Singrauli, India — Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), the Singrauli-based flagship subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Administration of Singrauli to develop a modern, state-of-the-art sports academy in the region as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The agreement was formally signed on Wednesday by Shri Rajeev Ranjan, General Manager (CSR) at NCL, and Shri Sher Singh Kalesh, Executive Engineer of the Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development, representing the district administration. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of District Collector Shri Gaurav Benal and CEO Shri Jagdish Gome.
Under this initiative, NCL has committed a financial investment of ₹13.29 crore (approximately $1.6 million USD) to support the development, operation, and maintenance of the sports complex over a period of two years.
The proposed sports academy will feature a comprehensive range of indoor and outdoor facilities designed to meet modern training standards. These include a swimming pool, basketball court, lawn tennis court, badminton courts, a table tennis hall, and a dedicated cricket net practice pitch. In addition to infrastructure, the academy will provide professional coaching by qualified trainers, ensuring structured and high-quality training for aspiring athletes.
Officials stated that the project is aimed at significantly strengthening sports infrastructure in Singrauli while creating a vibrant and inclusive sporting ecosystem for local youth. The initiative seeks to promote physical fitness, identify and nurture hidden talent, and provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills in line with national and international standards.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives emphasized that the academy will serve as a platform for grassroots talent development, enabling youth from the region to pursue sports professionally. The project is also expected to foster community engagement and encourage participation in a wide range of sports disciplines.
This CSR initiative is poised to play a transformative role in elevating the sports landscape of Singrauli. By combining modern infrastructure with expert training, the academy is expected to open new avenues for local talent, empowering young individuals to excel and compete at higher levels.
The project marks a significant step toward building a strong sporting culture in the region while reinforcing NCL’s commitment to sustainable community development and youth empowerment.