AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has once again embraced its commitment to social responsibility through the launch of the second edition of the 'AU Bano Champion' state-level tournament. This three-day extravaganza, a part of the bank's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is set to make a lasting impact by providing a platform for over 1500 sports enthusiasts, including 200 coaches and supervisors, to showcase their talent. The SMS Stadium in Jaipur serves as the battleground for this grand event, taking place from January 31st to February 2nd,
- 2024.
- ## Empowering Underserved Youth Through Sports
AU Bano Champion is more than just a sports event; it is a transformative initiative focused on skill-building and guided sports training for rural youth. Launched in October 2021, the program has rapidly evolved, touching the lives of over 8100 children across 64 locations in 22 districts of Rajasthan. The initiative employs 90 trained coaches, impacting not only the participating children but also the communities they belong to.
## Diverse Sporting Spirit Takes Center Stage
This state-level tournament is the culmination of village and district-level competitions held at 64 locations throughout Rajasthan. Over 1500 participants are competing in a variety of sports including volleyball, football, throwball, athletics, kabaddi, wushu, and boxing. The significance of this event is not just about winning; it's about providing a platform for talent to shine.
## Investing in Coaches and Skill Development
AU Bano Champion doesn't stop at providing opportunities for young athletes. The program consistently invests in the training and development of its coaches. Recently, 30 coaches underwent training at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Vijayanagar, Karnataka, enhancing their skills and knowledge. This emphasis on coaching excellence ensures that the program continues to deliver quality guidance to its participants.
## Distinguished Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the 'Bano Champion' tournament was graced by the Chief Guest, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of Industry & Commerce and Youth Affairs & Sports Dept., Govt. of Rajasthan. The ceremonial lighting of the lamps, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship, was performed by Col. Rathore, along with the illustrious presence of Ms. Mary Kom, Padma Vibhushan and Olympic medalist, and Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD, and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank.
## Words of Encouragement from Dignitaries
Col. Rathore commended AU Small Finance Bank for its commitment to fostering sports in the region. He urged corporations nationwide to contribute to nation-building by prioritizing sports in their social responsibilities, emphasizing the goal of winning a gold medal for Rajasthan in the Olympics by
- 2036.
- Mr. Sanjay Agarwal expressed delight at witnessing the growing participation of children from grassroots levels. He highlighted the program's success in cultivating over 60 National Level players in just two years, emphasizing its positive impact on overall personality development and skill-building through sports.
Mary Kom, a staunch advocate for sports, commended AU Small Finance Bank's initiative, expressing her joy at seeing over 1500 children taking steps towards becoming champions. She emphasized the importance of introducing sports to children in their formative years.
## Beyond Sports: AU Foundation's Holistic Approach
AU Bano Champion is just one facet of AU SFB's commitment to social responsibility. Through its CSR arm, AU Foundation, the bank is actively engaged in skill development and women empowerment projects. 'AU Udyogini' empowers rural women entrepreneurs, while 'AU Ignite' focuses on skill development through 16 academies, benefitting over 17,902 trainees.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, AU Bano Champion not only brings communities together through sports but also stands as a beacon of social responsibility, fostering holistic development in the regions it touches. As the second state-level tournament unfolds, the journey towards creating a sports-friendly India gains momentum, one champion at a time.
