BHUBANESWAR, OCT 1
Leading steelmaker Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) has been awarded the prestigious CSR Journal Excellence Award 2024 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of sports in India. The award was presented at the 7th edition of the ceremony in Mumbai on Monday.
This award acknowledges JSP’s extensive efforts, through its social arm, the Jindal Foundation, to foster sports talent and enhance sports infrastructure, particularly at the grassroots level.
Congratulating the team, Jindal Foundation Chairperson Shallu Jindal stated, “We are honored to receive this for the second consecutive time. This award affirms our commitment to nurturing sports talent and promoting sports as a tool for empowerment. My heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and partners for making this possible. Together, we will continue driving positive change in society.”
The event was graced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who served as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring speech, he emphasized the importance of corporates giving back to rural areas and supporting those in need through their CSR activities. Several eminent personalities were in attendance, including PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association; Aditi Tatkare, Minister for Women & Child Development, Government of Maharashtra; and Amit Upadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of The CSR Journal, along with numerous social workers and dignitaries from various sectors.
JSP’s General Manager (CSR) Vargil Lakra represented the Jindal Foundation and accepted the award during the ceremony.
The Jindal Foundation is proud to be recognized for its efforts in promoting sports and remains committed to empowering communities through its wide-ranging CSR initiatives. In alignment with the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative, JSP is dedicated to nurturing and training young athletes in various sports such as Wushu, Kabaddi, archery, football, and cricket. JSP provides enhanced sports infrastructure, nutrition, training, and opportunities for participation in national and international programs. The company has supported the development of 30,000 young athletes across India, focusing on Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, including 5,000 aspiring hockey players from the Sundargarh district of Odisha. Through the Jindal Foundation, the company also runs a Cricket Academy in Raigarh District.
The Jindal Foundation has constructed 20 playgrounds, two sports complexes and stadiums, and one sports hostel dedicated to underprivileged athletes. The Sports Hostel in Barbil offers tribal and disadvantaged athletes free accommodation, nutrition, education, and intensive sports coaching. Several athletes supported by JSP have gone on to win medals at national and international sporting events.
