On National Sports Day, the company celebrates the achievements of young athletes emerging from its archery, martial arts and multi-sport development programmes across Odisha and Chhattisgarh

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 29, 2026

As India celebrates National Sports Day 2026 under the theme ‘Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat’, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, is strengthening the country’s grassroots sporting ecosystem by nurturing young talent from rural communities across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. From archery and athletics in Kalahandi to karate and judo in Jharsuguda, and multi-sport training in Korba, Chhattisgarh, the company’s initiatives are expanding access to quality coaching, modern training facilities, competitive exposure and sporting opportunities for young people across its areas of operations.

Guided by the belief that sport can be a powerful catalyst for individual growth and community development, Vedanta Aluminium has built a growing sports ecosystem focused on participation, talent development and sporting excellence. The impact of these efforts is increasingly evident in the achievements of young athletes emerging from its programmes, many of whom are making their mark at state, national and zonal competitions.

In Lanjigarh, the company’s Archery Training Programme has benefited more than 300 young people, with over 50 athletes representing the region at national-level competitions. Among its recent success stories is young archer Khirod Kumar, who clinched three gold medals in the Under-19 category at the CBSE Far East Zonal Archery Championship 2026, competing against 437 athletes from 11 states. A multi-medal winner at zonal and national competitions, Khirod has also qualified for the CBSE National Championship, along with fellow trainee Onkar Majhi. Their achievements highlight the programme’s growing role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent from rural Odisha.

Marking the occasion, Rajesh Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “The sporting talent prevalent among youth across rural India is phenomenal, and through structured coaching, scientific training methods and access to quality equipment, we are transforming that potential into performance. Our initiatives are not just nurturing sportsmanship; they are opening doors to opportunity, discipline and self-belief. I believe the next national champion can rise from here.”

In Jharsuguda, the Vedanta Martial Arts Training Centre has emerged as a hub for competitive excellence. The centre currently trains 124 students, including a dedicated batch of 40 women, in karate and judo. In FY26 alone, its athletes won 44 medals — nine gold, 14 silver and 21 bronze — across competitions including the East Zone Karate Championship, Odisha SQAY Championship, 3rd National Karate Championship and the National Grappling-Wrestling Championship in Bilaspur.

Beyond competition, the centre is also promoting broader participation and skill development. It organised a two-day grappling training camp for 56 students, conducted a Belt Promotion Examination for 150 participants and held martial arts workshops across 11 schools, reaching more than 1,000 students. As part of National Sports Day celebrations, Vedanta Aluminium is further encouraging a culture of active living through a badminton tournament for employees and their family members, extending the spirit of sporting participation beyond its youth-focused programmes.

In Chhattisgarh, BALCO’s flagship Khel Academy is providing aspiring athletes with a structured pathway to sporting excellence. Established under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korba Municipal Corporation and the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, the academy currently supports more than 100 athletes from Korba, Durg, Bilaspur and Raipur across football, volleyball, basketball and swimming.

The programme combines access to modern sporting infrastructure with certified coaches, sports science support, medical and physiotherapy care, balanced nutrition and residential facilities for boys and girls. Athletes from the Khel Academy are increasingly making their presence felt at state- and national-level competitions, reinforcing BALCO’s commitment to developing a strong grassroots sporting culture.

Through Project Sampark, the company’s coal mines have also enabled more than 2,600 young people to participate in local- and state-level sporting events while promoting active lifestyles through community tournaments. As part of this year’s National Sports Day initiatives, sports engagement activities were organised across Jamkhani and Kuraloi, including the distribution of sports kits to youth clubs and schools, along with badminton and carrom competitions benefiting nearly 200 children and young people.

These efforts build on a sustained legacy of grassroots sports development in the region. Over the years, the programme has reached more than 3,800 children and youth through the distribution of 24 sports kits and support for more than 10 sporting tournaments, helping create greater access to sports at the community level.

From producing state- and national-level achievers in archery, karate and judo to supporting structured academy-based training and expanding community participation, Vedanta Aluminium’s initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to making sport more accessible and inclusive. The company was recently recognised with the CSR Times Award 2026 (Gold Category) for Project Arogya.

As India advances its Khelo India goals and works towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Vedanta Aluminium remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential through sport. By taking quality training and competitive opportunities closer to rural communities, the company is helping ensure that the next generation of champions can emerge from every corner of India.