Joda/Barbil: Bringing pride to the nation and showcasing exceptional sporting talent, athletes from Jindal Sports Hostel have achieved remarkable success at the Acropolis International Wushu Open Tournament held in Athens, Greece, from 13th to 15th March 2026. Two promising players from the hostel secured one gold and one silver medal at the prestigious international event.
Sabini Munda, competing in the 39 kg Under-14 Girls category, delivered an outstanding performance by defeating her opponent from France in the final bout to clinch the gold medal. Her achievement highlights her dedication, discipline, and the high-quality training she receives at the hostel.
In the 48 kg Senior Women category, Manju Munda displayed commendable skill and determination. She secured the silver medal after a hard-fought final against a competitor from Greece, further adding to the hostel’s international accolades.
Jindal Sports Hostel, established and run by the Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Steel, is committed to nurturing young sporting talent from underprivileged backgrounds. Located in the tribal-dominated Barbil region of Odisha, the hostel provides world-class sports infrastructure along with CBSE-based education to around 60 talented athletes.
The facility is equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable residential arrangements, advanced sports equipment, a fourth-generation gym, and dedicated training support from experienced coaches. In addition, the Foundation ensures holistic development through proper nutrition, fitness training, and academic support.
Through its collaboration with the Odisha State and Keonjhar District Wushu Association, the Foundation has been playing a significant role in promoting Wushu and kickboxing in the region. Athletes trained at the hostel have previously brought laurels from international platforms in countries such as Russia, China, Brazil, Bangladesh and Brunei. By actively supporting sports such as Wushu, kickboxing, hockey, cricket, football, and archery, the Jindal Foundation has made a meaningful impact on the lives of over 50,000 rural and tribal athletes, contributing significantly to the growth of sports in Odisha and bringing recognition to the state at national and international levels.
The recent achievements in Greece reaffirm the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering rural and tribal youth through sports and creating champions on the global stage.
