The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
LANJIGARH, SEPT 2, 2023
The Lanjigarh Unit of Vedanta Limited celebrated National Sports Day by honoring the extraordinary achievements of Sanjay Majhi, a young archery prodigy hailing from the Kalahandi district. In recognition of his recent Bronze medal win at the prestigious ‘Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav 2023’ held in Bhubaneswar, Vedanta Limited Lanjigarh unveiled a compelling short film that celebrates the journey of this budding archery sensation.
Sanjay Majhi’s remarkable journey to success is deeply intertwined with Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh’s Archery Training Program, which has been nurturing young athletes in the region for the past few years. The short film encapsulates the dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit that has fuelled Sanjay’s ascent in the world of archery.
Vedanta Limited Deputy CEO (Alumina Business) GG Pal felicitated both Sanjay Majhi and Bikram Majhi, who was also part of the victorious team at the ‘Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav 2023’. This recognition was also extended to their Coach Simanchal Kadraka, who played a pivotal role in shaping the future archery champions of the district. Notably, Kadraka was also supported by Vedanta through childhood, schooling, college and employment.
The athletes were also honoured by the Kalahandi District Athletic Association during a ceremony held in Bhawanipatna in the presence of distinguished personalities from sports and educational organizations, for representing the district at various state-level and national-level competitions
Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh has been cultivating a legacy of champions not only in archery but also in various other sports. As a testament to their commitment to developing sports at the grassroots level, three students from Vedanta Karate Initiative have achieved the coveted black belt and instructor certificate from the Utkal Karate School in Bhubaneswar. Through initiatives like the Vedanta Archery Initiative and Vedanta Karate Initiative, the company is nurturing young athletes from remote regions of Odisha.
“At Vedanta Ltd. Lanjigarh, we believe sports is a powerful catalyst for the development of individuals, enhancing overall well-being. It instils valuable life skills like determination, resilience and teamwork. It is indeed inspiration to witness young athletes from remote areas making a mark at national forums,” said GG Pal.
Expressing his delight, Simanchal Kadraka, coach of Sanjay Majhi and Bikram Majhi, under Vedanta Archery Initiative, said, “I’m extremely elated that my students performed exceptionally at the national level, bringing home the medal for Odisha after seven long years. I believe that these boys will be shining athletes representing India in the near future. All of this has come true because of Vedanta’s support towards creating a thriving sports ecosystem in the region, that has provided a platform to the local youth to hone their talents.”
Vedanta Lanjigarh has developed a world-class training ecosystem within the domain of sports in Lanjigarh, increasing rural communities’ participation in the national sporting arena. At present, over 40 students are undergoing training in archery and have bagged 37 medals across different competitions. In karate, 60 students are undergoing training at SSD High School Lanjigarh, supported by Vedanta, and have won 48 medals in various competitions. The company has provided them with quality equipment, professional coaches, regular training programs and also supports athletes to participate in various state and national-level competitions. Its interventions in sports, education and social developments through various initiatives have created a positive transformation in the region.
