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THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JULY 16, 2025
The Jindal Foundation, the social wing of Jindal Steel, was honored with the CSR TIMES Gold Award in the Sports Promotion category for its exceptional work in grassroots sports development.
The award was presented by Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda to India, to Prashant Hota, President & Group Head (CSR) of Jindal Steel, at the 12th CSR Summit in New Delhi. The ceremony, attended by industry leaders and CSR champions, also featured dignitaries like Nguyen Thanh Hai, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, and Dr. Rashmi Singh, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development.
The Gold Award celebrates the Foundation’s transformative efforts in nurturing rural sporting talent and revitalizing India’s sports ecosystem. Through targeted initiatives in disciplines such as wushu, archery, football, cricket, kabaddi, hockey, kho-kho, and more, the Foundation has had a profound impact on remote and underserved communities.
Jindal Foundation’s approach to sports is both comprehensive and forward-thinking. Beyond just infrastructure, it focuses on holistic athlete development, providing coaching, professional training, mentorship, and nutrition. Over the past decade, the Foundation has established sports academies and collaborated with local communities to offer high-quality coaching to youth, irrespective of their geographic location.
Expressing deep gratitude for the recognition, Jindal Foundation Chairperson Shallu Jindal said, “We believe that every youth, regardless of geography, deserves a chance to shine. Sports is not just a platform for physical excellence — it is a powerful tool for empowerment, discipline, and community transformation. This award is dedicated to the relentless spirit of rural India’s youth who dream beyond boundaries,” she said.
Receiving the award, Prashant Hota highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to shaping India’s sporting future. “Guided by the vision of Naveen Jindal Ji, and the inspiring leadership of Shallu Jindal, Jindal Foundation is making India future-ready for the Olympics, aiming to secure the highest number of medals,” he remarked.
Inspired by the vision of avid sports person Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament and Chairman, Jindal Steel, the Foundation’s sports initiatives have already reached over 40,000 youth across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and other regions. Alumni from its sports programmes are representing their states and the country in national and international tournaments, breaking stereotypes, and bringing hope to entire communities. Jindal Steel has also supported the construction of more than 20 playgrounds, 3 sporting complexes, and 15 rural gyms, along with running a sports hostel for tribal children at Barbil, Odisha, where players have won national and international medals in wushu.
The Jindal Foundation is the social arm of Jindal Steel & Power, committed to creating sustainable and inclusive development across education, health, skill development, and sports. With its holistic approach, the Foundation continues to impact millions of lives each year, breaking barriers and empowering communities across India.
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