The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, APRIL 21, 2025
“Vedanta has consistently exemplified its dedication to community development. Their generous contribution towards the construction of the Administrative Building of the District Athletics Association in Jharsuguda, along with their continued support for grassroots initiatives like this hockey league, are truly commendable,” said Suresh Pujari, Revenue Minister of Odisha, as he lauded Vedanta Aluminium’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and promoting a vibrant sports culture in the state.
His remarks came at the conclusion of the Inter-State 5-A Side Girls U-17 Hockey League, a spirited three-day tournament jointly organised by Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, and the District Hockey Association, Jharsuguda, from 18th to 20th April 2025. Held at the picturesque Jharsuguda Hockey Grounds, the event drew young, promising talent from Odisha, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, putting on display an inspiring blend of energy, skill, and sportsmanship.
Emerging triumphant from the competitive line-up was the Sundargarh Hostel team, whose cohesive play and determination led them to claim the championship title. SAI Sundargarh took home the runner-up trophy after a well-fought final match that captivated the crowd.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, shared the company’s vision behind supporting such initiatives, saying: “At Vedanta, we are deeply committed to the holistic development of our communities. Sports play a vital role in shaping confident and disciplined youth. Through various social impact projects, we are nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots. It gives us immense pride to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of champions.”
Adding to the chorus of appreciation, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said, “Jharsuguda is fast emerging as a hub of sporting talent, and tournaments like these provide an excellent platform for our youth to shine. I appreciate Vedanta Aluminium and the District Hockey Association for promoting sports at the grassroots and encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.”
The league concluded with a vibrant award ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the winning teams, individual performers, and the dedication of coaches and organisers. The ceremony was graced by local dignitaries and community members, adding to the festive and encouraging atmosphere for the budding athletes.
This tournament is one of many community-focused initiatives by Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited. With a record production of 2.42 million tonnes in FY25, the company manufactures more than half of India’s aluminium and is a leader in value-added products vital to core industries. Vedanta Aluminium was ranked 2nd globally in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for the aluminium sector, a testament to its leadership in sustainable development.
With its cutting-edge smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium continues to promote aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’, while also shaping a brighter, greener, and more inclusive future through its social impact and community development programs.
