As part of the #IronLadiesIndia’25 initiative to mark the International Women’s Day 2025, Vedanta Sesa Goa partnered the Goa Paralympic Association (GPA) in extending support to champion para-athlete and ‘Iron Lady’, 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-Panaji.
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.
As part of the event, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended vital financial support to Sakshi Kale for progressing her sporting endeavours and also presented her with a memento celebrating her inspiring journey.
Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa; Vishram Naik, President, GPA, Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, GPA; parents of Sakshi Kale, Prof. Purnkala Samant, Principal, Govt College for Arts Science & Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, graced the occasion along with other senior Sesa Goa executives.
Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju congratulated Sakshi Kale and said: “What we are doing for 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. 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 Sakshi but helping create many more champions from Goa & India.”
Sudesh Thakur, Secretary, Goa Paralympic Association, said “The support extended by Vedanta Sesa Goa for 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 Sakshi will only benefit from this association. The timely support augurs well for her prospects at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix.”
Sakshi was delighted and said: “ 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 and this association with Sesa Goa will fuel my efforts to make a mark in the international field of Para athletics.”
Kale, a resident of Usgao, South Goa; and a student of Government College, Khandola, is a role model as she has demonstrated ‘iron will’ and 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. After the Grand Prix, 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.
Prof. (Dr.) Purnakala Samant, Principal, Govt College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Khandola, shared her thoughts on the occasion, saying “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.”
