Mumbai, August 29, 2023: On the occasion of National Sports Day, IndusInd Bank takes a moment to reflect on its remarkable journey in supporting sports and athletes across diverse disciplines. Back in 2016, the Bank inaugurated its non-banking sports vertical, ‘IndusInd ForSports,’ with the vision of assimilating sports as a pivotal, inherent, and strategic component for both its internal and external stakeholders. Leveraging the unparalleled influence of sports to captivate, rally, and motivate, ‘IndusInd ForSports’ strives to unearth the finest aspects of sportsmanship—embracing human values, fostering inclusivity, and championing sustainability.
‘IndusInd ForSports’ encompasses various programs that empowers the Indian athletes and supports inclusive sports, at large:
- Para Champions Programme – The Para Champions Programme, launched in FY 2015-16 in partnership with GoSports Foundation to transform Para Sports in India, supports 45 para-athletes from 13 states and 3 union territories across 10 disciplines, providing comprehensive assistance for their sporting journeys, including equipment, training, sports science, nutrition, expertise and travel.
- IndusInd Blind Cricket Programme – In 2016, the Bank in partnership with CABI, the cricketing arm of Samarthanam Trust, commenced this programme supporting the Indian Blind Cricket Team and 700+ blind cricketers (men & women) at State and District level.
- IndusInd Girl Power Programme – Launched in 2017 in partnership with Inspire Institute of Sport, this programme supports 31 woman athletes from 7 states in the field of Judo, and has helped India win its first ever gold medal at the World Judo Cadet Championships.
- IndusInd Athlete and Mentor Programme – Launched in 2019 in partnership with the Mann Deshi Foundation, this programme supports 60 athletes (from Nomadic tribes/backward castes) in Satara district in Maharashtra, across 3 disciplines (field hockey, athletics and wrestling). In FY 2023-24, the Bank will support 30 above-district-level female athletes in the field of wrestling, athletics, field hockey and swimming, with unparalleled sports training expertise and with need-based interventions along with advance training of 20 Physical Education teachers.
- IndusInd Inclusive Squash Programme – IndusInd Inclusive Squash program – Launched in 2023 in partnership with START Foundation, this program supports 25 Tribal girls in the sport of Squash. These athletes are from economically and historically disadvantaged communities.
The Bank’s initiatives have met with significant success and have contributed to the growth of sports in India, inspiring a brighter and more inclusive future for athletes across disciplines. In Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, India contingent won a total of 19 medals, out of which 8 medals were won by athletes supported under the Para Champions Programme presented/supported by the bank. The Bank is also proud to mention that both the Indian Blind Cricket Teams supported by the Bank continued their good run at the IBSA World Blind Games at Birmingham, UK. While the Women’s Team remained unbeaten to win Gold, the Men’s Team won Silver. Furthermore, recognizing the significance of physical well-being and its beneficial effects on people and the workplace, the Bank has actively promoted health and fitness within the organization. With its employee engagement initiative titled ‘Get Set Run’ launched in 2016, the Bank has endeavored to inculcate an active lifestyle and promote running with the objective of having a healthy workforce and has witnessed encouraging participation from its employees.
IndusInd Bank advocates both inclusivity and sporting excellence through its programs, encouraging diverse participation and supporting talented athletes across backgrounds. The Bank’s focus extends beyond promoting talent; it also strives to foster a sense of national pride through its sporting achievements. As National Sports Day is marked today, the Bank celebrates its contributions and reaffirms its commitment to elevating Indian sports, envisioning a future of flourishing athleticism and new horizons of achievement.
Mr. Sanjeev Anand, Head – Corporate, Commercial & Rural Banking and also Incharge of IndusInd ForSports, IndusInd Bank, said, “At IndusInd Bank, National Sports Day holds special significance as it encapsulates our unwavering commitment to sports, inclusivity, and the indomitable spirit of athletes. Our ‘IndusInd ForSports’ initiative, which began in 2016, has been a journey of fostering values that extend beyond the field. As we empower athletes across diverse disciplines, we are reminded of the powerful impact that sports can have in contributing to a more sustainable world. Today, on National Sports Day, we salute the athletes who inspire us and reaffirm our dedication to nurturing a culture of excellence, unity, and pride.”
Ms. Roopa Satish, Head – Portfolio Management & CSR, IndusInd Bank, said, “At IndusInd Bank, we recognize that our role extends beyond the financial domain, committed to uplifting both the economy and society. Through ‘IndusInd ForSports,’ we tap into the unique power of sports to inspire, unite, and motivate athletes, with a strong focus on embracing human values, fostering inclusivity, and advocating sustainability. We take pride in promoting inclusivity and sporting excellence, nurturing athletes from diverse backgrounds. On this National Sports Day, we want to emphasize our dedication to support Indian sports, imagining a future with strong athleticism and remarkable achievements.”
