New Delhi, August 29, 2026: On the occasion of National Sports Day, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) has highlighted the work of its grassroots sports programmes, the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in Goa and the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy (VEAA) in Jharkhand, which provide training and competitive opportunities to young athletes from rural and mining-belt communities.
The initiatives support the government’s “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” vision by creating pathways for young athletes to progress from grassroots participation to national and international competition.
Sesa Football Academy
Established in 1999 on reclaimed mining land in Sankhali, Goa, the Sesa Football Academy has seen more than 230 players graduate from its residential programme, with 14 going on to represent India internationally. Its leagues, camps, tournaments and other grassroots programmes have engaged more than 8,000 young footballers.
The academy has also retained its AIFF Three-Star Accreditation for a second consecutive cycle.
Women’s football has been a significant focus of the programme. The Vedanta Women’s League, launched in 2017, has provided competitive opportunities to more than 1,400 women footballers across eight editions. In 2023, SFA established its Senior Women’s Team, which went on to win the Vedanta Women’s League, secure a podium finish in IWL-2 and qualify for the Indian Women’s League.
Mr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, CEO & Whole-Time Director, VISL, said, “Through Sesa Football Academy and the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited has witnessed the transformative power of sport. Beyond goals scored and medals won, its lasting impact lies in giving young people the confidence to pursue ambitions they once thought were beyond their reach.”
Pearl Fernandes, Player, SFA Senior Women’s Team, said, “Representing India at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship and helping the team qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2026 has been one of the proudest moments of my career. Scoring the opening goal against Kyrgyzstan was a dream come true. I believe that the foundation I received at Sesa Football Academy played a major role in shaping that moment. At SFA, I’ve been trained not just in football but in discipline, resilience and leadership. The Academy gave me the confidence to compete at national and international levels. I carry with me everything I’ve learned here every time I step onto the field, and I’m grateful to be part of an institution that is committed to elevating women’s football in Goa and India.”
Archery Programme in Jharkhand
The Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, established in 2018, provides training to young archers from communities around Vedanta’s Jharkhand operations. According to the company, 175 students have trained or graduated through the programme, collectively winning more than 120 district medals, 60 state medals and 15 national medals.
In 2025, Kuldeep Mahato won a national gold medal, while Doli Kumari secured a national silver medal.
Ravish Sharma, CEO & Whole-Time Director, ESL Steel Limited, said, “Talent can come from anywhere, but it needs opportunity to flourish. At the Vedanta ESL Archery Academy, we are proud to see young people develop the confidence and discipline to aim higher. Every medal matters, but even more important is the aspiration it inspires in the next child who believes, ‘I can do this too.’”
Kuldeep Mahato, National Gold Medalist, 2025, said, “Winning medals at the national level has given me the confidence to dream bigger in archery. My journey with Vedanta ESL Archery Academy has taught me that consistent practice, discipline and determination can turn a rural student’s dream into a national-level achievement. I am grateful to my coaches and Vedanta for believing in my potential.”
Together, the football and archery programmes focus on providing structured training, discipline and competitive exposure to young people who may otherwise have limited access to organised sports opportunities.
.JPG)
