Hyderabad, July 24, 2026: NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer reinforced its commitment to inclusive community development with the launch of – NMDC Bailadila Kabaddi League – Series 1, a flagship CSR initiative aimed at discovering, nurturing, and promoting rural sporting talent across the Bailadila region. The four-day tournament, inaugurated at the Hockey Ground in Bacheli, reflects NMDC’s belief that sports can become a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable rural development.
The league brings together young kabaddi players from 26 villages across the Bailadila region, providing them with an organised competitive platform, professional sporting infrastructure, and an opportunity to showcase their talent beyond their villages. Through this initiative, NMDC seeks to encourage a vibrant sporting culture while opening pathways for promising athletes to progress to state and national-level competitions.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Rabindra Narayan, Executive Director, Kirandul Complex, as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by Shri Sreedhar Kodali, Chief General Manager, Bacheli Complex, Shri Bhan Singh Yadav, Chief General Manager (Works), Bacheli, Shri NandaramMudami, President, Zila Panchayat, Dantewada, Shri Arvind Kunjam, Vice President, Zila Panchayat, Dantewada, Shri Somdu Kadti, Zila Panchayat Member, along with Sarpanches from participating Gram Panchayats, senior officials from NMDC head office, officers from the Kirandul and Bacheli Projects and members of the Sports Advisory Committee.
Organised from 23 to 26 July 2026, the tournament features teams representing villages from both the Bacheli and Kirandul regions. League matches are being conducted at the Hockey Ground, Bacheli, and the Football Stadium, Kirandul, ensuring greater participation and accessibility for communities across the mining belt.
As part of the initiative, NMDC has provided sports kits and all essential sporting equipment to every participating team, reaffirming its commitment to creating equal opportunities for aspiring athletes from remote tribal and rural communities.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rabindra Narayan said, “Bailadila Kabaddi League has been conceptualised to strengthen grassroots sports by encouraging young people to pursue their passion in a structured and supportive environment. And this initiative reflects NMDC’s larger vision of empowering rural youth, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for local talent to emerge from the grassroots”. He also highlighted that NMDC’s officers continue to engage closely with villages to provide meaningful developmental support through the company’s CSR programmes.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nandaram Mudami and Shri Arvind Kunjam appreciated NMDC’s sustained contribution to the socio-economic development of the region. They lauded the company for creating a platform that recognises rural talent and inspires young players to dream bigger while carrying forward the rich sporting traditions of their communities.
The NMDC Bailadila Kabaddi League embodies the company’s belief that true community development begins by investing in people. Through its CSR initiatives, NMDC continues to empower local communities by creating opportunities that inspire talent, nurture aspirations, and build a stronger future.
