The Business Bytes
Lanjigarh, December 31, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a remarkable achievement, Sanjay Majhi, a rising star from the Vedanta Sports Program, has secured a bronze medal in the Indian Round category at the prestigious NTPC Senior National Archery Championship 2024. This historic victory marks the end of Odisha’s 21-year wait for a senior national medal in archery, bringing immense pride to the state and Vedanta’s sports development initiative.
Supported by Vedanta Lanjigarh, India’s leading producer of smelter-grade alumina and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, Majhi’s achievement reflects the program’s commitment to nurturing young talent in Odisha’s tribal heartland.
Expressing his delight, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Our sports development initiatives in Lanjigarh align with our mission to empower local youth and enable them to excel on national and international platforms. We are incredibly proud of Sanjay Majhi and his coach, Simanchal Kadarka — himself a product of our sports program — for this landmark accomplishment. We envision many more champions emerging from this program in the future.”
Launched in 2018, the Vedanta Sports Program has become a beacon of opportunity for aspiring athletes in the tribal-dominated Kalahandi district. Focusing on archery and karate, the program offers holistic support to budding talents, including expert coaching, modern equipment, uniforms, and logistical assistance. To date, more than 300 athletes have benefited, with 110 currently undergoing professional training.
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to fostering sports extends beyond individual programs. Through its various initiatives across Odisha, it has trained over 500 young athletes in disciplines such as archery, hockey, karate, and football, providing a platform for underserved communities to shine on the national and global stage.
Majhi’s bronze medal triumph is a testament to the transformative power of Vedanta’s investment in grassroots sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream big and aim higher.
