Adani Foundation at Gangavaram empowers aspiring athletes through coaching and training

The Adani Foundation is playing a transformative role in empowering young people in Gangavaram, Andhra Pradesh, by nurturing sporting talent through its Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre. Established in 2022, the Centre was created with the objective of providing structured sports training and fitness opportunities to youth from fishing communities, helping them pursue athletic aspirations while continuing their education.

The Centre offers professional coaching in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Shuttle Badminton, along with dedicated fitness programmes designed to build strength, endurance, and discipline. For many children from economically modest fisher folk families, access to quality sports infrastructure and coaching was once a distant dream. The Adani Foundation’s initiative has bridged this gap by creating a safe, supportive, and professional training environment close to home.

The impact of the Centre is already evident through several inspiring success stories. Sixteen-year-old Yeripalli Komali and Badi Divya, both from fishing communities, began their sporting journeys at school-level competitions. With consistent training and mentorship at the Centre, they progressed rapidly and have gone on to represent Andhra Pradesh in national-level Kabaddi tournaments. Their achievements have not only elevated their personal aspirations but have also inspired other young girls in the community to take up sports with confidence.

Another remarkable example is 20-year-old Perla Divya, a dedicated sports enthusiast who represented Andhra University at the All-India Kabaddi Tournament. With the skills and exposure gained through the Centre, she has secured employment as a Physical Education teacher and now earns ₹7,000 per month. Her journey highlights how sports can become a sustainable pathway to livelihoods, especially for young women.

Beyond coaching, the Adani Coaching & Fitness Centre provides athletes with professional sports kits, guidance from experienced mentors, and opportunities to participate in competitive tournaments. Leading the Centre is 23-year-old Nolli Theja, a national-level Kabaddi player from Gangavaram who has competed in 14 national tournaments. Having faced financial challenges in his own sporting career, Theja now channels his experience into coaching young athletes, motivating them to persevere and dream big.

To date, the Centre has trained over 72 players, including 30 girls, and continues to grow as a hub of opportunity and inspiration. Through focused interventions, dedicated mentorship, and community engagement, the Adani Foundation is turning sports into a powerful tool for empowerment, fostering confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of pride among the youth of Gangavaram.