Hyderabad, July 22: Players from 26 villages in the Bailadila region of Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh, will get an opportunity to showcase their talent and sporting skills at NMDC Bailadila Kabaddi League, to be held from July 23 to 26. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Navratna company NMDC Limited is organizing the tournament to identify and encourage rural sporting talent and provide them with a platform to grow.
A total of 24 teams representing 26 Gram Panchayats from the Bacheli and Kirandul regions will participate in the competition.
From the Bacheli region, teams from Molasnar, Dugeli, Padhapur, Benpal, Bade Kameli, Kamalur, Jhirka, Dhurli, Gamawada, Nerli, Bade Bacheli, Masenar, Ganjenar, and Bhansi will compete.
From the Kirandul region, players from Kodenar, Kadampal, Madadi, Cholnar, Tikanpal, Kalepal, Samalwar, Madkamiras, Hiroli, Kutrem, Gumiyapal, and Taneli will showcase their sporting talent.
The league matches will be held at the Football Stadium in Kirandul and the Hockey Ground in Bacheli. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the Hockey Ground in the NMDC Township, Bacheli. To ensure smooth conduct of the event, a waterproof German hangar has been installed, and synthetic rubber mats are being laid on the playing field for the comfort and safety of the players.
NMDC will provide sports kits and all necessary playing equipment to the participating teams. The tournament aims to promote a sporting culture in rural areas, encourage youth participation in sports, and support emerging local talent.
The tournament will be attended by Sarpanches of the participating Gram Panchayats, public representatives, senior officials from NMDC Headquarters, Hyderabad, officials and employees of NMDC’s Bailadila Iron Ore Mine projects at Kirandul and Bacheli, and representatives of labour unions. During the closing ceremony, the winner and runner-up teams, along with outstanding performers, will be honoured with prizes.
The Bailadila Kabaddi League is another significant step by NMDC towards identifying and nurturing sporting talent from rural areas and helping them progress to national and international platforms. Through its CSR initiatives, NMDC remains committed to the holistic development of local communities by continuously working in the areas of education, healthcare, sports, skill development and community development.