Vedanta Aluminium Sends Odisha’s Young Archers to National Stage
Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, November 14, 2024 - Seven young archers from Vedanta Aluminium's grassroots sports initiative have qualified for the prestigious 68th School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Championship. The achievement marks a significant step in the company's mission to nurture young talent from local communities and provide them with the necessary skills and support to succeed on a national level.
Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, has dedicated its sports initiative to developing athletic skills in underserved communities within Kalahandi district of Odisha. The programme offers comprehensive training in archery and other sports, ensuring access to essential equipment, uniforms, and expert-led coaching camps. Since its inception in 2018, the programme has trained over 100 archers, many of whom have excelled in state and national competitions, winning a total of 40 medals last year.
The SGFI Championship is one of India's most respected platforms for school sports, aiming to foster physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy competition among young athletes. Vedanta Aluminium's commitment to supporting young talent goes beyond developing athletic skills; it also aims to shape well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills.
According to Mr. Sunil Gupta, COO – Vedanta Aluminium, "Our dedication to grassroots sports is about more than just development athletic skills - it's about shaping well-rounded individuals and fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity. By investing in programs like this, we're opening doors for local youth to realize their potential."
The young archers have demonstrated exceptional talent, with five of them being girls, reflecting Vedanta Aluminium's commitment to inclusivity. Their achievement marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to nurture young talent from underserved communities.
Vedanta Aluminium has been working towards developing sports infrastructure across Odisha, training over 500 youth in various sports, and implementing social impact initiatives that benefit 4.5 lakh people. The company's flagship project, Nand Ghar, has established over 531 modernised anganwadis for women and child development.
This achievement is a testament to Vedanta Aluminium's dedication to discovering and nurturing talent from the ground up, helping to bring India's vision to life by cultivating champions who can proudly represent their nation on the world stage.