The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, November 14, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is celebrating the remarkable achievement of seven young archers—five of them girls—from its grassroots sports initiative, who have qualified for the prestigious 68th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Championship. The championship, hosted by the Sports Authority of Gujarat, provides a national platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
This success underscores Vedanta’s unwavering commitment to nurturing local talent and empowering young athletes from underserved communities. Through its sports initiative, launched in 2018, the company has been offering comprehensive training in archery and other sports to youth from Kalahandi district in Odisha. The initiative not only provides rigorous coaching but also ensures access to necessary resources, including uniforms, sports equipment, and expert-led coaching camps.
Since its inception, the initiative has trained over 100 archers, with many excelling in state and national competitions. Last year alone, the programme produced 40 medal winners, underscoring the high standards and effectiveness of its training. Notably, approximately 50% of the programme’s participants are girls, reflecting Vedanta’s commitment to inclusivity both within the workplace and in community development.
The SGFI Championship, regarded as one of India’s most respected platforms for school sports, is dedicated to fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition among young athletes. For these budding archers, the championship offers a valuable opportunity to elevate their skills and showcase their potential on a national stage.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Our commitment to grassroots sports goes beyond developing athletic skills; it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals with essential life skills. By investing in grassroots programs, Vedanta Aluminium not only strengthens the foundation of sports within communities but also fosters a culture of inclusivity and opportunity. Our goal is to help local youth realize their potential, bringing India’s vision to life by cultivating champions who can proudly represent our nation globally.”
Simanchal Majhi, the archery coach, extended heartfelt congratulations to the young athletes, saying, “I am extremely proud of our students’ performance. Their sincerity and dedication to practice are a direct result of the robust sports ecosystem we provide, which includes advanced coaching, equipment, and participation in various championships. This ecosystem has helped build the students’ confidence, enabling them to achieve extraordinary results, especially considering their backgrounds in underserved areas.”
Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to community development extends beyond sports, with the company actively investing in various social impact initiatives across Odisha. To date, more than 500 youth have been trained in sports such as archery, hockey, karate, and football. Additionally, the company’s initiatives have positively impacted over 500 villages, benefiting 4.5 lakh people across areas like livelihood, education, health, infrastructure, and culture.
Through its flagship Nand Ghar project, Vedanta has also established 531 modernized Anganwadis in Odisha, providing vital support for women and child development. This holistic approach to community upliftment reflects Vedanta’s deep-rooted commitment to creating sustainable, positive change.
As these young archers continue their journey towards national recognition, Vedanta Aluminium remains dedicated to fostering talent, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of champions.
