Lanjigarh, Nov (FN Representative) Vedanta Lanjigarh, India’s premier producer of smelter-grade alumina and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, proudly hosted the first school-level Sports Zonal Meet 2024, at the DAV Vedanta International Schoolpremises, Lanjigarh’s first English medium school that is supporting more than 4,000 children from the region. Tenschools from across Odisha participated in the football competition, while four schools showcased their skills in archery. The goal of this competitionwas to nurture budding athletic talent in the state and promote youth engagement in sports. The sporting event saw enthusiastic participation, where 190 students from 8 districts came together, showcasing their talents in various events, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition among students.
The event which took place for the first time ever in the district, was inaugurated by Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta’s Alumina Business, along with Mr. Sadananda Hota, Principal of DAV Lanjigarh, overseeing the proceedings. They emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, while also also highlighting the role of physical fitness and teamwork in overall development. Commenting on this noteworthy initiative, Mr. Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Ltd., said, “At Vedanta Aluminium we believe that empowering our youth through skill development and supportis essential for building a brighter future. Investing in the skills and talents of our young people not only helps them reach their full potential but also contributes to the growth of our communities and the nation. By fostering an environment that nurtures talent and promotes teamwork, we want to help drive a generation of leaders that will take us ahead in our development goals.”
The opening match featured an electrifying face-off between DAVLanjigarh and DAVTalcher, setting the stage for an unforgettable sporting showcase highlighting their outstanding talent and sportsmanship. Showcasing their remarkable skills, DAV Lanjigarh emerged victorious in both the Under-19 and Under-14 football tournaments, while DAVTitlagarh claimed victory in the Under-17 category, further emphasizing the competitive spirit and dedication of the young athletes involved. This sporting extravaganza is a part of Vedanta Aluminium’s long-term vision of community development through sports, promoting health, discipline and the company’s broader vision of empowering communities and enhancing quality of life through various avenues. Not only has the company recently acquired the Kalinga Lancers team in the upcoming Hockey India Leagueafter a seven-year hiatus, but also routinely sponsors local sports events, tournaments and student trainings in the state.