The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, July 23, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Two talented kabaddi players from Odisha, supported by Vedanta Aluminium, have made their mark on the national stage by representing their state at the 6th Sports Development and Promotion Federation (SDPF) Kabaddi National Championship. Tankadhar Naik and Lepulya Naik, hailing from the remote village of Sijimali in Rayagada district, were instrumental in securing a silver medal for Odisha.
Expressing his gratitude, Tankadhar Naik remarked, “We are elated to win silver for our state at the national kabaddi championship organized by the Nilesh Rane Yuva Pratishthan and Sports Development and Promotion Association in Nashik.”
His teammate and fellow villager, Lepulya Naik, added, “We are grateful to the CSR team at Vedanta Aluminium for their support and encouragement. We keenly look forward to winning more medals not only for Odisha but also for the country.”
The national championship witnessed fierce competition, with teams from various states including Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana battling for the top honours.
Building on their recent success, Tankadhar and Lepulya are now gearing up to represent India at an international kabaddi tournament in Nepal. Vedanta Aluminium continues to support these promising athletes by providing essential gear and sponsoring their travel costs, thereby reinforcing its commitment to nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
The achievements of Tankadhar and Lepulya highlight the tremendous potential of local athletes when given the right opportunities and support. Vedanta Aluminium has played a pivotal role in community development in this remote region through strategic initiatives spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, rural infrastructure, and grassroots sports and culture.
The company has also supported the Kashipur Premier League, an annual cricket tournament organized by local community members, demonstrating its dedication to fostering sports at the grassroots level. These efforts underscore Vedanta’s commitment to making a positive impact on lives within and beyond its operational areas, fostering a sense of community contribution towards the overall growth and advancement of the state.
Through close collaboration with local authorities, welfare organizations, and community members, Vedanta Aluminium is actively steering socio-economic transformation in rural Odisha. By addressing the specific needs of communities and working hand-in-hand towards their fulfillment, the company is instrumental in driving a meaningful journey towards collective well-being.
