Bhubaneswar: State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has been selected for the National Award for ‘Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility’.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023 and the above Award today.
Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, the Government has decided to confer the National Award for ‘Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility’ to OMC for promoting sports in the country.
Ace Mandarin, Balwant Singh, Managing Director OMC is encouraging sports activities across the State, thanks to the overdrive of 5T Chief V K Pandian.
The awardees will receive their awards from the President Droupadi Murmu at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9th January, 2024 (Tuesday) at 11 AM.
‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sector), Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports bodies at the State and National level, who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
The applications were invited online and sportspersons, coaches, entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal.
A large number of applications and nominations were received for this award in 2023, which were placed before the Selection Committee headed by Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Government of India and consisting members from previous awardees, industry association, sports journalist, Experts and Commentators, Secretary (Sports) of State Government, Indian Olympic Association and Non-Governmental Organization, active in sports.
The six core awards which constitute India’s National Sports Awards are the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award or simply the Khel Ratna, the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy, also called the MAKA Trophy, and the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.
OMC has been supporting the State Government in many of its flagship welfare programmes. The corporation had entered into an agreement to sponsor Indian national hockey teams – both men and women for a period from 2023 to 2033.
It has also been contributing substantially towards the socio-economic development of people of the state especially those who are residing in its mining periphery through various CSR initiatives.
