The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 9, 2025
In a spectacular triumph for Indian sports, Prem Munda and Rajkumar Munda, two rising Wushu stars from the Jindal Sports Hostel in Barbil, Odisha, clinched gold medals at the prestigious Moscow Wushu Star International Championship 2025, held from June 1 to 7 in Russia.
Representing India in the Senior Men’s 48 kg and 52 kg categories, the duo showcased extraordinary grit, agility, and technical finesse to overcome formidable opponents, including top athletes from host nation Russia. Their victory has brought global attention to India’s growing prowess in Wushu and marked a watershed moment for grassroots sports development in the country.
The Jindal Sports Hostel, a visionary initiative of the Jindal Foundation — the CSR arm of Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) — has been nurturing rural and tribal sporting talent under the dynamic leadership of its Chairperson, Shallu Jindal.
Congratulating the athletes, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and JSP Chairman Naveen Jindal said, “It is a moment of immense pride for all of us. Prem and Rajkumar’s success is not just a victory in sports, but a powerful statement on the impact of equal opportunity and relentless effort. I wholeheartedly applaud their spirit and the dedicated team behind them.”
Shallu Jindal expressed similar pride, saying, “Their journey from the heart of rural Odisha to an international podium is deeply inspiring. These medals are a reflection of their determination and the holistic support provided at the Jindal Sports Hostel. We are committed to turning dreams into achievements.”
Prem and Rajkumar’s sporting journey began in 2012, when the Jindal Foundation launched a CSR initiative in Deojhar, Keonjhar. Since the establishment of the Barbil-based hostel in 2023, both athletes have received structured coaching, academic support, and nutritional care, preparing them to compete at the highest level. Their selection followed impressive performances at the national camp in Dehradun.
Their international success adds to the growing medal tally of the Jindal Foundation, which has also groomed champions like Sweta Rani, Babulu, and Manju Munda — medalists in global tournaments in Brazil, Brunei, and Moscow.
Today, the Foundation supports over 30,000 rural and tribal athletes across India in sports such as martial arts, hockey, football, kabaddi, kho-kho, archery, and cricket, reflecting its unwavering commitment to empowering grassroots talent.
