As part of the #IronLadiesIndia’25 initiative to mark the International Women’s Day 2025, Vedanta Sesa Goa partnered the Goa Paralympic Association in extending support to champion para athlete & ‘Iron Lady’, Ms Sakshi Kale for her endeavours in the upcoming World Para-Athletics Grand Prix 2024-25 & the ‘Khelo India’ games. The occasion was marked by a felicitation ceremony at Sesa Ghor, Patto, Panjim.
The #IronLadiesIndia initiative of Sesa Goa aims to salute the ‘Iron Will’ of women across Goa and other locations and recognises their contribution in various fields.
In As part of the event, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended vital financial support to Ms. Sakshi Kale for progressing her sporting endeavours and also presented her with a memento celebrating her inspiring journey.
The ceremony The event was attended by Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr Vishram Naik, President, GPA, Mr Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, GPA, Mr & Mrs Ishwar Kale, parents of Ms Sakshi Kale, Ms Purnkala Samant, Principal, Govt College for Arts Science & Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with other senior Sesa Goa executives.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Navin Jaju congratulated Ms Sakshi Kale and said “What we are doing for Ms Sakshi Kale is an outcome of her philosophy of ‘giving back’ meaningfully and we, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are privileged to be associated with her endeavours for the sporting glory of India. Ms Sakshi is an ‘Iron Lady’ and a role model for us all, and as an organisation we are humbled to have got the opportunity to fuel her dreams. At Sesa Goa, over the years we have taken numerous measures to support the aspirations of women, through the Sesa Football Academy, through special courses at the Sesa Technical School, by onboarding more & more women in our workforce and through our Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships. We are sure that with the support of the community, we will not only be supporting Ms Sakshi but helping create many more champions from Goa & India.”
Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, Goa Paralympic Association, said “The support extended by Vedanta Sesa Goa for Ms Sakshi Kale is extremely crucial for her progress and development. Para athletes need special attention & facilities, and which can only be provided when companies such as Sesa Goa support our players. Sesa Goa has a deep-rooted legacy of supporting sportspersons & I am sure that Ms Sakshi will only benefit from this association. The timely support augurs well for her prospects at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix.”
Ms Sakshi Kale said that “ I am very thankful to Vedanta Sesa Goa for supporting me, this will encourage other para athletes as well. I am motivated to do well for India & this association with Sesa Goa will fuel my efforts to make a mark in the field of Para athletics.”
Ms Kale, a resident of Usgao, Goa, and a student of GCASC, Khandola, is a role model for all and has demonstrated ‘iron will’ & determination in overcoming visual impairment to create a mark for herself at the National level. It is a matter of great pride for Goa that she is now representing India at the international stage. At the upcoming ‘Grand Prix’ she will be competing in the 100m ,200m sprint and the long jump. Her recent form has been encouraging as she has had winning results in some of the recently concluded events. From the Grand Prix, Ms Kale will then proceed to represent Goa at the ‘Khelo India’ games.She is a multi discipline winner at both the Senior & Junior Para Nationals and has been regularly participating in middle distance events such as the Republic Run & the Mayem Marathon, where she stood first amongst all participants.
Prof. (Dr.) Purnakala Samant, Principal, Govt College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola, -shared her thoughts on the occasion, “Sakshi is not just an athlete; she is an inspiration for the youth and I wish her the best for her upcoming Her dedication towards achieving excellence is commendable, and we wish her the best for her upcoming championships. Vedanta Sesa Goa supporting her for her sporting endeavours is a tremendous development and will surely boost her performance. Sesa Goa has made significant contributions for the betterment of the youth, students and sportsman. Their Vedanta Sesa Goa has a long standing legacy of supporting sportsmen and women and the success of the Sesa Football Academy & Vedanta Women’s League in creating a footballing ecosystem for boys & girls has been tremendous. Recently the SFA Senior Women’s Team also won the 8th edition of the VWL.
In addition, the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has also helped support the sport in Goa. Sesa Goa regularly partners clubs and societies in organising runs & marathons as also cricket tournaments across Goa.
