ESL Steel Marks National Sports Day by Showcasing Rising Archery Stars from Rural Jharkhand
Bokaro: On the occasion of National Sports Day, ESL Steel Ltd. turned the spotlight on the young achievers of its Vedanta ESL Archery Academy (VEAA), proving how grassroots talent from Jharkhand is scripting stories of sporting excellence.
Founded in 2018, the academy has become a cradle for budding archers, training over 55 children from nearby villages. With professional coaching, access to equipment, nutrition, fitness support, and exposure to major tournaments, the academy has already produced an impressive tally of 185 medals — including 10 at the national stage.
Among the standout performers are:
Yavna Yadav (10, Munidih village): Gold medalist at the National Archery Championship Kids 2022, with multiple silver wins at the NTPC Cherukuri Lenin Memorial Championships.
Kritika Kumari (Siyaljori): Gold medalist at the 14th Mini National Archery Championship 2024, who cycles daily from her village to pursue training.
Chitranjan Tudu (Bhagabandh): Represented Jharkhand at the National Games 2023, clinched silver at the All India University Nationals, and earned a government scholarship.
Speaking on the occasion, Kunal Daripa, CSR Head, ESL Steel Ltd., said, “National Sports Day is a reminder of India’s rich sporting heritage and the life-changing power of sports. Through our Archery Academy, we are committed to nurturing grassroots talent and empowering rural youth to shine at national and international levels.”
As the nation celebrates the legacy of sports, ESL Steel Ltd. saluted India’s sporting spirit and renewed its pledge to empower young champions — whose arrows of hope are aimed at a brighter tomorrow.
