Bhubaneswar (Odisha) : Leading steel manufacturer Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) has received the esteemed CSR Journal Excellence Award 2024 for its significant contributions to promoting and developing sports in India. The award was presented at the 7th edition of the ceremony held in Mumbai on September 30, 2024. This recognition highlights the company’s extensive initiatives through its social arm, the Jindal Foundation, aimed at nurturing sports talent and improving sports infrastructure, especially at the grassroots level.
Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, congratulated the team, stating, “We are honored to receive this for the second consecutive time. This award reinforces our commitment to fostering sports talent and using sports as a means of empowerment. My heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team and partners for making this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to drive positive change in society.”
The event was attended by Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who served as the Chief Guest. In his inspiring address, he stressed the importance of corporate responsibility in supporting rural areas and assisting those in need. Notable figures such as P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association and Rajya Sabha MP; Aditi Tatkare, Maharashtra’s Minister for Women & Child Development; and Amit Upadhyay, Editor-in-Chief of The CSR Journal, were also present, alongside various social workers and dignitaries.
JSP’s General Manager (CSR), Vargil Lakra, represented the Jindal Foundation and accepted the award during the special ceremony. The Jindal Foundation takes pride in its recognition for promoting sports and remains dedicated to empowering communities through a range of CSR initiatives. In alignment with the Government of India’s Khelo India initiative, JSP is committed to developing young athletes across various sports, including Wushu, Kabaddi, archery, football, and cricket. The company enhances sports infrastructure, provides nutrition and training, and offers opportunities for participation in national and international events.
JSP has supported the development of 30,000 young athletes throughout India, focusing on Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, including 5,000 aspiring hockey players from Odisha’s Sundergarh district. Additionally, the Jindal Foundation operates a Cricket Academy in Raigarh District. The foundation has also constructed 20 playgrounds, two sports complexes, a stadium, and a sports hostel for underprivileged athletes. The Sports Hostel in Barbil provides free accommodation, nutrition, education, and intensive coaching for tribal and disadvantaged athletes. Many athletes supported by JSP have gone on to earn medals at national and international competitions.
