Lanjigarh, Kalahandi, swa news :Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, under its Vedanta Lanjigarh Sports Initiative, reached a new milestone with twoathletes qualifying for the 71 st Odisha State Athletics Meet, scheduled in Cuttack. The qualification follows their outstanding performance at the District Athletics Meet 2025, organized by the District Athletic Association, Kalahandi. The company continues to strengthen grassroots sports development in rural Odisha through its focused community development interventions.
The district-level championship witnessed participation from more than 400 athletes across Kalahandi district. Representing Vedanta Lanjigarh Sports Initiative, 26 athletes competed and secured 22 medals, underscoring the impact of the company’s structured and holistic approach to sports development. The qualifiers for the State Championship include Hemasagar Patra, who will compete in the Under-23 category in the 400 metres and 1500 metres events, and Bhushan Manjhi, also in the Under-23 category, who will compete in the 100 metres and 200 metres events.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “Sports has the power to build resilience, instil discipline and create opportunities for social transformation. The success of these young athletes reflects the immense sporting talent that exists in rural India and the effectiveness of our structured training ecosystem. At Vedanta Aluminium, we remain committed to enabling youth to aspire higher and compete at state, national and international platforms.”
Under the initiative, athletes receive expert coaching, nutritional support, sports kits and uniforms, with technical guidance from former Olympian Rahul Banerjee. Currently, Vedanta Lanjigarh is training over 100 rural youth in athletics and archery, creating pathways for them to excel.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Jagmohan Pattnaik, Vice President, Odisha Cricket Association and General Secretary, Kalahandi Athletic Association, said, “Kalahandi district holds immense potential in sports, particularly athletics. The platform created by Vedanta Lanjigarh is a significant step in the right direction. Such structured support will enable rural youth to achieve excellence and bring laurels to the district and the state.”
Sharing insights from the ground, Samir Munda, Athletic Coach, Vedanta Lanjigarh Sports Initiative, said, “These results reflect the dedication of the athletes and the impact of consistent, scientific training. With access to proper coaching and exposure, rural athletes can compete with the best. This achievement is only the beginning, and we are confident many more will emerge at state and national levels.”
Through its community-led sports initiatives, Vedanta Lanjigarh continues to nurture talent and promote inclusive development, reinforcing its commitment to empowering communities and building confident futures through sports.
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