Bengaluru, September 19, 2025: Essar Foundation is proud to announce that Durga Gunjal, a 11-year-old skater from Lasalgaon, Nashik, has been awarded the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Excellence in Sports, following her international debut representing India at a prestigious tournament in Thailand.

Durga’s journey began in humble circumstances at the Jay Janardan Swami Anath Budh Aashram. Demonstrating exceptional talent and resilience early on, she attracted the attention of her supporters. In 2021, Essar Foundation provided professional coaching, high-quality equipment, and mentorship to help further develop her athletic skills and mental strength.

With this support, Durga honed her abilities and progressed through increasingly competitive levels, leading to notable achievements including gold medals at the Nashik District Skating Championship and the Mission Olympic Skating Meet, becoming the National Champion at the Olympic Nationals, and earning a bronze medal at the National Championship in Goa. In 2025, Durga showcased her talent on the international stage in Thailand, a milestone that led to her receiving the prestigious Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Excellence in Sports

Dominic Dsouza, Chief Operating Officer, Essar Foundation said, “Durga’s success reflects the Foundation’s mission of creating opportunity through meaningful, long-term support. We are proud to have played a role in her journey and remain committed to empowering grassroots talent across India.”

Essar Foundation continues to foster sustainable and inclusive development by providing long-term support, resources, and opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Durga Gunjal’s story is a powerful example of how focused support can unlock true potential when combined with dedication and opportunity.

The Foundation remains committed to investing in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and sports — aiming to create more success stories that inspire hope, resilience, and progress across communities nationwide.

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This partnership with the Scrabble Association of India and Wordaholix further strengthens Essar Foundation’s belief that both physical and intellectual sports offer opportunities for personal growth, social inclusion, and national pride.

Leading India’s contingent this year is 14-year-old Madhav Gopal Kamath, ranked among the world’s top 10 scrabble players in the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA) ratings, and the first youth player ever to achieve this feat. The 12-member Indian squad will be managed by Neeta Bhatia, partner at Wordaholix and a member of the World Youth Scrabble Committee. Together, they represent a talented group of players who have consistently made their mark in national and international competitions.

Commenting on its support, an Essar Foundation spokesperson said, “At Essar Foundation, we believe sport in all its forms has the power to inspire, educate, and transform. Our support for Team India at WYSC 2025 builds on our commitment to nurture emerging talent, especially in disciplines that do not always get the spotlight. We are proud to stand behind India’s young scrabble champions as they showcase their skills on a global stage.”

Over the years, Essar Foundation has recognised the power of sport as a catalyst for inclusion, empowerment, and social change. It continues to champion initiatives that create access and opportunity at every level. The Foundation has empowered differently-abled cricketers, helping them overcome challenges and excel in their game. It has also nurtured young talents like Priya Gupta, whose passion for race walking drives her progress, and Durga Gunjal, a promising skater steadily making her mark on the national stage. At the grassroots level, the Foundation supports community football through Vibrant FC and an orphanage team, providing structured coaching and development programmes. It has also partnered with the QPR Junior Soccer Challenger, India’s largest grassroots football talent hunt, to identify and nurture emerging footballers from across the country. The Essar Chester Half Marathon, one of the UK’s longest established and most respected half marathons, also reflects this spirit by bringing together thousands of participants from around the world.

All these efforts are an integral part of the Essar Cares programme, which continues to nurture talent, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation.

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Aligned with the timeless principle of serving humanity is tantamount to serving God, Essar’s ‘Dwarika Padyatra Seva Camp’ is dedicated to offering essential support to holy pilgrims. Providing shelter, along with provisions for food, water, and medical assistance, the camp aims to ensure the well-being of all visitors.

Commenting on the initiative Bhaven Bhatt, Resident Director – Gujarat, said, “Essar’s ‘Dwarika Padyatra Seva Camp’ highlights our commitment to community empowerment and holistic support for pilgrims. By providing essential amenities and a nurturing environment, we aim to ensure that every pilgrim’s journey is not only safe but also spiritually enriching.”

As a socially responsible corporate entity, Essar, over years, has played a vital role in enhancing the well-being of society and supporting the communities around which it operates.

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