Hindustan Zinc Partners with Chittorgarh for Major Sports Infrastructure Project
In a significant move to bolster sports infrastructure in Rajasthan, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), recognized as the world's largest integrated zinc producer and a top-five global silver producer, has formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the district administration of Chittorgarh. This agreement focuses on the comprehensive development of the Gora Badal Sports Stadium in Chittorgarh, marking a strategic investment in community and athletic advancement.
Project Vision and Strategic Framework
The initiative is designed to transform the stadium into a modern sports facility that adheres to contemporary standards while addressing long-term community needs. The project will be executed in phases, with a detailed framework guiding the development to include a fully equipped sports stadium complemented by a dedicated jogging track. This infrastructure is intended to support a wide range of activities, from training and competitive tournaments to recreational use, thereby fostering a vibrant sports culture.
Arun Misra, CEO & Wholetime Director of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, "Sports possess the transformative ability to mold character, enhance resilience, and unite communities. By developing this stadium, we are creating an ecosystem that empowers youth to explore their potential and chase their dreams. At Hindustan Zinc, we view such investments as enduring contributions to youth development, community well-being, and the creation of opportunities that transcend the boundaries of sports."
Comprehensive Development Scope and Amenities
The scope of the stadium development is extensive, encompassing outdoor sports areas such as a football field and jogging and walking tracks. To ensure functionality and safety, the project will include essential amenities:
- Separate changing rooms for boys and girls
- Modern sanitation facilities
- Parking areas and advanced security systems
- CCTV surveillance and high mast lighting
- Solar-based electrification for sustainability
- Rainwater harvesting structures
- Development of approach roads and entry-exit points
- Heightening of boundary walls
Expected Outcomes and Community Impact
This project is anticipated to yield multiple benefits, including the promotion of health and wellness through increased community participation. It aims to create structured opportunities for identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level, serving as a shared community asset. By providing a safe and professionally developed environment, the stadium will enable local rural communities to engage in organized sports activities, thereby enhancing social cohesion and physical fitness.
Alignment with Broader Sports Development Initiatives
The development of the Gora Badal Sports Stadium aligns seamlessly with Hindustan Zinc's longstanding commitment to sports development. The company has a rich history of engagement in grassroots football, notably through its partnership with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) via the Zinc Football Academy. This academy focuses on structured athlete development and professional training pathways, including residential programs for both boys and girls. Notably, Hindustan Zinc launched India's first residential football academy exclusively for girls, underscoring its dedication to nurturing talent from an early age through professional training, education, and technology-enabled performance development.
With a sports legacy spanning nearly four decades, beginning with the Mohan Kumar Mangalam (MKM) football stadium at Zawar in 1976, Hindustan Zinc has consistently promoted diverse sports disciplines, including football, athletics, kabaddi, and volleyball. The company continues to strengthen grassroots talent development through initiatives like the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, which has elevated Udaipur's profile on the global running map. Collectively, these sports initiatives have positively impacted nearly 30,000 lives, demonstrating Hindustan Zinc's enduring contribution to sports promotion across India.
