Essar Foundation-supported athlete rises from rural Maharashtra to international recognition
MUMBAI (India CSR): Essar Foundation is proud to announce that Durga Gunjal, an 11-year-old skater from Lasalgaon, Nashik, has been awarded the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Excellence in Sports, following her international debut representing India at a prestigious tournament in Thailand.
Durga’s journey began in humble circumstances at the Jay Janardan Swami Anath Budh Aashram. Demonstrating exceptional talent and resilience early on, she attracted the attention of her supporters. In 2021, Essar Foundation provided professional coaching, high-quality equipment, and mentorship to help further develop her athletic skills and mental strength.
With this support, Durga honed her abilities and progressed through increasingly competitive levels, leading to notable achievements including gold medals at the Nashik District Skating Championship and the Mission Olympic Skating Meet, becoming the National Champion at the Olympic Nationals, and earning a bronze medal at the National Championship in Goa. In 2025, Durga showcased her talent on the international stage in Thailand, a milestone that led to her receiving the prestigious Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award for Excellence in Sports.
Dominic Dsouza, Chief Operating Officer, Essar Foundation said, “Durga’s success reflects the Foundation’s mission of creating opportunity through meaningful, long-term support. We are proud to have played a role in her journey and remain committed to empowering grassroots talent across India.”
Essar Foundation continues to foster sustainable and inclusive development by providing long-term support, resources, and opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Durga Gunjal’s story is a powerful example of how focused support can unlock true potential when combined with dedication and opportunity.
The Foundation remains committed to investing in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and sports — aiming to create more success stories that inspire hope, resilience, and progress across communities nationwide.
The Essar Foundation
Over the last 50 years, Essar has worked closely with the communities residing in the vicinity of its operations. Essar Foundation has carried on the philanthropic work in a cohesive, programmatic manner. Its activities are inspired by the concept of shared value whereby Essar strives to build an inclusive environment for the communities that it impacts through its business operations in the sectors of Energy, Infrastructure, Metals & Mining, and Technology & Retail. Working in collaboration with non-profits and the local administrations, the Foundation today reaches out to thousands of people across remote villages in India, serving in the areas of women’s empowerment, livelihoods, education, environment conservation, sports, and healthcare & sanitation.
(India CSR)
