Aditya Aluminium’s Project Lakshya nurtures rural girls’ football dreams in Odisha
By Suresh Kumar Dash
Sambalpur, Oct. 23: Aditya Aluminium, a unit of Hindalco Industries Limited under the Aditya Birla Group, is nurturing football talent among 55 rural and tribal girls in Odisha’s Sambalpur district through Project Lakshya, providing professional coaching, sports infrastructure, nutritional support and competitive exposure.
Implemented through the registered Aditya Uday Sports Club, the initiative was launched through outreach programmes across schools and villages in six gram panchayats of Rengali block to identify promising players. Beyond sports, it aims to develop discipline, teamwork, leadership and self-confidence among girls.
The programme has already delivered encouraging results, with five players selected for the District Under-14 Football Team and another securing admission to the prestigious SESA Football Academy in Goa.
For 15-year-old Nandini Oram of Dunguripada village under Jangla Gram Panchayat, the initiative has transformed her childhood passion into a realistic ambition.
“Project Lakshya has given wings to my dream, strengthened my confidence and inspired me to believe in my abilities,” she said.
Surabhi Munda of Katabaga village expressed pride over her daughter Barsha’s selection to SESA Football Academy, describing it as an opportunity to build a brighter future. She thanked Aditya Aluminium’s corporate social responsibility initiative for recognising her daughter’s talent and supporting her aspirations.
Sunita Minj, 20, of Salepada village, said regular training had boosted her confidence and determination to compete at higher levels. Meanwhile, Nikita Oram, 21, of Ludhapali village, is carrying forward her mother’s legacy as a national-level footballer. A goalkeeper for Aditya Uday Sports Club, Nikita credits Project Lakshya with helping her pursue her sporting ambitions.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to realise her full potential. Through Project Lakshya, we are using sports to empower rural girls, build confidence and create pathways for future growth,” said Jagannath Nayak, Unit Head, Aditya Aluminium, Lapanga.
He said the players’ achievements demonstrated the importance of combining talent with the right support and opportunities, adding that the initiative promotes inclusion, gender equality and holistic community development.
By providing coaching, nutrition, infrastructure, mentorship and competitive exposure, Project Lakshya seeks to challenge traditional barriers, encourage greater participation in sports and nurture future footballers capable of representing Odisha and India.
