Vedanta’s group company Hindustan Zinc and international discus-throw champion Krishna Poonia today signed an agreement at the Head Office of Hindustan Zinc in Udaipur.

Krishna Poonia accompanied by her husband and coach Virendar Poonia came in her track with Vedanta Hindustan Zinc logo showcasing the association with the company. “I am very happy and grateful to Vedanta Hindustan Zinc for sponsoring me for next two years which are very crucial for me, as I would be preparing for the Asian Games and Commonwealth games. The Olympics are also scheduled in 2016 and this preparation will help me for my hunt for the medals for my country”, said Krishna Poonia.

Krishna Poonia quest for the medal begins for the 2014 Incheon (South Korea) Asian Games and Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland and 2016 Olympics at Rio. The two-times Asian Games Medalist at Doha in 2006 and Guangzhou, China in 2010 and finalist of 2012 Olympics in London, Ms. Krishna Poonia is the proud recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2010 and Padma Sri Award in 2011.

Akhilesh Joshi, the Chief Executive Officer along with senior officers of Hindustan Zinc was present while signing the agreement. Joshi said, “the association of Hindustan Zinc with sports persons started with the ace archer Limba Ram. The association with sports persons has been extended to Bhupendra Vyas, 7 Gold Medals winner of Commonwealth Games in Power-Lifting event, Mala Sukhwal – Gold Medalist in Women Power-Lifting, Bhakti Sharma – Swimming Champion and Jabbar Mohammed the Volleyball Player.”

“Rajasthan has ample talent and many have potential to prove at international level. They need support and infrastructure and here government and corporate role is very crucial. By supporting me and many other athletes in the past Vedanta Group company Hindustan Zinc has given them a new hope. I can assure that this support of Hindustan Zinc will be fully utilized in the best of my preparation”, said Krishna Poonia.

Akhilesh Joshi, the CEO spoke about the projection of athletes in media as they do need good projection for increasing their confidence and encourage others to support these players.

Vedanta Group has been supportive of sports in India and also overseas. Sesa Goa has developed a Sesa Football Academy in Goa on the reclaimed mine. Hindustan Zinc has a football stadium at Zawar where every year national football tournaments are held and also a stadium at Rajsamand in Rajasthan. Overseas, Vedanta’s group company in copper, Konkola Copper Mine, is also supporting sports like Football, Tennis, Squash and Golf.

“An athlete needs financial security and that plays crucial role in the performance. Once the financial help is assured, the concentration in the game is automatically enhanced and the focus also increased. I am today confident because I need not worry about my expenses while preparing for the Asian, Commonwealth and Olympics games”, said Krishna.

Mr. Joshi also gave an overview of the corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken by Hindustan Zinc that included women empowerment in rural Rajasthan. This initiative is involved in bringing socio-economic independence in rural women. Mr. Joshi informed that Krishna Poonia is a symbol of women empowerment in Rajasthan and India and even our SHG group women will be inspired.

Krishna Poonia met with the children of Anganwadi who greeted her and had brought greeting cards for her. The SHG women were also present to meet her who brought hand-made home furnishing set.

Krishna Poonia also endorsed Vedanta Group’s most successful social media campaign – “KHUSHI” and said that “KHUSHI” is bringing awareness about care for the poor children in India and hope this campaign will bring a social change in India.

Krishna Poonia husband Virander Poonia is her coach and the proud winner of Dronacharya Award and plays a very significant role in her practice and for preparing her for the international events. He informed that Krishna needs atleast 8-10 hours of daily training to keep her fitness in her quest for performance and medals. Support by corporates has eased her pressure and her performance will surely be enhanced.

When asked about opening an Academy in Rajasthan, Joshi said, “as of now the proposal is not there but with this new association we will seek the viability of opening such academy. “