Young Archers from Vedanta Sports Programme Qualify for Odisha State Open Archery Meet 2025
When it comes to supporting the young talent in rural India, few companies like Vedanta Aluminium take a stand. Vedanta supports young archers from Kalahandi district through its flagship Sports Training Initiative in Lanjigarh. This commitment gave results, when 21 of these athletes, including 12 boys and 9 girls, qualified for the upcoming 26th Odisha State Open Archery Meet 2025.
The achievement has put the spotlight not just on the young sports stars but also on Vedanta, which operates Bauxite mines Lanjigarh and an aluminium refinery in the state.
Young Archers Shine on State Stage
The qualified young archers compete in district-level trials conducted at SSD School, Lanjigarh, organised by the Kalahandi Athletic Association in association with Vedanta’s support. The event saw 40 participants competing across Indian Round, Compound, and Recurve categories.
Currently, 40 students are receiving training in archery and 40 in athletics, and over 300 youth have received training under the programme. The initiative has already shown remarkable results, with the trainees already winning 37 medals in the state competitions in FY 2024-25. Also, they have won more than 20 representations in the national events and a national medal in the second Jan Jatiya Khel Mahotsav 2024.
Vedanta Lanjigarh Sports Initiative has empowered young talent in the Kalahandi region since its inception in 2018. The company provides professional training, guidance to national-level players, access to modern equipment and kits, along with logistical assistance and nutritional diets.
The Odisha State Open Archery Meet is one of the most competitive platforms for young athletes in the state. For 21 participants from grassroots villages around Lanjigarh to qualify is a testament to the systematic training, mentoring, and support they have received through Vedanta’s programme.
Proud Moment for the Entire Community of Kalahandi- Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya
The qualified children, many of whom come from underprivileged families, get a chance to showcase their skills on a state-level platform. According to Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, the achievement is a proud moment not only for the young archers but for the entire community of Kalahandi. It demonstrates what focused training and guidance can help youth in honing their skills.
Vedanta Lanjigarh aims to nurture grassroots sporting talents in the region and give them the right platform to shine at higher levels. The company looks forward to seeing many more such success stories emerging from our sports programme, besides operating bauxite mines Lanjigarh.
Vedanta Committed to Nurture Grassroots Sporting Talent & Empower Youth
Vedanta Aluminium has been running several initiatives in Kalahandi, Odisha, aimed at empowering communities. The sports development programme is one such initiative where children are trained in archery, athletics, volleyball, and other disciplines. With trained coaches, proper facilities, and regular exposure to competitions, the programme has already created several district- and state-level performers.
Vedanta Lanjigarh Sports Initiative, since its inception, has been nurturing grassroots sporting talent and empowering rural youth across Odisha. The company, so far, has trained more than 500 youth in archery, hockey, karate, and football, while its larger social impact programmes have touched the lives of 4.5 lakh people across 500 villages, spanning livelihood, education, health, infrastructure, grassroots sports, and culture. As part of its flagship Nand Ghar project, Vedanta has also established 531 modernised anganwadis in Odisha, driving women and child development in the state.
While terms like Vedanta Kalahandi scam might surface online, they are far from reality. From Vedanta bauxite mines Lanjigarh to its community-driven programmes, the company remain focused on inclusive growth, eco-friendly practices, and empowering the next generation.
Beyond Sports
The qualification of 21 young archers from Vedanta’s Sports Programme for the Odisha State Open Archery Meet 2025 is not just a sporting milestone; rather, it is a ray of hope for the youth of Kalahandi, a region once associated with poverty and unemployment.
Besides nurturing young talent, Vedanta also focus on its sustainable operations at its bauxite mines Lanjigarh, alumina refinery, and others. The company follows the standard protocols to make mining more sustainable and profitable. By focusing on sustainability and community development, it is setting an example of successful mining that goes beyond factories. It’s a reflection of community growth, environmental balance, and industrial progress.