00 “Small Towns, Big Dreams,” says Padma Shri Awardee as he mentors 100+ athletes on technique and discipline
TTN Desk
Korba | February 5, 2026 In a major boost to the sporting spirit of Korba, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) hosted the legendary former Indian football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, at its Khel Academy. The Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee spent the day mentoring over 100 young athletes, sharing the “secret sauce” of success: a blend of high-performance technique, unwavering discipline, and consistency.
Empowering Grassroots Talent Addressing a captivated audience of young trainees, Mr. Bhutia delivered a powerful message of hope. “Never let the size of your city define the scale of your dreams,” he stated. “Many who represented India started in small towns. With the professional facilities you now have here, your future depends entirely on your hard work and belief.”
A Hub for Champions Established in 2024 through a joint effort by the Korba Municipal Corporation, the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, and BALCO, the Khel Academy has quickly become a premier training hub. Currently, 100 athletes from Korba, Durg, Bilaspur, and Raipur are being trained in:
* Football
* Basketball
* Volleyball
* Swimming
The academy provides a professional ecosystem including NIS-certified coaches, sports science support, physiotherapy, and a rigorous nutrition program offering six balanced meals a day.
Leadership Voices The event saw the presence of prominent officials, including Ashutosh Pandey (Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Korba), Dinu Patel (District Sports Officer), and Vinay Mishra (Upper Commissioner).
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, emphasized the company’s vision: “We view sports as an essential component of holistic development. Platforms like this help translate aspirations into opportunities. Interactions with icons like Bhaichung Bhutia show our athletes what perseverance can achieve at the highest levels.”
The Impact For 17-year-old football trainee Sugandhit Lakra, the visit was life-changing. “It was the first time many of us interacted with a national icon. It has inspired us to train even harder and pursue sports seriously,” she shared.
BALCO continues to promote sports beyond the academy by distributing sports kits for Hockey, Cricket, and Badminton across local communities, fostering a healthier and more aspirational ecosystem for the region’s youth.
