The Business Bytes
JODA, JUNE 15, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): Wushu athletes hailing from the Jindal Sports Hostel in Barbil, situated in the tribal heartland of Odisha, have attained remarkable success by securing four gold medals and one bronze medal at the esteemed Khelo India Zonal Women’s Wushu League, held in Bagalkot, Karnataka from June 10 to 13, 2024.
Established and overseen by the JSP Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel & Power (JSP), under the visionary leadership of Chairperson Shallu Jindal, the hostel once again underscores its commitment to nurturing talented youth from underprivileged backgrounds.
The triumphant athletes, who have brought immense pride to Joda-Barbil and the JSP Foundation, include Suman Patra (39kg Sub-Junior) – Gold Medallist, Swetarani Mahanta (48kg Junior) – Gold Medallist, Sabita Munda (56kg Junior) – Gold Medallist, Manju Munda (45kg Senior) – Gold Medallist, and Laxmi Munda (45kg Junior) – Bronze Medallist.
These exceptional accomplishments underscore the JSP Foundation’s steadfast dedication to empowering marginalized youth through sports.
Prashant Kumar Hota, President & Group Head (CSR) of Jindal Steel & Power, expressed his elation at the athletes’ remarkable achievements, stating, “The success of these athletes exemplifies the positive impact of sports and the collaborative efforts of the JSP Foundation. Under the leadership of Chairperson Smt. Shallu Jindal, the Foundation continues to champion athletic excellence and holistic development in this tribal region. Our guiding force remains Shri Naveen Jindal, Chairman of JSP and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (LS), an eminent figure in Indian sports.”
For over a decade, the JSP Foundation has partnered with the Odisha State Wushu Association to promote Wushu and Kickboxing among the youth of Keonjhar District. The Foundation extends comprehensive support, encompassing training centers, hostels, national-level coaching, nutrition, attire, and transportation for athletes. Beyond Wushu, the Foundation has nurtured over 30,000 rural and tribal sports talents across various disciplines including women’s hockey, men’s hockey, women’s football, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Cricket.
