Tag: Sakshi Kale

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Sports

Sesa Goa Powers Over 8000 Sporting Dreams Through Grassroots Support on National Sports Day

Tanisha Cardozo

On the occasion of National Sports Day, observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, Sesa Goa, a Vedanta Limited company, reflects on a legacy deeply intertwined with sports development in India. The 2025 theme, “Sport to Promote Peaceful Societies,” aligns seamlessly with Sesa Goa’s long-standing commitment to empowering youth and communities through sports.

For over seven decades, Sesa Goa has actively promoted sports across its operational locations. Between 1954 and 1991-92, it ran the Sesa Sports Club, before launching the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in 1999 at its reclaimed mines in Sanquelim. Over the last 26 years, the SFA has nurtured the dreams of over 8000 young footballers through structured training, football camps, tournaments, and professional pathways. The academy’s senior men’s team was runner-up in the 2023-24 Goa Pro League and advanced to the I-League 3. Remarkably, 12 SFA graduates have gone on to represent India internationally, including notable names like Denzil Franco, Adil Khan, Pratesh Shirodkar, and Glan Martins.

What sets the SFA apart is its unique model — it operates as a non-commercial, CSR-driven initiative that has endured and expanded even during mining bans and economic downturns. Its primary goal is to provide rural youth with access to world-class training and opportunities through sport. The academy has been recognised with a prestigious 3-star accreditation by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), one of just 15 such institutions nationwide and the only one from Goa.

Keeping with evolving times, the SFA has also ventured into women’s football with great success. Since 2017, it has financially supported the Vedanta Women’s League (VWL), now an established breeding ground for women’s football talent in the state. Across 8 seasons, the VWL has supported over 1400 aspiring women footballers. The SFA’s senior women’s team clinched the VWL title in 2025 and went on to secure an impressive 3rd-place finish in the IWL2 — a first for a Goan team. Rising star Pearl Fernandes is currently representing India at the U-17 SAFF Women’s Championship, following in the footsteps of other SFA-trained internationals like Karishma Shirvoikar and Michel Castanha.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we believe sport is a catalyst for transformation. Through the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), we’re nurturing grassroots talent—creating pathways for youth from rural areas to represent India and build secure futures. The SFA Senior Women’s Team’s recent IWL2 performance and the success of players like Pearl Fernandes highlight our commitment to professional training and inclusive growth.”

SFA continues to build the football ecosystem in Goa by organizing a variety of youth tournaments, such as the U-15 Youth Cup for boys and the Sesa Vedanta U-15 Tournament for girls. The Vedanta Football Championship is another key event that brings rural talent into the spotlight, providing a platform for aspiring footballers to shine.

The SFA’s impact has also been praised by Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association (GFA), who stated, “I extend my best wishes to SFA on the occasion of National Sports Day. Sesa Goa has supported hundreds of footballers from Goa and has contributed tremendously to Indian football. Its backing of the Vedanta Women’s League has elevated women’s football in Goa to new heights.”

Beyond football, Vedanta Sesa Goa is actively engaged in supporting other athletes. It has provided extensive support—both financial and logistical—to para-athlete Sakshi Kale, who recently secured a silver medal at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Delhi and two bronze medals at the Tata India Open Para Athletics Championships. Additionally, Sesa Goa has promoted badminton through the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League (VUBL), as well as cricket tournaments across its locations—ensuring that athletes from all backgrounds and sports receive holistic support.

Through decades of sustained efforts, Sesa Goa has proven that sports can be a powerful tool for social transformation. On National Sports Day, the success of the Sesa Football Academy, its women’s and para-sports programs, and its role in building inclusive sporting ecosystems stands as a shining example of how corporate responsibility can truly uplift a nation through the medium of sport.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Para-Athlete Sakshi Kale Ahead of World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Paris

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa | May 26, 2025
In a heartwarming and empowering event held at Sesa Ghor, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended its strong support to Goa’s rising para-athletics star Ms. Sakshi Kale, congratulating her on her selection to represent India at the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 in Paris. The interaction was led by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who lauded Sakshi’s achievements and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent under its #IronLadies25 initiative.

Sakshi, a Khelo India Gold Medalist and international silver medalist, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for the differently-abled community in Goa. Her remarkable performances — Gold at the 2nd Khelo India Para National and Silver at the WPAGP 2025 – Delhi in the 100m sprint — paved the way for her inclusion in the Indian contingent heading to Paris. She is the only Goan selected among 23 athletes representing the country, and will compete in the 400m and 1500m events.

During the interaction, Mr. Navin Jaju praised Sakshi’s determination and expressed pride in her achievements:

“I wish Ms. Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and an #IronLady who inspires us with her spirit and enthusiasm. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are extremely proud of her selection. Supporting her through our #IronLadies25 initiative aligns with our mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and aspiration,” he said.

The event also saw the presence of Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary of the Goa Paralympic Association, who acknowledged Sakshi’s potential and Vedanta’s continued support for sports:

“We are confident in Sakshi’s ability to perform at the highest level. Her dedication is commendable, and we thank Vedanta Sesa Goa for backing her. Their efforts in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy and other initiatives are exemplary.”

A resident of Usgao, Goa, and student of GCASC, Khandola, Ms. Sakshi Kale has overcome visual impairment to become a powerhouse in para-athletics. She has made consistent appearances in both junior and senior national championships and is known for her performance in middle-distance runs.

Expressing her gratitude, Sakshi said:

“Representing India at the international level is a dream come true. I thank the Government of India, the Goa Paralympic Association, and especially Vedanta Sesa Goa for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has strengthened my resolve to train harder and bring glory to the nation.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa has long championed the cause of sports development and inclusion. The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and Vedanta Women’s League (VWL) have nurtured young talent across Goa, while the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has further expanded the state’s sporting horizon. The company actively supports marathons, cricket tournaments, and community events, promoting physical fitness and youth engagement.

The recent victory of the SFA Senior Women’s Team in the 8th edition of the VWL is a testament to Vedanta’s vision of creating a holistic and inclusive sports ecosystem.

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Powers the Strides of ‘Iron Lady’ & Para Athlete Sakshi Kale

allycaralgoa

As part of the #IronLadiesIndia’25 initiative to mark the International Women’s Day 2025, Vedanta Sesa Goa partnered the Goa Paralympic Association in extending support to champion para athlete & ‘Iron Lady’, Ms Sakshi Kale for her endeavours in the upcoming World Para-Athletics Grand Prix 2024-25 & the ‘Khelo India’ games. The occasion was marked by a felicitation ceremony at Sesa Ghor, Patto, Panjim.

The #IronLadiesIndia initiative of Sesa Goa aims to salute the ‘Iron Will’ of women across Goa and other locations and recognises their contribution in various fields.

In As part of the event, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended vital financial support to Ms. Sakshi Kale for progressing her sporting endeavours and also presented her with a memento celebrating her inspiring journey.

The ceremony The event was attended by Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr Vishram Naik, President, GPA, Mr Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, GPA, Mr & Mrs Ishwar Kale, parents of Ms Sakshi Kale, Ms Purnkala Samant, Principal, Govt College for Arts Science & Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with other senior Sesa Goa executives.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Navin Jaju congratulated Ms Sakshi Kale and said “What we are doing for Ms Sakshi Kale is an outcome of her philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully and we, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are privileged to be associated with her endeavours for the sporting glory of India. Ms Sakshi is an ‘Iron Lady’ and a role model for us all, and as an organisation we are humbled to have got the opportunity to fuel her dreams. At Sesa Goa, over the years we have taken numerous measures to support the aspirations of women, through the Sesa Football Academy, through special courses at the Sesa Technical School, by onboarding more & more women in our workforce and through our Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships. We are sure that with the support of the community, we will not only be supporting Ms Sakshi but helping create many more champions from Goa & India.”

Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, Goa Paralympic Association, said “The support extended by Vedanta Sesa Goa for Ms Sakshi Kale is extremely crucial for her progress and development. Para athletes need special attention & facilities, and which can only be provided when companies such as Sesa Goa support our players. Sesa Goa has a deep-rooted legacy of supporting sportspersons & I am sure that Ms Sakshi will only benefit from this association. The timely support augurs well for her prospects at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix.”

Ms Sakshi Kale said that “ I am very thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for supporting me, this will encourage other para athletes as well. I am motivated to do well for India & this association with Sesa Goa will fuel my efforts to make a mark in the field of Para athletics.”

Ms Kale, a resident of Usgao, Goa, and a student of GCASC, Khandola, is a role model for all and has demonstrated ‘iron will’ & determination in overcoming visual impairment to create a mark for herself at the National level. It is a matter of great pride for Goa that she is now representing India at the international stage. At the upcoming ‘Grand Prix’ she will be competing in the 100m ,200m sprint and the long jump. Her recent form has been encouraging as she has had winning results in some of the recently concluded events. From the Grand Prix, Ms Kale will then proceed to represent Goa at the ‘Khelo India’ games.She is a multi discipline winner at both the Senior & Junior Para Nationals and has been regularly participating in middle distance events such as the Republic Run & the Mayem Marathon, where she stood first amongst all participants.

Prof. (Dr.) Purnakala Samant, Principal, Govt College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola, -shared her thoughts on the occasion, “Sakshi is not just an athlete; she is an inspiration for the youth and I wish her the best for her upcoming Her dedication towards achieving excellence is commendable, and we wish her the best for her upcoming championships. Vedanta Sesa Goa supporting her for her sporting endeavours is a tremendous development and will surely boost her performance. Sesa Goa has made significant contributions for the betterment of the youth, students and sportsman. Their Vedanta Sesa Goa has a long standing legacy of supporting sportsmen and women and the success of the Sesa Football Academy & Vedanta Women’s League in creating a footballing ecosystem for boys & girls has been tremendous. Recently the SFA Senior Women’s Team also won the 8th edition of the VWL.

In addition, the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has also helped support the sport in Goa. Sesa Goa regularly partners clubs and societies in organising runs & marathons as also cricket tournaments across Goa.