TFP Bureau, Raigarh, April 8, 2025: In a significant step towards promoting rural sports and empowering young girls through athletic opportunities, the Adani Foundation on Saturday inaugurated a newly constructed sports complex and kabaddi training shed in Bade Bhandar village, located in the Pusaur block of Raigarh district. The facility, built under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Adani Power Limited (APL), Raigarh, is expected to provide a major boost to local sports development.
The complex includes a modern kabaddi training shed equipped with state-of-the-art gym equipment to support the physical training needs of the athletes. It aims to foster and nurture sporting talent from rural backgrounds, especially among young girls, many of whom are already making their mark at the state and national levels.
From Rural Villages to National Glory
Since the launch of APL Raigarh’s kabaddi training programme in October 2022, the initiative has shown remarkable success. In 2024-25 alone, eight girls from the centre were selected for the Chhattisgarh State Junior Kabaddi Competition. Among them, Sania Yadav went on to represent the state in the 34th Sub Junior National Kabaddi Championship held in Gaya, Bihar.
Currently, 50 girls from 17 surrounding villages are receiving coaching from three experienced trainers. With access to professional guidance and advanced training facilities, these athletes are not only enhancing their technical and mental abilities but also setting an inspiring example for others in their communities.
Villagers Welcome Effort to Empower Daughters Through Sports
Local villagers and panchayat members lauded the initiative, calling it a major milestone in creating a supportive platform for hidden sporting talent in rural areas. “This kabaddi shed is more than just a sports facility—it is a hub of empowerment and self-reliance for our daughters,” said Gram Sarpanch Om Prakash Gupta.
APL Raigarh is also supporting archery training as part of its broader CSR efforts in Pusaur and Tamnar blocks, which also encompass education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, livelihood enhancement, and infrastructure development.
Corporate Leaders Express Commitment to Grassroots Sports
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key officials including APL Group’s Operations and Maintenance Advisor Mr. Jaydeb Nanda, Chief Business Officer Mr. Sudhakar Tandon, and HR Head Mr. Ghanshyam Das Garg, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nanda praised the initiative and the athletes’ commitment.
“APL Raigarh’s efforts to revive and promote a traditional sport like kabaddi are truly commendable. The new facility will not only benefit local players but could help them shine on national and international platforms,” he said, wishing the budding athletes success.
As this initiative continues to grow, the Adani Foundation’s sports complex is poised to become a catalyst for change—bringing sporting excellence and new aspirations to rural Chhattisgarh.
