Bhawanipatna, April 24: In a continued effort to uplift communities surrounding its operations, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminum producer, roped in Olympian archer Rahul Banerjee to train over 80 aspiring tribal talents in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, officials said on Thursday.

Pertinent to note that, veteran Olympian Rahul Banerjee has not only represented India in more than 50 international events in the field of archery by bagging a gold medal, but has also been the national champion eight times.

In his reactions, an elated prime mentor-cum-ace archer Rahul Banerjee said, “Kalahandi is replete with promising talents in archery. If those talented local tribal youths are moulded and imparted proper training in the art of archery, they’ll definitely work wonders and make a mark at the international platforms.”

In his key note address on the special occasion, Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Rajiv Kumar said, “Sports and games are believed to be playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic transformation of a community. Thus, the precious partnership with a tall talent like Rahul Banerjee reflects our sincere commitments towards and community development and responsibilities.”

Notably, Vedanta Aluminium has started this initiative in 2018 at Kalahandi’s Lanjigarh, and since then scores of local tribal youths have been reaping the benefits from the training camps. Latent talents in various fields of sports and games are being scouted, imparted qualitative trainings by the respective experts, provided both the basic amenities and kits as well as the infrastructural facilities.”

As a result, over 100 local youths have already been groomed up as able archers, while over 40 medals have already been won in last year (2024)’s state and national level championships.