In the heart of Korba, the Priyadarshini Indra Stadium pulses with the energy of young athletes chasing their dreams. More than just a sports facility, it has become a symbol of aspiration and discipline for the region’s youth. Operated by BALCO – a Vedanta Aluminium company – under the supervision of Nagar Nigam Korba, the stadium has transformed into a multi-sport training facility where young talent thrives with every practice session.
At the core of this transformation is Khel Academy, launched in August 2024 with 20 carefully selected students – 10 boys and 10 girls. Today, it is home to more than 100 residential and day-boarding athletes aged between 10 and 17, training in football, volleyball, basketball, and swimming. The academy’s vision is simple yet profound: To provide young athletes with the right environment, coaching, and care to help them grow as sportspersons and confident individuals.
Speaking about Khel Academy, Neha Pandey, the Academy Administrator shared, “BALCO wanted to build a culture of discipline, resilience and all-round growth. Today, seeing how far our players have come, I can say this dream is taking shape beautifully.”
The academy’s impact is already visible. Its athletes have made their mark at the district, state and national levels. Footballers Bishal Saw and Nikhil Bareth earned spots on the Chhattisgarh State team, while the volleyball teams dominated district and divisional level games. These victories are milestones in a journey of grit and growth.
“Representing the national team is more than a dream come true, it is the reward of every early morning practice, every drop of sweat, and dedication. To wear the jersey, play basketball for Khel Academy, and represent my country is an honor that pushes me to believe in my own journey. I look forward to representing the academy in Ludhiana, Punjab,” Dilip Yadav, a National level basketball player expressed.
Shreyansh Sahu, a National level volleyball player added, “Every practice session pushes me to be better. Winning district championships gave me and my team the belief that we can rise higher and compete with the best at the National stage.”
The girls of Khel Academy have proven themselves to be fierce competitors and inspiring role models, excelling across every sport they represent. The girls football team clinched first place at the District School Games Federation of India (SGFI).
Nishita, bronze medalist, DAV Nationals, says, “Before joining Khel Academy, swimming was just a hobby. I never had access to a pool or proper coaching. Here, I found the right training, support and platform. Medals inspire me, but the real victory lies in becoming stronger and more confident every day.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated support system ensures that every athlete receives holistic care – from physiotherapy and medical attention to balanced nutrition and modern infrastructure.
Dr. Vikas Nanda, a physiotherapist at BALCO’s Khel Academy said, “In sports, wear and tear is inevitable but recovery and resilience decide how far an athlete can go. My role is to ensure that every young player not only heals from injuries but also builds the strength to prevent them. At Khel Academy, we provide physiotherapy, medical care, balanced nutrition, professional coaching, modern training infrastructure, and secure residential facilities. This holistic support system allows our players to train fearlessly, recover quickly, and perform at their best. We are not just treating athletes; we are preparing champions who are ready to represent the nation.”
On National Sports Day, these stories from BALCO’s Khel Academy remind us what focused effort, community support, and belief can achieve. BALCO stands proud in empowering these young athletes to shine.
