Archery / Vedanta-Supported Archer Wins Triple Gold, Qualifies for CBSE Nationals
·1 hour ago·2 min read
Key Points
Vedanta Aluminium’s archery programme in Lanjigarh has propelled Odisha’s Khirod Kumar to win three gold medals at the CBSE Far East Zonal Championship. Alongside Onkar Majhi, he has qualified for the CBSE Nationals, showcasing the success of grassroots sports initiatives in rural India.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: Vedanta Aluminium’s grassroots sports initiative in Lanjigarh has produced yet another success story, with young archer Khirod Kumar winning three gold medals at the CBSE Far East Zonal Archery Championship 2026 and qualifying for the CBSE Nationals.
Competing against 437 athletes from 11 states, Khirod dominated the Under-19 Indian Round category, securing gold in the 40-metre and 30-metre events. His performance, marked by precision and consistency, stood out as one of the championship’s highlights.
Khirod, along with fellow trainee Onkar Majhi, has been training under Vedanta Aluminium’s Archery Training Programme for the past four years. While Khirod has already bagged 15 gold medals at zonal competitions and two gold and one silver at the National School Archery Championship, Onkar has earned three silver and two bronze medals at state and zonal levels. Both have now qualified for the CBSE National Championship.
Launched in 2018 in partnership with the Dola & Rahul Banerjee Sports Foundation, Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative provides professional coaching in archery and athletics to rural youth. Over 300 youngsters have benefited so far, with more than 50 athletes representing the region at national-level competitions.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, Lanjigarh, said, “Khirod’s success reflects the tremendous potential of young talent from rural India when provided with the right opportunities and support. Through our grassroots sports programmes, we aim to empower youth with the skills, confidence and discipline needed to excel.”
Beyond sports, Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiatives in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts reach nearly 50,000 beneficiaries, spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment and skill development. The sports programme is part of this broader commitment to nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Competing against 437 athletes from 11 states, Khirod dominated the Under-19 Indian Round category, securing gold in the 40-metre and 30-metre events. His performance, marked by precision and consistency, stood out as one of the championship’s highlights.
Khirod, along with fellow trainee Onkar Majhi, has been training under Vedanta Aluminium’s Archery Training Programme for the past four years. While Khirod has already bagged 15 gold medals at zonal competitions and two gold and one silver at the National School Archery Championship, Onkar has earned three silver and two bronze medals at state and zonal levels. Both have now qualified for the CBSE National Championship.
Launched in 2018 in partnership with the Dola & Rahul Banerjee Sports Foundation, Vedanta Aluminium’s initiative provides professional coaching in archery and athletics to rural youth. Over 300 youngsters have benefited so far, with more than 50 athletes representing the region at national-level competitions.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, Lanjigarh, said, “Khirod’s success reflects the tremendous potential of young talent from rural India when provided with the right opportunities and support. Through our grassroots sports programmes, we aim to empower youth with the skills, confidence and discipline needed to excel.”
Beyond sports, Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiatives in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts reach nearly 50,000 beneficiaries, spanning education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment and skill development. The sports programme is part of this broader commitment to nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
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