Tag New Delhi

New Delhi, 6 February 2024, Union Bank of India proudly announces its achievement of the Payment Card Industry PIN Transaction Security (PCI PIN) certification. This certification underscores Union Bank’s proactive approach to implementing robust security measures and adhering to industry-leading standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all transactions processed through our systems.

PCI PIN certification is a set of security standards established to protect the processing and transmission of card PINs used in transactions. This certification ensures that systems and devices involved in PIN processing comply with security standards set forth by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) to safeguard customer’s sensitive information.

Union Bank of India has consistently demonstrated its commitment to implementing industry-leading practices aligned with international standards for managing its information systems. By adhering to stringent security measures and continuously evolving its security protocols to meet emerging threats, Union Bank of India aims to strengthen customer trust and uphold the integrity of all sensitive data entrusted to the bank.

Union Bank of India’s systems, processes and IT facilities are also ISO27001:2013, ISO22301:2019, ISO31000:2018, ISO 27701:2019 & PCI-DSS certified by international certification bodies which provide safe, secure and resilient Banking experience to its customers.

5th  February 2024, New Delhi:

 Satin Creditcare Network Limited (SCNL) (NSE: SATIN, BSE: 539404) has announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31^st December 2023. The financial numbers are based on IndAS.

Consolidated Highlights

 Footprints and Outreach

 Standalone Highlights

 Update on 9MFY24 (Standalone Highlights)

• Successfully completed equity infusion of Rs. 250 crore via QIP; received strong response from marquee domestic and global investors
• Long term credit rating upgraded to A (Stable) by ICRA from A- (Stable)
• Entered into a co-lending arrangement with Karnataka Bank
• Certified with the highest level of recognition i.e. Gold level in Client Protection Principles by MicroFinanza Rating in accordance with the new framework of SPTF and CERISE
• PAT stood at Rs. 298 crore, RoA at 4.5% & RoE at 17.8%; profit in the last 9 months surpassed 12 months profit of FY23
• Observed strong net customer addition of 6.3 Lacs; client base crossed the 3 million mark
• Disbursed ~Rs. 1,000 crore in a single month, marking the first time such a substantial amount has been distributed
• Collection against write-offs of ~Rs. 36 crore
• With operational efficiencies playing out, Opex to Avg AUM has reduced to 5.8% as compared to 6.8% in 9MFY23, decreased by 99 bps
• Cost to Income ratio stood at 44.9% as compared to 57.5% in 9MFY23

Capital Adequacy and Liquidity

• Our capital base is strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 28.7% as on 31^st December 2023
• Book Value per share at Rs. 205 on a consolidated basis
• During 9MFY24, raised Rs. 7,470 crore which is up by 56% as compared to 9MFY23
• The Company continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet liquidity of ~Rs. 1,800 crore and has undrawn sanctions worth Rs. 1,088 crore as on 31^st December 2023

Borrowing Profile

• Total borrowings stood at Rs. 7,488 crore as on 31^st December 2023
• Debt-to-equity ratio as on 31^st December 2023 stood at 3.0x
• 64% of our borrowings are from banks, followed by overseas funds at 15%, NBFCs at 12% and DFIs at 9%
• The Company has a diversified and large lender base of 77 active lenders

• • Added 14 new lenders to the portfolio

Asset Quality

• On-book Gross Non-Performing Assets stood at 2.40% amounting to Rs. 175 crore as on 31^st December 2023 as compared to 3.92% as on 31^st December 2022 amounting to Rs. 188 crore
• The portfolio originated from Jul’21 onwards which constitutes ~97% of on-book MFI portfolio has PAR 1 at 2.1% and PAR 90 at 1.0%; better than industry portfolio quality post pandemic
• We have sufficient on-book provisions amounting to Rs. 146 crore as on 31^st December 2023, which is 2.0% of on-book portfolio
• Gross cumulative collection efficiency for 9M FY24 stood at ~99.0%

Subsidiaries

Satin Housing Finance Ltd. witnessed YoY growth of 58% in AUM, which stood at Rs. 607 crore, having presence across 4 states with 6,512 customers

• GNPA stood at 1.1% highlighting strong asset quality
• SHFL has 100% retail book
• The Company has 24 active lenders including NHB refinance
• CRAR of 49.5% and gearing of 2.1x
• PAT for 9MFY24 stood at Rs. 5.2 crore

Satin Finserv Ltd., the Company’s MSME arm, has reached an AUM of Rs. 657 crore

• • Systematically running down the Business Correspondent book to adhere to Principal Business Criteria
  • GNPA stood at 4.6%
  • CRAR of 47.8% and gearing of 1.1x
  • PAT for 9MFY24 stood at Rs. 3.6 crore

Commenting on the performance, Mr. HP Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director of Satin Creditcare Network Limited, said, “In the landscape of robust performance, this quarter has unfolded as an exceptionally triumphant chapter for us, distinguished by a series of notable achievements across various facets of our business operations, like equity infusion of Rs. 250 crore through QIP, a rating upgrade to A (Stable) by ICRA from A- (Stable), gold-level certification in CPP and co-lending agreement with Karnataka Bank, etc. With a strong improvement in business momentum, operating efficiency and asset quality, we delivered our highest ever PAT and recorded a lifetime high AUM of Rs. 11,074 crore. Our growth is backed by strong customer addition coupled with an increase in ticket size to repeat customers. Driven by the robust demand, we recorded a healthy disbursement of Rs. 7,445 crore for 9M FY24, up by 41% Y-o-Y. Since 2008, the company has raised equity of Rs. 1,537 crore, out of which Rs. 595 crore was raised post Covid-19, which signifies the trust placed in us by the market, affirming our standing as a reliable and valued company in the industry. We continue to have a strong liability profile. As we conclude Q3 and look ahead, we remain committed to sustained growth, better cost efficiencies, and maintaining the high quality of our assets. The strong performance in the quarter serves as a foundation for our continued success, and we are well-positioned to seize future opportunities.”

New Delhi/Mumbai, February 03, 2024: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, is championing the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024. This pivotal public awareness initiative, dedicated to promoting road safety, will host its Second Edition 4-Hour Telethon on February 3, 2024, in Mumbai. In partnership with the SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF), a leading non-profit organization in India dedicated to improving road safety and emergency medical care in India since 2008, this Telethon will spotlight the critical importance of road safety, centering on ‘Empathy’ as its core theme.

According to the “Road Accidents in India 2022 Report” by MoRTH, the country witnessed an average of 461 fatalities in 1,263 road crashes per day, marking an alarming 11.9% increase in road crash fatalities from the previous year. Furthermore, there was a significant 15.3% increase in injuries from road crashes.

In response to these concerning statistics, this second edition of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan will address road safety challenges through an empathetic lens, focusing on behavioral modification among Indian commuters to enhance empathy and safety on the roads.

The initiative is built on four foundational pillars:

· Respect: Advocating for life preservation and active participation in life-saving measures.

· Patience: Highlighting the necessity of adhering to speed limits and driving rules.

· Safety: Encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies and initiatives for safer public roads.

· Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for cooperation among all stakeholders, including the public.

Mr. Piyush Tewari, Founder and CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation, commented, “Road crashes are a major public health concern in India. It is crucial to communicate the safety message to the masses, inspiring empathy and a respect for life. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan is a pioneering effort in this direction, and SaveLIFE Foundation is proud to support it.”

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is committed to enhancing road infrastructure, improving road safety education, and promoting responsible driving to make roads safer for everyone. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about responsible two-wheeler driving, helmet usage, and the Good Samaritan Law, with special emphasis on two-wheeler users, who accounted for 44.5% of total road fatalities in 2022.

”A collaborative effort from all stakeholders is imperative to bring about positive change on the roads. As we witness the unfolding of Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 and raise awareness about empathy, responsible driving, and road safety, let us also pledge to be more patient, respectful, and safe on the roads,” said Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer – Network 18 (Broadcast) and Managing Director A+E Networks

”Road safety is not just about adhering to rules but also about cultivating compassion and transforming attitudes. The Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2024 is taking a commendable step in this direction by emphasizing empathy as its central theme. We applaud the efforts of this ambitious initiative and extend our relentless support to this noble cause,” said Puneet Singhvi, CEO (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy-Network 18

The 4-hour Telethon will feature eminent personalities, including Shri Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood legend Shri Amitabh Bachchan. Leading actors Pankaj Tripathi and R Madhavan are also an integral part of the campaign along with celebrated singer and composer Shri Shankar Mahadevan; Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Shri Prasoon Joshi; and Author and Philanthropist, Smt. Sudha Murty. The event will also see the launch of the Sadak Suraksha Anthem by Shankar Mahadevan, with lyrics by Shri Prasoon Joshi.

New Delhi February 3, 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman‘s sixth consecutive budget presentation, the last one before the General Elections, has concluded. Breaking down the complexities and deciphering the budget’s profound impact, the Times of India proudly introduces its annual flagship property, the Right to Excellence Budget Masterclass. The event will feature Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog, known for his insightful perspectives on economic matters.

Taking place on February 5, 2024, in Delhi, this masterclass is set to unite policymakers, experts, and finance gurus to decode the pivotal announcements made by the Finance Minister.

Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, Times of India Digital, said, “We hope this Budget masterclass helps people understand the impact of the announcements made by the Finance Minister. It’s essential for individuals and businesses to stay informed about the budget’s implications. Our Budget Masterclass will provide valuable insights and analysis to help people navigate the potential impact of the Union Budget on their personal and professional finances.”

• Here’s an overview of the sessions that will be part of the Masterclass:
•  Navigating Tax Changes: Understanding the implications of introduced tax changes and their impact on personal finances.
•  Fueling Growth: Exploring strategies outlined in the Budget to foster economic growth.
•  Sector Spotlight – Revolutionizing the Automobile Sector: Gaining Expert Insights on How the Budget Will Impact the Auto Industry.
•  Fireside Chat: Budget Planning for Businesses: Delving into how businesses can strategically plan decisions in alignment with fiscal policies.
•  Fireside Chat: Revolutionizing the Automobile Sector – Innovations, Sustainability, and Future Trends: An in-depth expert perspective on how the budget will shape the future of the automobile sector.

Shashank Srivastava, Sr. Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, one of the key panellists on the Masterclass, said, “I am very excited to be a part of TOI’s Right To Excellence Budget Masterclass. Today, I will be talking about the blueprint that the interim budget has provided the industry at large to sustain India’s economic growth. Furthermore, I will also discuss the budget’s impact on the auto sector, what measures need to be taken to continue the growth momentum in the sector, and future trends.”

New Delhi: Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) orchestrated a splendid ceremony to confer the ‘National Skills Awards for Eminence’ at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, coinciding with the Electronics Expo 2024. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution & Textiles, witnessed the recognition of outstanding achievers in different categories.

 The objective of the awards is to recognize outstanding contributions across various categories, honouring organizations and individuals for their exceptional efforts in furthering skill development and promoting excellence in India’s electronics sector. The awards ceremony aimed to highlight and celebrate key stakeholders driving innovation and nurturing skills in the industry.

 The Skilling Initiative of the Year award was conferred upon LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
The Education Initiative of the Year award was presented to SRM Institute of Science & Technology. Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd. was honoured with the CSR Initiative of the Year award. SFO Technologies Pvt Ltd. received the Business Eminence Award of the Year. The Emerging Global Organization of the Year award went to CP Plus. National Centre for Flexible Electronics, IIT Kanpur won the Incubation & Startup Initiative of the Year award. The Woman CSR Leader of the Year award was given to Aradhana Rai Gupta from Havells India Ltd. The accolade was conferred by Wilfredo Gonzales Vidal, Deputy Minister of Communications, Cuba.

 Padma Bhushan Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Founder of HCL & Chairman of EPIC foundation was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contribution to India’s electronics industry over the past four decades. This recognition serves as a testament to the remarkable contributions he has made for the growth of ESDM sector.

 The eminent winners were chosen for their phenomenal contributions to furthering skill development, education, corporate social responsibility, business excellence, global impact, and nurturing startups within electronics.

 Mr Amit Manwani, Chairman ESSCI said: “A skilled workforce is the most critical asset for
the electronics industry as we step into an era of rapid technological disruptions. Building a vast talent pool through training, upskilling and nurturing skills is crucial for India’s
electronics sector to innovate, expand globally and realize its full potential. At ESSCI, our
diverse skilling initiatives aim to create a culture of excellence by empowering individuals
and organizations with industry-relevant skills to succeed.”

 Sandeep Narula, Chairman of ESC said: “The electronics industry is a major economic
growth driver for India and to reap the benefits of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and for
indigenous manufacturing to flourish, a robust skill development strategy is crucial. Investing in creating an electronics skills ecosystem through industry collaborations, vocational training, and apprenticeships will build a future-ready workforce. This will drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness while opening doors for youth employment as the industry scales up across domains like communication systems, consumer electronics, strategic electronics, and medical electronics.” Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Executive Director, ESC was also present in the event to felicitate the winners.

“For India’s electronics sector to achieve its full potential, a skilled workforce is imperative.
ESSCI is proud to play a key role in helping develop industry-ready talent through our
diverse skilling initiatives. We aim to build a vast pool of skilled professionals who can take
the electronics industry into the future through their expertise. Upskilling existing talent and nurturing new skilled workers will be vital for the sector’s growth and to capitalize on the opportunities of a digitally transforming world. ESSCI remains dedicated to enabling a
culture of learning and excellence across electronics, empowering both individuals and
organizations.” said Dr Abhilasha Gaur, COO, ESSCI.

 ESSCI extends hearty congratulations to the deserving winners and remains committed to promoting skills and innovation in electronics. ESSCI also set up a stall at the expo to showcase skill initiatives bridging industry skill gaps. The stall highlighted the importance of hiring certified talent to attract and retain professionals. It addressed skill mismatches in recruitments regarding locations, roles and compensation expectations.

New Delhi, 1st February ’24: Medica Group of Hospitals, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, organized an inspiring programme for brain tumour survivors at the hospital today. Recognizing the life-threatening nature of brain tumours and the intricate challenges involved in treating them without causing long-term damage, Medica’s team of highly experienced neurosurgeons have achieved commendable success over the past years. The success is attributed to the unwavering faith and support of patients and their families. During the event, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Director of Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND), Senior Consultant, Brain and Spine Surgeon; Dr. Harsh Jain, Senior Consultant – Brain and Spine Surgeon and Dr. Sunandan Basu, Senior Consultant, Brain and Spine Surgeon and ably supported by Dr. Pradip Kumar Mondal, Consultant, Medical & Hemato-Oncology and Dr. Sayan Das, Senior Consultant & Head Radiation Oncology. The programme celebrated the stories of over 20 survivors for their extraordinary journeys, demonstrating that they now not only lead normal and fulfilling lives but also act as sources of inspiration to all other fellow patients.

During the gathering, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, shared, “In the field of neurosurgery, addressing brain tumours is not merely a surgical procedure; it’s a commitment to not only clinically address the tumour, but also to teat holistically through post-surgical radiation & chemotherapy support and rehabilitation through physiotherapy. We have treated complex brain tumour cases at Medica due to excellent clinical team and the latest technologies. Creation of the support group is to give our patients a platform so that they can share their experiences and give moral support to each other. This group will enable these patients to come back once again to the mainstream of life and lead normal & fulfilling lives.”

Dr. Harsh Jain, shared, “It brings us immense joy to witness everyone present here in a state of well-being and high spirits. At Medica, our commitment is to provide treatment as per global standards in terms of clinical expertise and technology support. We have constituted an internal Tumour Board where we discuss these complex cases across clinicians from concerned disciplines. This board consists of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neuro-pathologists, and neuro-radiologists, fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach in addressing these critical cases.”

Dr. Sunandan Basu emphasized, “The collective presence of every survivor in this room highlights that patients need not go elsewhere or other parts of the country for treatments. At Medica we have successfully treated these patients not just from the state but all. Across Eastern India. Their personal journeys serve as powerful testaments to overcoming adversity and standing tall.”

During the meet, one of the male patients, a 33-year-old, shared his journey and expressed, “I have had a long history of impaired vision. In 2018, doctors recommended I should get a CT scan and MRI, which later showed a large pituitary tumour. I had my operation on 13th October’ 18, and I am immensely grateful to the dedicated hospital staff at Medica, who played a pivotal role in my journey. Thanks to their unwavering commitment and expertise, I am now doing well, back to my work, and embracing life with renewed vigor.”

Another male patient, a 38-year-old, shared, “Before being diagnosed with brain tumour, I was plagued by persistent headaches and forgetfulness, which cast a shadow over my daily life. Thanks to the timely intervention and skillful surgery performed on 30th September’22, I am now on the path to recovery. Grateful for the meticulous care and expertise of the doctors, I have not only overcome the challenges but have also returned to my work seamlessly.”

A 35-year-old lady, who had her c-section and brain tumour operation on the same day, in the same operation theatre, shared her journey, “Facing a brain tumour diagnosis during the last trimester of my pregnancy was a nightmare. The problems in vision and recurrent headaches became a serious concern for both me and my unborn child. However, the compassionate efforts of the obstetricians and neurosurgeons, helped me to sail through the adversity in an informed manner where the clinicians kept me updated about the line of treatment at each step. The decision to perform a caesarean section to deliver my baby, followed by a successful brain tumour surgery not only saved my life but also the life of my child. It’s been 4 months since my operation and I do feel happy & confident that I have passed that dark stage of my life and leading a normal life.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, stated, “As per the National Library of Science, it’s estimated that approximately 10 out of every 100,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with central nervous system tumours, and around 2% of these cases are malignant. Over the past 14 years, our neurosurgeons have consistently achieved high success rates in treating brain tumours. Today, I am overwhelmed to hear the success stories from these survivors. Their feedback is invaluable to us. It strengthens our resolve to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who are suffering.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Jt. Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “The neurosurgery department at Medica has been doing exemplary work since the inception of the hospital. Approximately 1100 complex tumour cases have been operated and this has been possible with the expertise of our clinicians coupled with the latest technologies that we use. Performing such complex cases are now more cohesive with support from the Medica Oncology department as post-surgical Radiation & Chemotherapy services could be availed under one roof. We have not only catered to such patients from Bengal but also from neighbouring North-Eastern states and SAARC countries like Nepal, Bhutan & Bangladesh.”

New Delhi, January 2024 – Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, is poised to underscore its dedication to sustainability with the introduction of an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in collaboration with Charge Zone. This strategic step aligns with the hotel’s broader vision of incorporating eco-friendly practices into its operations, further solidifying its position as a frontrunner in sustainable hospitality.

 Conveniently situated near the porch, the EV charging station at Novotel New Delhi Aerocity offers guests an accessible and efficient way to charge their electric vehicles while enjoying various amenities. This service is available to guests staying at both Novotel and Pullman, reinforcing the hotel’s dedication to providing sustainable solutions. Demonstrating a long-standing pledge to environmental responsibility, the establishment
has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives on its premises.

 Within its array of sustainable initiatives, the property boasts a 5500 sq ft herb garden dedicated to organic farming, an operational glass bottling plant that further reinforces the establishment’s sustainable practices. This commitment extends to the reduction of single-use plastics in the hotel, aligning with brand-wide initiatives to eliminate single-use plastic by 2050. Significantly, the hotel has substituted in-room amenities, plastic straws,
and stirrers with sustainable alternatives. The incorporation of Fairtrade-certified and labelled products, like Kimirica and Oriental Lotus amenities, emphasises the establishment’s pledge to ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

 “We are happy to announce the launch of the EV charging station at Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. It not only symbolises our dedication but also provides a practical solution for our discerning guests who increasingly prioritise eco-friendly options,” expressed Mr. Vineet Mishra, Cluster General Manager, Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity.

 Novotel New Delhi Aerocity seamlessly integrates environmental consciousness with unparalleled comfort. The EV charging station’s launch is a pivotal step in the hotel’s journey towards a greener future, setting new standards in responsible hospitality.

New Delhi: With Valentine’s week just around the corner, the anticipation is building for Delhi’s hottest musical event. Moonrise Festival, scheduled for February 10th and 11th at the JLN Stadium, is all set to turn up the heat with an electrifying artist lineup and cult performances.

The festival’s management team has recently revealed some exciting brand partnerships, featuring renowned names such as Krasa, 24Seven, and Red FM. This significant announcement has once again thrust the festival into the spotlight. The two-day spectacle managed and promoted by Icebolt Marketing Solutions, guarantees an unforgettable musical journey with performances by legendary artists like Adnan Sami and the acclaimed Bollywood sensation Akhil Sachdeva.

Talking about the development organizer Vineet, founder of Moonrise Festival India Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are delighted to have Krasa as the title sponsor on board and youth-centric brands like 24Seven and Red FM as partners. In the coming week, we are expecting a few more names to join the list. The festival has garnered an overwhelming response and we look forward to a grand and successful show on both days of the festival.”

The two-day-long music festival, happening in the heart of the city at one of the most iconic venues in New Delhi, JLN stadium, offers an unmatchable experience of music, youth culture, and culinary delight to visitors. The main highlight of the festival is the stellar performance by the music maestro, Adnan Sami, and Bollywood hits by Nasha Boy Akhil Sachdeva, who shot to fame with his Love Anthem ‘Tera Ban Jaunga’ from the movie Kabir Singh. The musical tableau includes performances by many leading artists including cult rappers like Sid-K, DG Immortals, Krsna, and Seedhe Maut, Indie Band Twin Strings and DJs like DJ Yogi, DJ Kashish and DJ Cheshta.

The inaugural day will be dedicated to the timeless melodies of Bollywood’s Romantic theme, and the following day to the compelling rhythms of Cult Hip Hop. Beyond music, the festival heightens the attendees’ experience with a wide range of local and international food delicacies along with flea markets that allow you to both shop and have fun.

The activities during the festival include tattoo making, hair braiding, tarot card reading, and face painting. The festival will be full of surprises, including fun activities, token rewards, artist meet-and-greets, and dedicated special guest zones, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

The passes and tickets for the event are available on leading platform Paytm Insider and more details can be explored on its Instagram handle, @moonrisefestivalind.

New Delhi, January 29th, 2024: Sports For All (SFA), India’s leading tech-enabled multi-sports school competition platform, today commenced with New Delhi’s inaugural edition of the SFA Championships. With record participation of athletes across the city, SFA Championships aims to unveil the city’s best sporting talent, discover the ‘number one school in sports’, and enable a platform for future champions to compete on a professional platform.

The opening day of the SFA Championships was held on the grounds of Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR), DDA Squash and Badminton Stadium, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool Complex, all equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Reflecting on the profound impact of sports on youth, Mrs. Manmohan Kaur, Advisor to the Cost Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, shared “Sports serve as a cornerstone in the holistic development of individuals, fostering not just physical well-being but also providing essential life skills such as discipline and teamwork. Witnessing the passion and determination exhibited by these budding athletes, I believe such championships are important in empowering talent and promoting a culture of sportsmanship and excellence,.for our country.”

The pulse of the competition resonated through the air as the crack of rifles and pistols set the tone for intense contests. Participants, ranging from U-12 to U-16 boys and girls, showcased their precision with the peep sight rifle and air pistol.

Vani Chauhan, a talented U-17 Shooter from Manavsthal School, shared her journey filled with dedication and triumphs “Seeing my cousin sister excel in shooting sparked my interest, and I’ve been practicing for 2.5 years. I started in Gurgaon and later moved to Delhi for nationals. Winning bronze across key competitions was a huge motivation to pursue further in sports. My aim is to play at the national level like my idol, Rhythm Sanghwan. Her journey inspires me, and discovering SFA Championships made me realize it’s a great platform for shooters like me.” 

Simultaneously, the squash courts echoed with the rapid movements and strategic plays of athletes across the U-9 to U-19 categories. Young swimmers plunged into the water with determination, competing in U-12 to U-15 categories of backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Results for Day 1

SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for school athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow. The journey to represent the country at the Olympics is what SFA Championships is enabling for emerging athletes.