Nirsa, Dhanbad : In the heart of Jharkhand’s coal belt lies Nirsa, a small village in Dhanbad district where dreams once lay dormant under the weight of poverty, addiction, and lack of opportunity. But in recent years, the winds of change have begun to blow — led by the resolve to turn problems into possibilities.
To address growing concerns of youth engagement in alcoholism, gambling, drug abuse, and social alienation — particularly in a post-COVID-19 world — Tata Power Maithan Division (MPL) and its CSR arm Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT), in partnership with FINISH Society, launched a grassroots sports development initiative.
The objective: Channel youth energy into sports and discipline, while empowering them with the confidence, life skills, and exposure to shine beyond the boundaries of their villages.
Tackling Social Ills With Sporting Will
While Nirsa enjoys a relatively better cash flow compared to nearby regions, the lack of structured activities had pushed many young people into unproductive and harmful lifestyles. The sports project, designed under the broader umbrella of financial and social inclusion, covers 21 villages around Nirsa.
In just a few months, the project has become a beacon of hope. With 7 playgrounds developed and equipped, and 6 professional national and state-level coaches appointed, the initiative is providing coaching in football, volleyball, kabaddi, and athletics. Over 1,000 children and youth, including a growing number of girls, are now actively participating.
National-Level Coaches Leading the Charge
From football coach Bikaramaditya Singh, whose student just competed at the U-17 nationals, to volleyball coach Ganesh Kumar Yadav, who played at the senior nationals, each mentor has gone beyond coaching — from sponsoring entry fees and refreshments to visiting homes to convince parents.
Jayashree Gorai, former national player and Jharkhand girls’ team manager, trains 85 footballers and motivates rural girls by sharing inspiring stories of Asha and Sangeeta, two girls from Dhanbad now representing India internationally.
Kabaddi coach Resham Tara and athletics coach Avijit Patra are also shaping local youth into district-level competitors, breaking cultural barriers, and promoting inclusivity.
From Nirsa to National Podiums
The results are already inspiring:
- At the 14th Jharkhand State Open Senior Athletics Championship held in Bokaro (May 2025), MPL-trained athletes made their mark:
🥇 Bhumika Roy – 1st in Discus Throw
🥈 Shilpa Sahish – 2nd in Discus Throw
🥉 Saraswati Kumari – 3rd in Javelin Throw - Karan Soren, a player from MPL Sports Club, won Gold at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, representing Jharkhand and defeating Odisha in a nail-biting final.
- Birbal Mohli has been selected to represent Jharkhand at the U-20 Swami Vivekananda Men’s National Football Championship to be held in Chhattisgarh.
- Four girls — Moutushi Mondal, Gouri Singh, Purnima Kumari, and Sunena Tudu — are heading to Kolhapur, Maharashtra to play in the SGFI National U-14 Football Championship.
- The U-15 girls team clinched the Winner’s Trophy, and the U-13 girls finished Runners-Up at the Khelo India Asmita Women’s Football League. Special mention to Bharti Marandi for emerging as the Best Scorer.
- At the 67th Lohardaga District Athletic Meet, athletes from MPL Sports Club secured multiple podium finishes in shotput, discus, and javelin.
A Model for Rural Transformation
This initiative is more than just about sports — it’s about character building, instilling discipline, building team spirit, and creating a healthy and purpose-driven lifestyle for rural youth. As Coach Jayashree puts it, “If girls from humble villages in Jharkhand can reach international arenas, anyone can. All they need is a platform — and belief.”
With the ongoing support from Tata Power Maithan Division (MPL), TPCDT, and FINISH Society, the Nirsa model is now being looked at as a replicable solution for youth development and community empowerment across rural India.
The journey from dusty fields to dazzling stadiums has begun — and Nirsa’s youth are sprinting ahead.
