Keonjhar, Odisha
Excellence in sports is an index of progress and development of youth, as it contributes towards the physical, mental and psychological health in a big way. Essar Foundation continually encourages sports to provide a platform to nurture rural sporting talents.
On 16th December Essar Foundation supported the Annual Sports Meet at Shree Gupteswar High School, Dabuna area. Mr. Priya Ranjan Prasad, Sr. VP & Head Dabuna Complex, EStIL inaugurated the event with flag hoisting and ceremonious rituals at the sport ground as a Chief Guest. This was in the presence of Mr. Tribhuban Gagrai, Sarpanch of Kalimati Panchayat, Mr. B. B. Biswal, Mr. Rajkishore Barik, Mr. Ugrasen Apot, Mr. Harekrushna Tanty- Village Committee members and Mr. Harekrushna Rout, and Headmaster of Shree Gupteswar High School.
Students performed a drill, which was followed by sporting contests like 100 mt. race, sack race, balance race, shot-put, discus throw, long jump, high jump, skipping, and javelin throw. The event also included musical chair and fancy dress competitions. Mr. Pranab Kr. Mohanty, Reporter of Samaj (a local Odia newspaper) appreciated the effort put into promoting sports and cultural activities in remote village schools.
Over 110 school students participated in the event. Prizes were distributed by Mr. J.K. Sharma, G.M. Logistics, Mr. Banaj Khatua, Manager-IR and Mr. Vijay Bisht, Manager- Security, EStIL, Mr. Sudhir Swain, Admin- EStIL. Concluding the event, special champion’s trophies were given to two sportspersons (a boy and a girl) who performed the best overall in the event.
Such sporting events motivate rural sporting talent to pursue higher goals in making a mark in India’s sports prospects.