya and Cygnus.For many of these children, aged between six and 17, basketball is an unfamiliar sport in a state where cricket dominates. The sessions introduce them to the game while encouraging them to develop confidence, discipline, teamwork and resilience.“I have seen how sports can shape a person beyond the game. It teaches you to work with others, face challenges and believe in yourself. I want these children to experience that too,” says Mischa.The initiative goes beyond arranging coaching sessions. Mischa mobilises sponsors and well-wishers to support the activities, including refreshments for the children. Friends and supporters contribute food, while a WhatsApp group helps coordinate volunteers and organise sessions. The idea is to make the experience welcoming for children who have few such opportunities.Mischa’s own sporting journey has taken her to national-level basketball tournaments organised by School Games Federation of India (SGFI), Basketball Federation of India (BFI) and CBSE, where she has represented Gujarat as state captain. She has also excelled in athletics, finishing runner-up in shot put at the CBSE State Championship and qualifying for the national competition.Later this week, the 16-year-old is set to travel to Patiala for the CBSE national-level shot put competition.Alongside sport, Mischa has pursued social impact initiatives and innovation. She co-founded Elder Allies, which works on technology education for senior citizens and healthcare innovation. She has also won recognition at international innovation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Stem) competitions.
