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Issue 5 April-June 2019

Pledging to Social Good Quarterly Magazine from Vedanta Group

OUR SPORTS INITIATIVES Our community sports programmes strengthen the unity as well as physical and mental health Contents Issue 5 | April-June 2019

Initiating and Nurturing Talent Fostering Sports Talent Vedanta Sesa runs sports projects that Plc (KCM) is one of the most inculcate a spirit of team work and discipline | 04 distinguished sports sponsors in | 24 Rural Sports for Unity & Fitness Providing a Platform for Local BALCO’s rural sports forum brings the villages of Talent to Bloom Korba and Kawardha district together | 08 Vedanta Lanjigarh inculcates healthy competition and a spirit of team work | 27 HZL Launches Zinc Football A Holistic Programme for Grassroot Football Sports Initiatives at the Development | 11 International level (SZ) supports ’s Esl Promotes a Tribal Sport aspiring football players through its sports ESL’s archery school identifies, nurtures, development initiative | 30 handholds and trains local talent | 15 Getting Success Sport at the Community Level in the Long Run Vedanta Jharsuguda organises sports Running has helped Rashmi Mohanty tournaments in peripheral villages of imbibe attributes that assist her in the company’s operational areas | 18 her work | 34 Giving Athletes Creating Ecological a Headstart Awareness Promoting sports through various M Kumaran generates awareness initiatives is an activity that Cairn Oil about conserving water bodies and and Gas undertakes with pride | 20 the ecosystem around us | 35 Chairman’s Message

he youth of a country represent her present and the hope Sport gives on which her tomorrow is built. It is imperative to inculcate youth an Tstrong values in our youth, to help them become responsible opportunity to citizens, who will contribute to ’s growth story. learn together and build Alongside traditional education, pursuing creative interests like camaraderie liberal arts, music and sports, not only helps individuals develop amongst holistic personalities but also presents exciting career opportunities. themselves. Sports unify Playing sports from a young age contributes to our physical and communities mental fitness. It blurs the lines of caste, gender and race by and nations becoming a common unifier. Sport gives youth an opportunity to learn together and build camaraderie amongst themselves. Sports unify communities and nations.

I strongly believe that India will reach its full potential when youth lead the way for development. We at Vedanta, are committed towards providing our youth, especially women across strata, with the best-in-class sports facilities in order to bring them to the national forefront. I am pleased that Vedanta sports academies are not only nurturing sports talent from rural areas but also encouraging young girls to take up sports.

Anil Agarwal Chairman PLC SESA Football Academy Initiating and Nurturing Talent Vedanta has always put forth sports as an important activity for the youth and children. Sports is unbiased towards gender, caste or race and unites people while simultaneously improving their physical and mental health.

4 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 he Sesa Football Academy (SFA) was Students are also given orientation in sports established in June 1999 in Virdi, Sankhali, medicine, physiological assessment and physiotherapy. Goa, on a rehabilitated mine. SFA has SFA is honored to have the Arjuna Awardee and ex- since then churned out 140 footballers international footballer, Bramhanand Shankhwalkar as Tdonning national and international jerseys. In 2017, the Chief Mentor of the Academy. eight of SFA’s graduates were selected to play for the Six of SFA’s boys have represented India prestigious Indian Super League 2017-18 season. internationally and many others are pursuing their careers in football with major clubs. Alumni such SFA Provides: as Mickey Fernandes, Rowilson Rodrigues, Denzil • Four years of free residential football training Franco and Adil Ahmed Khan have gone on to • Nutrition and boarding represent India at various international competitions. • Education in local schools and colleges The aspiration to provide a launching pad for • Modern gym facilities professional footballers facing a dearth of opportunities • International coaches in competitive football led to the formation of another • Two residential coaches at each campus Academy in 2008. The senior team represented the

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 5 Union Sports Minister visits and remain committed to the upliftment of Sesa Football Academy football at the grass roots level.” Colonel Rathore honoured Bosco Monteiro, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, former Nicholas Pereira, Salvador Fernandes and Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Issac D’Souza – former players of the Sesa Goa Affairs and Sports, was the special guest at an Football Club. event organised by the Sesa Football Academy The Minister was full of praise for the (SFA) at the Sankhali Campus in Goa. He was impressive effort put in by the Vedanta Group accompanied by the Speaker of the Legislative to build the SFA. “I think it’s a wonderful Assembly, Goa, Pramod Sawant as well as opportunity for me to be here in this place Annanya Agarwal, President of the Vedanta which would normally be a mine bereft of any Football Project. green leaves. But it’s amazing to see the sort On his maiden visit to the Academy, Colonel of work that Vedanta has done to convert the Rathore emphasised the need for stronger mines into the lovely forest that is here.” alignment with private academies in India “This is a great example to the rest and said, “Hopefully we will very soon be recognising Sesa Football Academy as a of the country and it’s also an partner in Khelo India. My team example that can will come here and see the co-exist with environmental infrastructure and the training protection,” he added. that is happening.” Speaking on the efforts Annanya Agarwal, of the Vedanta Group President of Vedanta to support women’s Football Project said, football, Colonel Rathore “It will be an honour to said, “It’s also wonderful support government to see that a Vedanta initiatives like Khelo Women’s Football India and we will be League has been started extending all possible here. I would love to see support to our young these girls play for India athletes. At Vedanta, and I would love India we want to take to dominate the world Indian football forward with our girls.”

6 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Season Two of the Vedanta Women’s League concluded amidst a glittering ceremony with Panjim Footballers being crowned champions

Academy in the Goa Professional League, alongside giants such as SC, Salgaocar SC, Churchill Bros. SC, Sporting Club de Goa, etc., and also participated in the prestigious 2nd Division I-League Champions in the 2nd Edition organised by All India Football Federation besides of Vedanta Women’s League various other AIFF Tournaments. After four months of thrilling football, filled In 2014, Sesa Football Academy striker, Chukwudi with plenty of action and surprising results, Chukwuma, signed a four-year deal with FK Teplice, Season Two of the Vedanta Women’s League a top division club playing in the concluded amidst a glittering ceremony with Gambrinus Liga. This was the first time that a player Panjim Footballers being crowned champions for the second consecutive time. from any Indian football academy had secured a The League was organised in association professional contract. In 2017, Vedanta relaunched with the at Sesa its National Academy at Sirsaim Goa. Twenty two Football Academy’s Sirsaim campus. Panjim youngsters from across the country and Zambia are part Footballers topped the table with 25 points of the 2017 batch. The group now aims to build on the followed by runners-up Goan Football Club legacy of the academy and coach budding players in who grabbed 24 points while Churchill Brothers Sports Club finished third with 22 points. football from across the nation as well as Africa. turned it into a grand success. Vedanta Women’s In 2018, the event witnessed Football League participation from eight teams Taking forward the comprising of 160 footballers commitment and from across Goa. passion to nurture the girl child through Vedanta Football Schools various initiatives, Through the Vedanta Football Vedanta launched the School initiative, the company ‘Vedanta Women’s aims to reach out to the Football League’ in community and nurture football November 2017 with talent between the ages of 6 to the support of the Goa Football Association. 14. The initiative will not only The league was inaugurated by the former Chief help in inculcating sports skills, but also develop team Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar in the presence of spirit and healthy habits in children. The future aim is eminent women football legends. to increase the reach of this initiative in the community Vedanta created history through this first-of-its-kind by way of establishing a network of training centres and league by providing women footballers with a prominent community coaches across the state. Four centres of platform on which to showcase their talent and skills. Vedanta Football Schools at Sirsaim, Sanguem, Nuvem About 137 women footballers hailing from different parts and Majorda are currently running in Goa. And there are of Goa participated in this league through six teams and plans to expand it to other parts of Goa and .

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 7 BALCO’s Rural Sports for Unity, Wellness and Overall Fitness Sports is one of the most engaging exercises for the physical and mental well-being of all human beings. It not only inculcates a sense of healthy competitiveness and a spirit of teamwork in participants but also helps those with busy schedules to feel refreshed and energised.

utdoor sports like football, , kabaddi etc., help people stay physically fit and feel relaxed whereas indoor games like carrom, sudoku and puzzles help Oincrease their levels of concentration. Vedanta encourages playing sports not only for the physical and mental well-being of people but also to bring them together and strengthen unity through teamwork and sportsmanship. Sport remains unbiased towards gender, caste or race and hence it unites people while improving their physical and mental wellness at the same time. Keeping in line with the Vedanta group philosophy, (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, situated in Korba, Chhattisgarh, initiated a rural sports forum to create a platform that brings the various villages of Korba and Kawardha district together. This initiative helps the physical and mental fitness levels of people and unites them while providing a source of entertainment in their lives. Rural sports also provide a way to identify the hidden sports gems of Korba and Kawardha. Various sports like kabaddi, short put, 100 m sprint, matka race, archery, musical chairs, long jump etc., are played where both men and women from all ages actively take part thoroughly enjoying themselves. These sports activities provide a unique platform to strengthen bonds amongst villagers.

BALCO's rural sports forum provides a platform that serves to bring the various villages of Korba and Kawardha district together

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 9 Twenty five villages from Korba and Kawardha region take part in this rural sports fest. The villages include Dondro, Bela, Kesalpur, Sanjay Nagar, Bela Kacchar, Sangam Nagar, Kalash Nagar, Bhadra Para, Dugga Para, Rukhbara, Lalghat, Jambhav, Parsabhata, Belgari Basti, Shanti Nagar, Nehru Nagar, Sonpuri, Sanguda, Chuhiya, Bundeli, Kacchar, Narbada, Kesalpuri and Risda. Approximately 250 to 300 villagers participate in this rural sports festival that is held in winter in the month of January in both Korba and Kawardha. BALCO’s motto of giving back to society for its development, advancement and improvement drives the company in undertaking such projects. Since its inception BALCO has always strived towards making remarkable advancements in the field of community development and rural sports is one such initiative where the company has been successful in imparting the importance of sports for unity, wellness and overall fitness.

10 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 HZL Launches Zinc Football A Holistic Programme for Grassroot Football Development With country’s first-ever “technology & data hinged football training”, Zinc football will support grassroots football in the country to take Indian football to the next level

he timely intervention of technology and data-driven analysis can help grassroots A Proud Father football in the country and subsequently “I felt very proud after I take Indian football to the next level. It saw my daughter receive Tis with this belief that , a Vedanta a medal. I never thought Group company, has embarked on a massive grassroots that I would be sitting in programme – ‘Zinc Football’, as part of their social the audience cheering her one day. I truly am the investment programmes and initiatives. proudest father today. I Zinc Football is a one-of-its-kind football thank Zinc Football for their development initiative, at the core of which is a noble initiative in giving my full-fledged residential academy in Zawar, Udaipur daughter a platform on which to perform.” with world-class facilities and the country’s first ever Narendra Menaria about his daughter, Nidhi Menaria ‘technology-led football training’ – the unique F-Cube

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 11 Zinc Football is a one-of-its- kind football development initiative, at the core of which is a full-fledged residential academy

technology. In addition, Zinc Football will also have a massive outreach programme to impart football coaching to over 2,000 boys and girls, delivered by fully skilled football trainers through 64 community football centres – Zinc Football Schools – across Rajasthan. The initiative aims to contribute to the development of Indian football while leveraging the power of the world’s most loved sport to impact lives and ensure the social upliftment of women and children. The academy, which features a fully-equipped residential hostel, has identified its first batch of 30 extremely talented young boys under the age group of 14, handpicked among 4,500+ aspirants through various scouting camps held over the past year. The company will groom them into professional footballers while taking care of their formal education by providing them with the opportunities and right guidance.

The Football Academy’s coach as part of the community outreach programme of HZL Football Academy, HZL’s Women Coaches flagship CSR initiative. Monika and Nirmala started playing football in The project aims to set up 64 Community school. A mid-fielder, who has played for the Football Centres in select India under-18 team, Nirmala began playing neighbourhoods across HZL football in 2008 when she was in class VI. operations. Started together Monika, her classmate and a goalkeeper – with the Zinc Football started the game in class VIII. Both women League to give the come from villages near Hisar in Haryana and young players a taste were part of the Haryana team that came third of much-needed in the 21st Senior Women’s National Football match practice, Championship held in Punjab. After completing this residential the All India Football Federation ‘D’ license programme is course they have now chosen to be football designed for highly coaches. talented players where Anyone near the Zawar Football Stadium students will attain at around 4.30 pm can witness children – girls formal education in the age group of 8 to 12 years – with their while receiving football kits, walking towards the stadium in football training from groups of four or five. They are part of a group world class coaches. of about 60 girls that Monika and Nirmala In just six months

12 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Turning Adversity to Opportunity How often do we see tragedy become motivation for a young kid? Well, the story of 14-year-old Ladu Lal Jatiya is one of those rare stories. Ladu from Naya Dariba lost his father to a sudden heart attack almost a year ago. His father dreamt of becoming a footballer but poverty and lack of resources deterred him from following his ambition. After his demise, Ladu decided to make his father’s dream his own. Ladu has a genuine love for football, which he has inherited from his father who would take him to their neighbour’s home which was one of the few households that owned a television, to watch football matches every weekend. Ladu is now more determined than ever. He wakes at the first light of dawn, gets on his bicycle and rides for around six km to reach the Zinc Football School in Dariba. Mentored by the School’s licensed football coaches, Ladu now has the opportunity and resources to learn the game. An indicator of his devotion is that ever since the start of the programme Ladu has not missed a single session. His passion has also become a beacon of hope for his time, the girls coached by Monika and Nirmala family. Every morning came third in their open competition for his mother Tipu Bai, under-14 girls where they played against eagerly waits senior (above-18) teams held in Jaipur. When for her son to asked about their dreams, both coaches return from have the same answer – they want the teams training that they coach to play and win in national with a and international competitions. Playing at a glass of young age with parental support, the girls are milk in her becoming more confident about themselves. hand. And The past few months have been full of even though learning for both coaches. Nirmala agrees she does not when Monika says, “Hum bhi to gaon ke know a lot bachchi the,” (We are also girls who grew about football, up in villages). The coaches even go to talk she believes to the teachers and the girls about playing that her son’s football. “Koi teacher mana karte hai to determination unko bar bar jaakar haan karate hai’,” (If a and Zinc teacher says no to girls playing football Football’s support then we visit the school repeatedly till s/ will propel him to he says yes). Clearly both of them love fulfil her husband’s this challenge. dream. On the Way to Achieving F-Cube – India’s First His Dreams ‘Technology-Hinged Born in the Godda district of , Football Evaluation 13-year-old Sandeep Marandi is as football-crazy Tool’ as they come. Sandeep dreamt of wearing the F-Cube is a holistic Indian National Team jersey and representing technology-driven, India at the FIFA World Cup ever since he sports, health and fitness was a child. But his football dreams started platform, which was taking shape about a year ago at the Rajasthan Under-14 State Championship Final match held developed to analyse in Bundi district where his brilliant performance the six basic skills was noticed by the Zinc Football scouting team. required in football Today, the defender is one of the most — dribbling, passing, promising players at the Academy and has heading, shooting, qualified to wear the captain's armband for the team. Zinc Football Head Coach, trapping and tackling. Suresh Kataria says, “Looking at Sandeep’s This revolutionary dedication, he has a very bright future. He software is used at the brings about a level of maturity in the practice Zinc Football Academy sessions and is definitely the most improved to monitor and enhance player in our Academy.” players’ performances. The teenager misses his mother Premlata who is all by herself back home as his father, F-Cube has a a constable with the Jharkhand Police, customised training was transferred to a few years ago. curriculum under Remembering his school days in Kota Sandeep which every player’s says, “I had my first shot with football while response time, I was in Class V. Before that my friends and I used to play with our own makeshift balls endurance, hand-eye made out of sundry things like socks, plastic coordination, communication, physical classification, bags etc. Today, I am happy to train and learn foot-eye coordination, memory, agility, accuracy, new techniques under the coaches at the among others, is reviewed and recorded. Unlike Zinc Football Academy. My only dream is to traditional training methods, F-Cube focuses on represent India and make my parents proud.” digital engagement and gamification to retain the interest of players. The software can capture videos that enables remote access to player performance. Experts can scrutinise a player’s gameplay and provide inputs to assist in his/ her improvement. It helps in creating a standardised test to identify talent while developing players’ mental and physical attributes. This adaptive approach customises itself thus enabling it to cater to different players – helping in their constant growth. By using this highly advanced technology, two kinds of assessment reports can be generated — quantitative and qualitative. While a quantitative report that indicates the areas where a player excels and where he can improve is generated automatically by the device, a qualitative report is created by the player’s coach based on the video generated by the F-Cube machine.

14 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 ESL Promotes a Tribal Sport at the Dronachcharya Archery School ESL’s state-of-the-art archery school will be promoted as a Talent Identification Centre and will be affiliated to Khelo India, a central government-sponsored scheme, ensuring a PPP model to work at the Bokaro district level.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 15 unting is integral to tribal life in Jharkhand. The culture and practice of hunting has been integrated with one of the most popular and traditional sports Hin Jharkhand, archery. In recent times the state has produced many international players like , World No 1; Madumita Kumari, Asian Games silver medalist; Jayanta Talukdar, Laxmi Rani Majhi and Reena Kumari. The government of Jharkhand has also taken initiatives to promote archery among the local children and teenagers especially those coming from rural areas. ESL aims to develop a state-of-the-art archery school – the ESL Dronacharya Archery School, which will identify, nurture, handhold and train local talent and provide them with an opportunity to hone their skills in the discipline. They will get an opportunity to compete for the Khelo India Scholarship and represent their state and country at national level competitions. Khelo India, a central government-sponsored scheme, intends to select top-line sportspersons every year under the age of 17 across various disciplines through tournaments at various levels. After selection, these players will receive special scholarships and training assistance to help them prepare for various international meets. The School will be promoted as a Talent Identification Centre and will be affiliated to Khelo

India ensuring a PPP model to work at the Bokaro district level. Some 34 sports centres across the country have received similar accreditation with annual renewability. Any player chosen under this scheme can opt for a coaching centre of his/her choice. A Khelo India sportsperson is given `10,000 per month as a stipend and `5 lakh a year for equipment. Food and stay at the training centre is free. Player scholarships are valid for eight years subject to annual performance reviews. Low performers are weeded out but can get selected again after undergoing the same process. For an academy, a Khelo India accreditation ensures that funds to develop its students would be routed through the centre of excellence. The infusion of funds will also help an academy to upgrade its infrastructure. To promote this sport and talent in nearby villages of the plant area, ESL started a grass root Coaching

16 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 A grass roots football project has been designed in order to help in the battle against child labour and to arrest school dropout rates

Training is conducted from 3 pm to 5 pm daily after trainees come back from school. The students belong to far-flung areas hence practice time available is limited. ESL plans to start a day boarding facility that will ensure education, nutrition supplements, physical training and skill training under the same roof.

ESL Football Academy In India, grass root football programmes for youth are rare. Five out of 10 school dropouts in Jharkhand are forced into child labour. A grass roots football project has been designed to extend beyond football in order to help in the battle against child labour and to arrest school dropout rates. This is an integrated programme that ensures a formal education, nutritional food and skill development in sports for the youth. ESL Vedanta aims to form a group of youth who would work as catalysts so as to bring about change in the community and the aim that ESL Vedanta is working towards is to develop holistic personalities. An integrated approach will ensure that sports and education together Centre in the month of April 2018. At present, the bring behavioural changes in children. coaching centre is running in Maitra Krira Sthal, 16 Football is a traditional sport in Jharkhand and is Khata Campus near the plant arena. The ground is played with rigour and passion at the village level and in maintained by ESL to nurture talent. order to promote this sport in and around the villages of Budding archers from local villages, especially in the plant area, ESL started a coaching camp in the month the tribal dominated belt from Bhagabandha village of June 2018. At present the camp is at a nascent stage. to Asansol Village, Chas and Chandankiyari Block, Three scouting camps have been organised in Jharkhand have won maximum berths in the ESL- the villages near the plant and over 100 students, promoted Archery School in Bokaro. aged between eight and14, participated in selection The new cadets joined the school in April 2018. trials. Finally 16 football players were shortlisted for Coach Kenaram Hansda, a tribal from Sindhri and a further training. former national level archer, has been appointed to To develop good health in the rural youth is of train students. Scouting initiatives were organised prime importance as most of them cannot afford across the villages with over 39 participants and 20 to have two square meals every day. However their players shortlisted from the lot. According to the level of energy and zeal to play are astonishing. coach, the selected archers were promising and their Consequently ESL’s prime focus is on improving the shooting skills, grip and stance would improve further health of these youth while simultaneously developing during their stint at the school. their skills during the coaching camp.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 17 Jharsuguda Community Sport Witnesses Great Enthusiasm To promote sports among the youth, at Jharsuguda regularly organises cricket and football tournaments in the peripheral villages of the company’s operational areas. These tournaments have witnessed highly enthusiastic participation from the community.

18 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Vedanta Cup, T-10 Cricket Tournament in December 2018. The tournament witnessed the Katikela participation of 16 teams and was graced by the presence The Vedanta Cup T-10 Cricket tournament was held of Naba Kishore Das, MLA of Jharsuguda, who was the in Katikela from 22 to 25 December 2018. A total of Chief Guest. The Hirma Team was declared winners of eight teams from Jharsuguda and the nearby districts the tournament and was awarded a cash prize of `11,000. participated in the tournament. The tournament Team Talabida who were the runners up were awarded a comprised of three stages – quarter final, semi-final sum of `6,000. and final and saw tough competition among the teams. A friendly match was also held between Vedanta employees and villagers of Katikela.

Football Tournament at R&R Colony A football tournament was held at the R&R Colony between 18 and 22 October 2018. A total of 32 teams participated with enthusiasm and zeal. The MLA of Jharsuguda, Naba Kishore Das was the Chief Guest at the event. After a tough competition between participants, the Jharsuguda team was declared winner of the tournament.

Kurebaga Cricket Tournament On the request of community members, Vedanta organised a cricket tournament between 6 and 12 Cairn Oil & Gas Gives Athletes A Head Start

Given the large number of sports enthusiasts and marathon sprinters in the organisation, Cairn Oil & Gas takes pride in promoting sports activities and events through various initiatives.

he company supported the Indian National assistance from the government, sports organisations Hockey team in 2012. It also supported or corporates. India’s successful outing in September Indian para athletes and partnered with 2016, where the country won 4 medals (2 Gold, 1 various annual marathon events. Silver and 1 Bronze) with Devendra Jhajharia breaking TThe company’s association with Hockey India the world record, marked a shift in how the Indian to co-sponsor the Indian National Hockey men’s para athlete fraternity was viewed. and women’s teams in 2012, saw Cairn taking its While government appointed coaches are available first big step towards nurturing and growing sports in state run stadia, para athletes need funds for their both at the national and international levels. Cairn’s sports kits, nutritious diet, physiotherapeutic treatment decision to associate with hockey was aimed at fuelling and exposure to tournaments at the domestic and the resurgent interest in national sports amongst international levels. This was when Cairn decided to youngsters. Cairn was also the title sponsor of the step in and provide assistance to para athletes.in 2016. Anna Hockey League 2014, and the Rajasthan Cairn has been supporting three high-potential Women’s Hockey Cup, 2014. para athletes from Rajasthan since 1 February 2017, through the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) Project Divyang under its Project Divyang initiative. PCI is the sole Currently Cairn supports Project Divyang where it authorised organisation recognised by the International helps three para athletes from Rajasthan in partnership Paralympics Committee as well as the government with the Paralympic Committee of India. Paralympic for the promotion and development of para sports Games develop equality, transform attitudes and in India. The support from Cairn to selected para help to increase inclusion by breaking down social athletes is used towards and covers – specialised barriers and discrimination towards people with training and coaching; diet and nutrition supplements; impairment. Prior to the Rio Paralympics 2016, para physiotherapy and injury management; incentives athletes were barely recognised and did not get enough for exceptional performances; athlete grants; sports

20 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 A Para Athelete par Excellence Sundar Singh Gurjar, who comes from the Karauli district in Rajasthan, is a para athelete who takes part in the javelin, discus and shot put events with javelin being his primary focus. “I knew I wanted to go into sports since the very beginning. My father was a wrestler. I was never interested in studying and I even failed in my class X exams,” says Sundar who is a world record holder in javelin. Sundar was one of the top contenders for the javelin throw at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. However, on the day of the event Sundar was disqualified due to a gross misunderstanding. Totally shattered, Sundar withdrew into a shell. It was around this time that Cairn partnered with the Paralympics Committee of India. Cairn’s commitment to support three para athletes from Rajasthan with a structured programme that included specialised training and coaching, physiotherapy, diet and nutrition supplements etc., helped Sundar regain his confidence. Post the partnership with Cairn, Sundar participated in the 9th Fazza International Para transform Athletic Grand Prix 2017, where he won Gold attitudes and help to increase medals in the javelin, discus and shot put events. Subsequently, in the World Para Athletic inclusion by breaking down Championship 2017 held in London, Sundar once again won a Gold medal in javelin. social barriers towards Thereafter, there was no looking back. Sundar people with impairment won several Gold, Silver and Bromze medals in the competition in which he participated. kits and equipment and exposure to domestic and Post his winning international competitions. performance at the Asiad, Para athletes supported by he was felicitated by Prime Cairn have had many major Minister Narendra Modi, achievements in their careers. For who also tweeted to congratulate instance, Sundar Singh Gurjar, him on this who comes from the Karauli exemplary District in Rajasthan performance. and participates in the He attributes javelin (his primary his success to the support event), discus and shot provided by put throws has won 14 Cairn over the Gold medals, 1 Silver and past two years 1 Bronze medal at various and is grateful international events for their timely including winning the intervention.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 21 sole Gold medal for India in the World Para-Athletics Championship, London in 2017 and a Silver and a Bronze in the Asian Para Games 2018. During the first Indian Open Para Athletics Championship held in Bengaluru in July 2018, Sundar went on to break the world record in javelin with a throw of 64.11 m, beating the previous record of 63.97 m set by Gold Medalist Devendra Jhajharia in the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Shatabdi Avasthi who comes from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan and participates in shot put, javelin and discus events won 3 medals at various international level forums including a Silver medal during the 2017 Fazza Grand Prix, Dubai and a Bronze in the World

Creating a Champion Para athelete Shatabdi Avasthi who comes from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, always dreamt of joining the army. Her dreams however did not materialise due to an unfortunate accident that resulted in her breaking her spine. A quick venture into the field of social service followed before Shatabdi zeroed in on competing as a para athlete in the shot put category. Never having participated in any tournament prior to her association with PCI and its partnership with Cairn, she was happy that Cairn provided support with a structured programme. This included specialised training and coaching, physiotherapy, Grand Prix held in Berlin in June 2018. diet and nutrition supplements etc. Today Another praiseworthy athlete, Sandeep Singh Shatabdi competes in the shot put category Maan from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan competes in with javelin and discus as secondary events. Shatabdi has a few national and some 100 m, 200 m and 400 m and is an Arjuna Awardee. international titles to her credit — Silver at the Since his association with Cairn, Sandeep has won 10 World Para Athletic Grand Prix in 2017 and Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal at various reputed a Bronze in the same competition in 2018. international events. Shatabdi also represented India at the Asian Since Cairn’s association with PCI began, para Para Games 2018 held in Jakarta. “There is recognition. There are financial awards. But athletes have won 24 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze there are also times when we are looked down medals in internationally recognised events including upon for being disabled. I don’t seek sympathy the World Para Athletics Championship 2017 and Asian but it hurts when you see discrimination. This Para Games 2018, and secured a World Record in 2018. becomes more pronounced when we struggle due to the lack of accessibility to so many Cairn Pink City Half Marathon things,” says this now very confident girl as she expresses her gratitude to Cairn for all the Cairn also supports the Cairn Pink City Half Marathon support she received. in partnership with GT Health Care, supports the Airtel Marathon and is assisting in the construction

22 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Since his association with Cairn, Sandeep has won 10 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal at various reputed international events

only promotes health and fitness among the youth but is also serves as a platform to spread social awareness on the importance of campaigns like Vedanta’s flagship programme – Nand Ghar and Cairn’s high impact initiative – Safe Drinking Water (JeevanAmrit) that were showcased during the 2017 event. Last year of a sports pavilion in Balotra highlighted the importance of Swatchh Bharat District, Rajasthan. Abhiyan and Beti Bachao It also promotes events Beti Padhao. that generate awareness The event that about sports, healthcare and features a half marathon social causes. The marathon race (21.097 km), was renamed the “Cairn Cool Run (10 km) Pink City Half Marathon” and a short run (5 (CPCHM), which was held km) has received the on 24 December 2017 and 16 prestigious membership December 2018 in Jaipur. of AIMS – Association of Professional and amateur International Marathon runners and sports enthusiasts and Distance Races, across the globe participate in thereby providing this marathon that sees active international reach to participation from Vedanta- the worldwide running Cairn employees. The event not community.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 23 KCM Nurturing Sports Talent in Various Disciplines Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) is undeniably one of the most distinguished sports sponsors in Zambia. The company received the coveted top sports awards from the government twice, through the Ministry of Sport. These include the Consistent Sports Sponsor award and the Outstanding Contribution to Sport through CSR award.

24 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 CM’s sports footprint has, in the past KCM-Trained Benson Kolala decade, spanned from football – the Makes a Mark country’s most revered sport – to the The latest sensation on the Zambian football sponsorship of key tournaments in scene is Benson Kolala who is Zambia’s Kvarious disciplines in KCM’s areas of operation Chipolopolo Under-20 National team’s prolific and host communities of Nampundwe, Kitwe, attacking midfielder. Benson practices at the Chingola and Chililabombwe. The company has also Nchanga Rangers FC. Benson joined the Nchanga Rangers supported a variety of sports including rugby, tennis, Football Club in 2016 and the club has given squash and bowling. him several opportunities to feature in the KCM has provided 27 sports facilities to team. The young midfield player has earned communities in all its operational areas, through a call-ups to the Under-17 national team where community-driven sports support model, benefitting he featured in all their engagements in 2017. the youth and other members of the community. Benson was promoted to the Under-20 football team after demonstrating his prowess These facilities are managed by committees and has trained in the national team, the nominated from within the communities so that senior Chipolopolo squad, as it is fondly ownership is built thereby ensuring the sustainability referred to. of operations. KCM employees and community In December 2018, Benson was a key part members regularly participate in these wellness and of the Under-20 squad, which was participating in the competitive sports activities. southern African region The youth comprises at least 21 per cent of COSAFA tournament, Zambia’s population of 16.4 million and engaging hosted by Zambia. Just them in sports activities ensures that they stay away like the many Zambian from engaging in anti-social behaviour such as abuse of superstars that were alcohol. A number of young Zambians have emerged trained at KCM football clubs who have gone from KCM-aided sports clubs to become national on to shine on the heroes in their chosen disciplines. international scene, Rugby, which is the second most popular sport, Benson is on track to has benefitted immensely with KCM community become a major player in support and many national rugby tournaments are Zambian football. regularly hosted at the KCM facilities in Chingola and Chililabombwe. Tournaments like the famous Owen Busange Rugby tournament are annually KCM’s Football Legacy held in Chililabombwe and the National 10-A Side KCM has played a pioneering role in the Tournament is held in Chingola. development of football in Zambia and is the first The Nchanga Rugby Club recently hosted the private sector company to sponsor the entire Zambia national 2018 Rugby 10-A Side tournament. KCM Football League from 2006 to 2011. The company’s partnered with the local organising committee in passion in developing football received accolades sponsoring this prestigious tournament in Chingola from a cross-section of its partners including the that attracted the participation of 18 rugby teams government. from across the country. Red Arrows and Diggers The initiative to sponsor the National League Rugby Clubs were both declared winners of the 2018 culminated in the blossoming of the Football tournament after the final match ended in a draw. Association of Zambia (FAZ) league and heightened The Rugby tournament held in Nchanga, called the competition. This now features as one of Africa’s KCM 10-A Side rugby tournament has officially been highly competitive Premier Leagues and attracts elevated to being the season’s curtain raiser by the prominent players from numerous football-playing Zambia Rugby Football Union. nations like Nigeria.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 25 The KCM teams have nurtured some of the best football talent in the country Since the inception of the Zambian League

One of the greatest contributions in the development of football in Zambia has been KCM’s Chililabombwe Hosts Squash Tournament sponsorship of local football clubs – Nchanga Rangers On 27 October 2018, and Konkola Blades Football Clubs. KCM partnered with the Chililabombwe Squash Since the inception of the Zambian Committee and the local League in the early 1960s the KCM teams government to sponsor have had a rich heritage of nurturing the Konkola Open Squash Tournament at the KCM Konkola some of the best football talent in the Squash Club in Chililabombwe. country. In recent years, the backbone of The tournament, which was contested by 100 squash the Zambia Junior Football teams, which players, was won by Seed have performed very well in international One, Manda Chilambwe of the Lusaka Squash Club who beat tournaments, have had a number of players Linos Mwale of ZNS Lusaka developed by the Nchanga Rangers and 3-2 in the men’s category. The woman’s champion was Abigail Konkola Blades Football Clubs. Chanda of Green Buffaloes who won 3-1 over Ethel KCM prides itself in making such a Mambwe of the Ndola Squash Club. meaningful contribution to the local football scene KCM Employees Host Sports Festivities by nurturing top talent in the country. The company KCM partnered with the government to sponsor festivities in its areas of operation – Chingola, has had an impact through the sponsorship of Youth Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Shibuyunji district where Development Programmes, the National Football people from all walks of life gathered to honour Zambia Day on 24 October 2018. KCM employees celebrated League, for a period of six years and has lent its support by hosting an Independence Ball Games tournament to two local football clubs for the social mobilisation, with the underlying purpose of fostering unity and patriotism for Zambia. entertainment and livelihood to over 120 football players that are employed by the clubs.

26 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Lanjigarh Providing a Platform for Local Talent to Blossom Vedanta Limited is a socially responsible corporate that aspires to transform the lives of people who live in some of the most underdeveloped areas in the Lanjigarh tehsil of . Vedanta Limited firmly believes in making the local people participants in the growth process of the organisation and strives to inculcate a sense of healthy competition and a spirit of team work in communities in the rural parts of Odisha.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 27 First KBK District Level Archery Competition The Kalahandi Balangir Koraput (KBK) region is one of the most backward and underdeveloped areas in the country and is predominantly populated by marginalised and vulnerable groups of society. In an endeavour to bring traditional sports and the talent of this region to the forefront, Vedanta Lanjigarh organised a first-of-its-kind KBK District-level Archery competition on 11 and 12 August 2018 in collaboration with the District Administration of Kalahandi. The two-day sports meet witnessed huge participation, with 46 school children from the five districts of Balangir, Kalahandi, Subarnapur, Malkangiri and Rayagada participating in the junior and sub-junior category.The playground brimmed with spectators who cheered the young ones. Mirdha Toppo, Sub Collector, Kalahandi and Subhashish Nayak District Sports Officer, Kalahandi graced the occasion as the Chief Guests. Balabhadra Majhi, MLA was also present at the event and appreciated Vedanta’s efforts in organising such an elaborate competition. Vedanta received great appreciation from the district administration as well as the audience for having created an excellent platform for young talent which will continue to inspire the youth of Odisha to play sports especially regional sports like Archery in the future.

Eight teams from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh participated in the tournament

Inter State Knockout Football Tournament In order to promote sports and culture through inclusive partnership with the community, an Inter- State Knockout Football Tournament 2018 was organised by Vedanta Lanjigarh at the Chandanpur village playground from 4-11 December 2018. Eight teams from the states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh took part in the tournament. Teams participated from , Sambalpur, Chandanpur – Lanjigarh Block, Bhilai

28 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Great enthusiasm was seen among the players and the crowd, with more than 1,000 villagers gathering to witness the tournament each day. The sportsmen were highly motivated by the audience’s appreciation and fervour for the game.The tournament also enthused many youth to consider sports as a career and represent the state and country in the future.

Karate Championship Students enrolled at the karate classes initiated by Vedanta Lanjigarh participated in the 3rd Kalahandi – Chhattisgarh, , Angul, Bargarh and District Karate – Judo Championship held at the Vishakhapatnam (East Coast Railway). Bhawanipatna Indoor Stadium on 9 December 2018. Vedanta also organised a women’s friendly A total of 15 students participated in the championship exhibition match between Jharsuguda and Sambalpur and won 3 Gold, 6 Silver and 7 Bronze medals in both to encourage women to participate in sports. Vedanta’s the Technique and Fighting categories. Vedanta is proud continuous effort in promoting sports across gender to be nurturing such talented and hardworking students was well accepted by the community. The entire who, within a span of five months of training, achieved village flocked to the playground to witness the laurels – making this an excellent start to their journey match. The players were traditionally welcomed by in the world of sport. The karate classes introduced by the community with garlands. Chandanpur village Vedanta in July 2018 provide training to underprivileged was delighted to have hosted such a big event in their girls and boys in the VIII to X classes of the SSD High village with Vedanta’s support and Vedanta is proud to School, Lanjigarh. Parents were grateful to Vedanta have supported Chandanpur’s local talent who reached for having given their children an opportunity to learn the semi-finals of the tournament. martial arts and represent their schools at the district Battula Gangadhar, Superintendent of Police, level for the first time. The champions look forward Kalahandi District, who was the Chief Guest was to learning more and preparing for the State Level impressed with the arrangements made by Vedanta and Championship and Vedanta is pleased to have inculcated was witness to the huge crowd present at the event. a drive for sports among the youth.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 29 Vedanta Zinc Sports Programmes at An International Level Skorpion Zinc (SZ) has been supporting Namibia’s young aspiring football players through its sports development initiative for the past five years. The Skorpion Zinc U-17 football tournament is an initiative that was implemented in partnership with the Namibian Football Association (NFA) and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service to support the development of U-17 football talent in Namibia as well as to close the gap in school football especially at the competitive level.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 31 ver the past five years the sports programme has provided opportunities to more than 2,000 boys under the age of 17 to showcase their skills and get an Oopportunity to be selected by national talent scouts. More than 100 referees have undergone accredited FIFA refereeing courses imparted during the tournaments and more than 100 match officials have been part of the tournaments. The SZ U-17 has been placed on the annual calendar of the Namibia Football Association since its inception and is recognised by the Namibia Sports Commission. The tournament reaches out to all 14 regions of the country. Trials are done in schools regionally. This provides young talented players an opportunity to compete for a place in the regional/ provincial team that will go on to ultimately represent the region/province at the national tournament level. All 14 regions in the country prepare their best talent to represent the region at the tournament. Skorpion Zinc celebrated five years of successful implementation of the U-17 category in 2018. Over the past five years, the tournament has served as a pool for the selection of young talented Namibians for a spot in the regional/provincal U-17 team and eventually in the national team which goes on to perform in bigger tournaments such as COSAFA U-17 Over the past five years and other international matches. The Skorpion Zinc U-17 Championship has thus created an opportunity the sports programme has for young boys to learn from each other, share ideas provided opportunities for and build lasting relations. more than 2,000 boys under 17 to showcase their skills

Speaking about how Skorpion Zinc has helped the game progress, Barry Rukoro, Secretary General, NFA said, “We, at NFA, believe that the partnership between our two institutions is one of the most productive ones we ever had and we hope that future generations of young football players will continue to benefit from your generosity. We have no doubt that significant progress has been made in the development of the game. More young players, boys and girls both, are joining the game than ever before; we have built national teams of international repute and women football is growing by leaps and bounds. All these

32 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 achievements are due, in no small part, to the support to be better, to do better, be different and make sure provided by Skorpion Zinc.” that Skorpion Zinc and Vedanta Zinc International Skorpion Zinc NFA Women’s Super League: In will have no reason to doubt our commitment in this October 2018, Skorpion Zinc, launched the Skorpion partnership.” said the former Brave Gladiators Head Zinc NFA Women’s Super League in partnership Coach, Jacqueline Shipanga. with the Namibia Football Association (NFA). The Skorpion Zinc sport initiatives will League provides women and girls in the country thus continue to make with a platform to showcase their talent and skills an even greater at the highest level, enabling them to participate in impact in international games elsewhere in the world. The Namibia. Women’s Super League targets aspiring and talented Namibian women soccer players between the ages of 16-35 from soccer clubs across the country. “When a woman is in power, she empowers others and that is what Ms Deshnee Naidoo has done, she might not understand the magnitude of this sponsorship but we do, every girl who kicks a ball in this country does. And we can never thank you enough, but we promise to uphold and protect the Skorpion Zinc and Vedanta brands, we promise Getting Success in the Long Run s the Head – Group Treasury, Vedanta, Rashmi Mohanty divides her time between Gurgaon and , handling corporate finances and treasury management. Add to thatA her family responsibilities (a husband and two kids), and she does have her hands full. But despite all this, Rashmi – an avid runner – finds time to participate and finish strongly in long-distance runs across the world. Rashmi used to be an athlete during her school and college days but started long-distance races only a few years ago. “I used to be a sprinter in school and college and also participated in events like javelin throw and long jump. But as I left college and started my professional career, fitness took a backseat. Then, Rashmi has competed in about 10 years ago, after the birth of my second child, several half-marathons and I realised I was in my late-thirties and it hit me that my marathons in India and fitness levels were bad. So, I decided to move into my forties as a fit woman. That’s how I got into running.” abroad and has also finished Over the years, Rashmi has competed in several half- a number of ultra-marathons marathons and marathons in India and abroad and has also finished a number of ultra-marathons (races longer precedence over the others. What takes precedence and than 42 km). “My first ultra was in 2011, a 50 km run how it happens depends on the situation and you.” and since then, I have run several more, including Running isn’t simply recreational for Rashmi. She the Comrades (South Africa’s 89 km-long Comrades explains, “Running does give me a lot that helps me Marathon, widely regarded in the corporate world too. First of all, it teaches me as the most prestigious patience. Through running, I have also learnt to break ultra-marathon in the up my problems and targets into smaller bits. For world), two years in a instance, when I’m running a 100 km race, I focus on row,” she says. my timing for the first 25 km. When I pass that mark, On balancing a I revise my target based on my performance thus far. high pressure job with I have applied the same approach to handling things running, she says, “It at work as well. Instead of dealing with everything at is tougher for women, once, I tackle smaller problems or issues at one time.” because there is the Rashmi is now setting her sights higher. She says, added dimension of kids “I want to run more ultra-marathons, maybe go for a and the house that you 100-milers now that I have done 100-km races. I also also have to balance. want to finish all the six World Marathon Majors – New That means something York, Chicago, Boston, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.” So will always take far, only six Indians have finished all these.

34 Issue 5 | April-June 2019 Creating Ecological

M Kumaran Awareness Cairn Oil and Gas t is not often that we get to hear about an extraordinary feat that truly inspires us. Such effort involves passion, years of hard work and Icommitment. One such story is that of M Kumaran, a well-site geologist from the sub-surface team of Vedanta Cairn Oil and Gas. Kumaran is a geologist by profession and an avid stand-up paddler by passion who has been paddling across the length and breadth of the country on water bodies, for a couple of years now. As he paddles, he also generates awareness about conserving water bodies and the eco-system around us. His unwavering passion has won him many laurels both in the form fame and records (in three independent three months.The expedition Limca Book of Records). kicked off at Gaumukh (source In 2017, Kumaran set yet of the river Ganges at 4,020 another world record by metres) going on to Devprayag completing an expedition of stand- and Haridwar in Uttrakhand up paddling in the Ganges from and then on to the plains of source to the sea clocking 2,667 km Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand in 72 days. He achieved this target and . In his journey when he reached Ganga Sagar in to complete this challenging task, West Bengal on 11 January 2017 at around 4pm. Kumaran joined a team of three Kumaran set off on ‘Ganges SUP’ on 17 October 2016. different nationals from across the globe. The aim of this feat was to stand-up paddle the length The aim of this adventure was to use the sport of the river Ganges from Gaumukh to Sagar Island in to campaign for cleaner and safer rivers and also to raise awareness against single use plastic SUP i.e Kumaran set yet another #SUPagainstSUP, encouraging more people to step outside their comfort zone and attempt an ‘adventure world record by completing in their backyard’. Kumaran is now ready to set yet an expedition of stand-up another world record! paddling in the Ganges from Found the story interesting? Share your volunteer source to the sea clocking story at [email protected] and get a chance 2,667 km in 72 days to feature in the next edition of Sankalp.

Issue 5 | April-June 2019 35 “Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them – a desire, a dream, a vision” – Mahatma Gandhi

Vedanta Limited Regd. Office: 1st Floor, ‘C’ Wing, Unit 103 Corporate Avenue, Atul Projects Chakala, Andheri (East) Mumbai – 400 093 www.vedantalimited.com

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