Balconagar, 28th August 2024 – Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a part of Vedanta Aluminium, marked National Sports Day by reinforcing its ongoing commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level. Through a dedicated initiative, BALCO distributed sports kits to local youth, emphasizing the company's sustained efforts to cultivate a passion for sports and nurture young talent in the community.

As part of this initiative, BALCO has distributed sports kits featuring equipment for Badminton, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Basketball, and Volleyball to local sports committees across various communities. In FY’25, sports kits have been distributed in 5 localities, with plans to extend this support to more areas in the near future. To date, over 3,700 youth have benefited from this initiative, gaining access to essential equipment and opportunities to develop their sports skills. This distribution ensures that children and young adults, particularly in regions with limited access to such resources, have the resources they need to participate in regular sports activities. Through these efforts, BALCO remains dedicated to fostering a culture of sportsmanship and ownership towards sports in these communities. The encouragement has not only revived and strengthened existing sports committees but also led to the formation of new ones, supported by local stakeholders.Reflecting on the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, stated, “This year’s remarkable performance by Indian athletes at the Olympics has once again highlighted the immense potential of our youth. At BALCO, we believe that nurturing this potential starts at the grassroots level. By providing access to proper sports equipment and creating opportunities for regular physical activity, we are laying the foundation for future champions. Initiatives like these not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also inspire young minds to pursue excellence in sports, which can ultimately elevate our nation’s standing on the global stage.”

Meena Bai Kanwar, Sarpanch of Sonpuri, shared, “BALCO has always been dedicated to improving our communities. Their efforts in health, education, and livelihoods have made a real difference, and now, by providing sports equipment, they’re helping our youth stay active and healthy.” 

BALCO continues to uphold its dedication to nurturing a strong culture of sportsmanship and promoting fitness across the community. With an average monthly footfall of 9,000 sports enthusiasts and a seating capacity of 5,000, BALCO actively manages the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Balconagar, providing a crucial space for local youth and children to develop and refine their sports skills. This stadium is more than just a venue; it's a training ground where young athletes can develop their abilities in sports like cricket, volleyball, basketball, hockey, kabaddi, and taekwondo. By providing access to such a well-equipped facility, BALCO is helping to create pathways for aspiring athletes to advance in their respective sports, empowering them to pursue their dreams with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.