THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANUGOLA, SEPTEMBER 21, 2026

In a significant gesture towards inclusive development and the empowerment of specially-abled sportspersons, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), through its CSR arm Gramya Vikas Trust (GVT), provided a motorised wheelchair to Sunil Kumar Sahu, a wheelchair cricketer and para-athlete from Durgapur village in Chhendipada block of Angul district, Odisha.

The motorised wheelchair was formally handed over to Sunil at a ceremony held at the Chhendipada Block Office. Chhendipada MLA Agasti Behera presented the vehicle to the athlete in the presence of Chhendipada Block Development Officer Arabinda Behera, GMDC’s Baitarani West Coal Project Head (PP&A) Nagendra Mupkalwar, and other dignitaries.

Sunil Kumar Sahu has been representing Odisha in national-level wheelchair cricket tournaments organised by Wheelchair Cricket India and the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India. He has also participated in national-level athletic meets for differently-abled sportspersons, competing in the 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races.

Through his determination, consistent participation and sporting achievements, Sunil has emerged as an inspiring figure within the specially-abled sports community. The motorised wheelchair is expected to provide him with greater mobility and independence, enabling him to pursue his sporting ambitions with renewed confidence.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Agasti Behera appreciated GMDC-GVT for its unique CSR initiative and for extending meaningful support to a talented sportsperson from a rural background.

Expressing his gratitude, Sunil Kumar Sahu said, “This support means the world to us. I am grateful to Hon’ble MLA Shri Agasti Behera and GMDC for believing in me and supporting my dream.”

The initiative reflects GMDC-GVT’s commitment to inclusive development, accessibility and empowerment of specially-abled individuals, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities. By supporting athletes with appropriate assistive equipment, such initiatives can help remove mobility barriers and create greater opportunities for participation in sports.

The gesture is also expected to encourage more specially-abled youth across Odisha to embrace sports, nurture their talents and pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.