Bhubaneswar;29 th August 2025:On National Sports Day 2025, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s
largest aluminium producer, celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship by recognising the
achievements of over thousandsof young athletes trained and supported through its
grassroots initiatives. The company is nurturing a vibrant sporting culture by promoting
grassroots talent, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing employee well-
being. Across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium’s wide-ranging initiatives in
football, hockey, martial arts, cricket, and community tournaments are nurturing
grassroots talent, strengthening bonds, and empowering youth to dream beyond
limitations.
In Kalahandi, a region once marked by extreme deprivation, Vedanta’s Archery Training
Program has nurtured more than 100 young archers since 2018, providing structured
coaching, equipment, nutrition, and guidance from national-level athletes. Supported by
Olympian mentor Rahul Banerjee and partnerships with local associations and schools, the
initiative has seen promising talents such as Juli Majhi and Sanjay Majhi excel on state and
national platforms.
Commenting on the company’s efforts to promote sports as a medium for youth
empowerment, Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, "At Vedanta Aluminium,
we believe sports go beyond fitness or skill. They build discipline, teamwork, and confidence,
shaping the bold leaders of tomorrow. Our initiatives across Odisha and Chhattisgarh not
only nurture grassroots talent but also strengthen community bonds and promote holistic
well-being, that is beneficial to all in the long-term. We are proud to champion this culture of
sporting excellence as part of our commitment to inclusive growth and vibrant communities."
Across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, Vedanta Aluminium has embedded sports into community
development, employee well-being, and youth empowerment:
Lanjigarh, Odisha: The Annual Indoor Games Tournament at Vedanta’s alumina
refinery brought together employees and families for spirited contests in arm
wrestling, chess, table tennis, and carrom, strengthening camaraderie and wellness.
Jharsuguda, Odisha: At India’s largest aluminium smelter, the Martial Arts Training
Centre has coached over 110 children in karate and taekwondo. The company also
hosted the Inter-State Girls Hockey Tournament and Vedanta Badminton
Tournament, while expert-led grappling and badminton camps honed skills for over
100 youth. Investments in township gyms, courts, and open fields ensure access to
high-quality sporting infrastructure.
Vedanta Aluminium Mines, Odisha: Community football tournaments in Lakhanpur
and Kuraloi attracted hundreds of rural youth, while cricket and school tournaments
benefitted over 1,500 participants through kits, jerseys, and prizes, fostering talent
and inter-community unity.
BALCO, Chhattisgarh: At Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO), Vedanta’s
subsidiary, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Balconagar records a monthly footfall of
9,000, hosting cricket, volleyball, basketball, hockey, kabaddi, and taekwondo.
Popular events such as the BALCO Premier League and distribution of sports kits
further strengthen a thriving culture of fitness and competition.
Vedanta Aluminium’s sport-led initiatives reflect its enduring promise to invest in local
potential, create inclusive opportunities, and pave the way for future champions. With
continued expansion of programs in archery, athletics, football, cricket, martial arts, and
more, Vedanta is transforming regional aspirations, ensuring that communities once defined
by limitation are now celebrated for what they dare to become.
