Press Releases

BALCO distributes sports kits in community, commits to nurturing grassroots sports

Balconagar, Korba; 9^th May 2023: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a leading producer of aluminium in India and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, has taken another significant step towards promoting sports at the grassroots level by distributing sports kits to local youth on World Athletics Day. This initiative aims to inspire the love for sports among the younger generation and foster a culture of sportsmanship in the community.

The kits included equipment for different sports like Badminton, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Basketball, and Volleyball. These sports kits were handed over to ward councilors in 10 wards to lend to children and youth from their communities, so they have proper equipment to play with and to make sports a regular part of their everyday lives. Over 20 communities benefitted from the distribution of the sports kits distribution, especially those who lack access to proper sports equipment.

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO said, “Sports bring improvement in the quality of life and social environment of individuals at the grassroots. It elevates self-esteem in young and sporting talent. Encouraging sports at the grassroots can unleash the potential in young minds and give them platforms to portray their talents crucial to their growth. We are committed to creating a favourable environment for sports at grassroots that inspires generations of young athletes who could be a catalyst for positive change in communities.”

Appreciating the initiative, Kriparam Sahu, Councilor of Ward No. 40 said, “BALCO has made unwavering efforts in meeting the needs of the local communities. Through their health, education, and livelihood programs, they are striving to foster holistic growth and development of their communities. Their latest intervention of distributing sports equipment in communities is commendable as it will encourage physical activity and sports, leading to a healthier community. I express my gratitude to BALCO for its unwavering support through their CSR initiatives.”

BALCO has always taken an active role in promoting sportsmanship and fitness among youth and communities. The company has organized several tournaments in the past, including cricket and volleyball events, and encouraged young people to take up sports and develop a passion for them. These tournaments were highly appreciated by the communities and employees who had actively participated in them. Additionally, BALCO manages the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Balconagar, which is a beloved destination for youth and children, who use it for sports, including cricket, volleyball, basketball, hockey, kabaddi, taekwondo, and more. A hub for physical activity and healthy competition, the stadium provides a platform for young people to develop their athletic abilities.

Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is India’s iconic aluminium producer. It is owned 49% by the Government of India and 51% by Vedanta Limited. BALCO is part of Vedanta’s Aluminium Business, a division of Vedanta Limited, which is India’s largest manufacturer of aluminium. BALCO operates a 0.57 million tonne per annum aluminium smelter in Korba, Chhattisgarh. It is also a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. With its world-class smelter and power plants, the company fulfills its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.