Hisar | July 30, 2024: The Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), has taken a significant step in promoting sports at the grassroots level with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art ‘Sports Lab Fitness Centre’ in Hisar, Haryana. This initiative, part of HMIF’s flagship Sports Lab project, underscores the company’s commitment to fostering young athletic talent and advancing sports excellence.
The newly established Sports Lab Fitness Centre is designed to provide young athletes with cutting-edge training facilities, expert guidance, and specialized therapies for sports injury rehabilitation. Equipped with modern fitness equipment and staffed by certified trainers, the centre aims to enhance athletes’ physical fitness and overall performance across various sports disciplines.
Inaugural Event Highlights:
- Special Guest: Saina Nehwal, celebrated badminton player and Olympic medallist, graced the event, inspiring the young athletes present.
- Chief Guest: Dr. Rajesh Kumar Mohan, Additional Superintendent of Police (IPS) – Hisar, Haryana.
- HMIL Representation: Puneet Anand, Vertical Head – Corporate Communication & Social, HMIL.
- Other Attendees: Government officials from the Haryana education department, prominent local dignitaries, athletes, and sports federation representatives.
Puneet Anand expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “With HMIF’s Sports Lab initiative, we envisaged a holistic sports CSR program that will create a legacy beyond just winning medals and accolades. We are fostering a generation of healthy, confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who will make a difference in the world. Aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ we aim to bring about a positive change in society by giving a platform to budding athletes and providing them the right guidance to pursue sports as a viable career option.”
Nehwal, highlighting the importance of the initiative, commented, “HMIF’s Sports Lab initiative is a great platform that will help budding athletes in recognizing their potential and realizing their dreams. For any athlete, access to the right coaching and resources is critical to their growth and success. I am confident that with this initiative, young and talented athletes of Haryana and Punjab will have better opportunities to train and represent India at national and international levels.”
Program Expansion:
The event also marked the expansion of the Sports Lab project to Jind, Haryana, and Mansa, Punjab. Launched in 2022 in collaboration with Roots Foundation, the Sports Lab project aims to identify and nurture young sports talent through mentorship and advanced training. By collaborating with local schools, sports clubs, federations, and government bodies, HMIF seeks to build a sustainable ecosystem that promotes athletic growth and excellence.
Since its inception, over 7,500 young athletes from Haryana and Punjab have benefited from the Sports Lab initiative. The program continues to provide mentorship, resources, and equipment to young athletes while raising awareness about the significance of health, fitness, and sports.
