The Business Bytes
Lanjigarh, October 16, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a testament to the power of rural talent and corporate support, two young archers from Kalahandi, Khirod Kumar and Omkar Majhi, clinched gold and silver medals respectively at the prestigious CBSE Archery Championship 2024, held in Raipur. Both athletes, trained under the Vedanta Sports Initiative, demonstrated exceptional skill, securing top honors among over 200 competitors at the east zonal-level competition.
Vedanta Lanjigarh, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium and India’s premier producer of smelter-grade alumina, has been instrumental in supporting the rise of these young champions. The company’s Vedanta Sports Initiative has been nurturing young athletes from rural communities since its inception in 2018. With a comprehensive approach that provides advanced training, team uniforms, state-of-the-art equipment, and sponsorship for various competitions, the initiative is shaping the future of many promising talents like Khirod and Omkar.
Reflecting on the success of the young archers, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Alumina Business at Vedanta Ltd, said, “It is a moment of immense pride to witness the remarkable achievements of our young athletes, many of whom have persevered against adverse socio-economic circumstances to make a mark in the world of sports. Kalahandi, known for its rich socio-cultural heritage, is also home to exceptional youth who demonstrate incredible sportsmanship. As a company actively creating opportunities for the development of rural youth, we are also contributing to the larger vision of producing world-class athletes who can represent India on the global stage.”
Over the past three years, Khirod Kumar and Omkar Majhi have honed their skills under the rigorous training provided by the initiative. Their dedication and the robust support from Vedanta have led them to qualify for such high-level competitions, a feat that demonstrates the effectiveness of the program.
The Vedanta Sports Initiative has already trained over 100 archers, with nearly 50 per cent of them being girls. Collectively, these athletes have won over 40 medals, with more than 20 participants representing Odisha at the national level. The success of Khirod and Omkar is yet another milestone in the initiative’s ongoing journey to cultivate rural sporting talent.
Vedanta Aluminium’s contributions go beyond sports. Its various social impact initiatives have touched the lives of more than 4.5 lakh people across 500 villages in Odisha, addressing crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, livelihood, and infrastructure. Among these initiatives, the Nand Ghar project stands out, with 531 modern anganwadis set up for women and children’s development in rural areas.
As Vedanta Aluminium continues its efforts to uplift communities, its commitment to grassroots sports development remains unwavering. The recent success of Khirod and Omkar not only highlights the potential of rural athletes but also underscores the importance of continued corporate support in nurturing the next generation of Indian sports stars.
