We have been associated with the Adani Foundation in Gangavaram - a small fishing village in Andhra Pradesh - since August 2022, when the Foundation commenced its social development interventions in the region. When we reflect on our journey so far with the Foundation, one word that resonates deeply with both of us is ‘rewarding’. This is because we have closely seen how targeted interventions, carried out with the sincere aim of bringing about a positive change, can truly impact the lives of those in need.

The Adani Foundation has been carrying out its interventions in the core areas of education, health and nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, climate action and community development. As part of our community development vertical, which aims to bolster growth and well-being of communities at grassroots, promotion of sports among youths, especially those belonging to marginalized backgrounds, forms one of our core interventions.

In Gangavaram too, the Foundation has been at the forefront of nurturing and grooming aspiring sportspersons. Aligning with this vision, the Adani Foundation established the Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre in the region, a space dedicated to nurturing young sports talent. This center has now grown to become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.

More Than Just Sports

The Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre provides training to youths in an array of sports namely Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Shuttle Badminton among others. Additionally, it also provides fitness training to young men aspiring to join the Armed Forces and Police Forces.

Stories That Inspire

Since the center’s inception in March 2023, we have come across stories of remarkable sportspersons and athletes who have inspired us with their talent, hard work, and dedication. Among them are the stories of three extraordinary young girls - Yeripalli Komali, Badidivya, and Perla Divya - who are all set to represent Andhra Pradesh at an upcoming national-level Kabaddi championship tournament. The trio embody the spirit of resilience, dedication, and ambition, and are now gearing up to add another feather to their hat.

Yeripalli Komali is only 16 years old but has already played three national-level Kabaddi tournaments. Coming from a marginalized family of fishermen, Komali is a first-generation learner presently studying in class 10 in Zila Parishad High School in Gangavaram. She has been playing Kabaddi for the last four years. Very passionate about her sport, she regularly practices Kabaddi every day before and after her school hours, diligently balancing it with her academics. Before representing the state at the national level, she has represented her school in multiple inter-school tournaments and later in state-level tournaments.

Badidivya, also aged 16 and a student of class 10, shares a similar story. She, too, comes from a fisherfolk community and is the youngest of three siblings. Despite her challenging background, her dedication towards Kabaddi coupled with her discipline and commitment, has led her to participate in zonal and state-level competitions to the national stage, where she has won accolades for herself.

Another shining star is 20-year-old Perla Divya, also belonging to the fisherfolk community. A passionate sportswoman, Perla has represented Andhra University at the All-India Kabaddi tournament consecutively in 2022 and 2023. She has been associated with the Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre since 2023. Currently, she is working as a teacher of Physical Education at a private school in the region, earning about ₹7,000 a month.

Building Dreams

Our Foundation team, through the dedicated sports centre, ensures full support in grooming the sportspersons. The selection process for admission into the centre is rigorous, focusing on both passion and potential. Many of our athletes come from underprivileged backgrounds, who find it tough to seek professional training. The Foundation facilitates and ensures they receive the right support, guidance and resources. From providing professional kits to the players, including tracksuits, blazers, and shoes, to facilitating their access to professional training, the Foundation prides itself in playing its part in their journey. So far, our centre has trained more than 72 players to date, including 30 girls. Out of them, four have represented Andhra Pradesh at national-level Kabaddi tournaments, competing in junior and sub-junior categories.

A Coach Who Leads by Example

23-year-old Nolli Theja, a resident of Gangavaram, embodies the spirit of grit, resilience and discipline. A self-trained sportsman, Nolli is the sports coach at the Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre. He is a national-level Kabaddi player who has played 14 national Kabaddi championship tournaments and represented Andhra Pradesh at the prestigious Yuva Camp. Coming from a marginalized background, Nolli is a source of inspiration for all of us owing to his passion and dedication towards sports. During his initial years, Nolli could not get any professional coaching in Kabaddi or any other sport due to his financial constraints and thereby relied on his award money to groom himself as a sportsperson. However, he is adamant to provide the best possible training to athletes at the centre. We are proud to be associated with such a dedicated sportsman who is a source of inspiration to all the students who come to seek his guidance and mentorship at the centre.

A Journey of Transformation

Seeing the journey of these young athletes fills us with immense pride, and we look to the future with optimism. Their stories of perseverance, hard work, and achievements inspire us and strengthen our resolve to reach out to more aspiring sportspersons who are looking for the right guidance, mentorship, and opportunity. Nolli, Komali, Badidivya, and Perla Divya are not just athletes; they are an epitome of hope and empowerment for their community members and fellow sportspersons aspiring to achieve glory. While we feel more than humbled and privileged to be a part of their journey, we look forward to fuelling the aspirations of more youths from Gangavaram and beyond to empower them in fulfilling their dreams.