Chennai, October 26, 2023: HCLFoundation's program, Sports for Change, marked a milestone as two of its emerging athletes, NS Akshaya and V Divya, won the silver medal at the Asia Rugby U18 Sevens Championship 2023. Transitioning from kho-kho to rugby under coach Guna Sekaran Kumar, their performances in national tournaments earned them spots among the top 27 rugby players in the country.
Ahead of the championship, the duo completed a rigorous 45-day training program at KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar, contributing to their selection into the national rugby team. HCLFoundation's comprehensive support, ranging from tailored nutrition plans to overall logistical assistance, played a crucial role in their success.
Expressing her joy, V Divya, serving as the team's fly-half and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Sports Biomechanics and Kinesiology, shared, "Making it to the national team was an exceptional feat, and hearing our national anthem play during the award ceremony was a moment I’ll forever hold dear."
Underlining the foundation's goal, Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation, emphasized, “Empowering lives through education, sports and holistic development is not merely our mission, but a steadfast commitment to creating a brighter, more inclusive future. At HCLFoundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and sports to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth. Through innovative initiatives, we strive to address critical social challenges, ensuring that individuals have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and no one is left behind."
