New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) will invest Rs 40 crore over two years to strengthen India’s boxing ecosystem through a partnership with the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The initiative aims to support emerging and elite boxers by improving talent identification, athlete development, coaching, sports science and access to international competitions.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on October 13 in the presence of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, Boxing Federation of India President Ajay Singh and Indian Oil Director (HR) Rashmi Govil, along with other senior officials.
The partnership will focus on strengthening boxing academies across the country, improving training facilities and building the capabilities of coaches, referees and technical officials.
Indian Oil, NSDF and SAI Join Hands to Develop Boxing
Under the partnership, Indian Oil’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding will be combined with NSDF’s role in mobilising resources for sports development and SAI’s technical expertise.
The programme aims to strengthen the country’s boxing infrastructure and provide athletes with access to:
- Talent Development: Identify promising boxers and support their growth from grassroots to elite levels.
- Coaching and Training: Improve coaching standards and strengthen boxing academies.
- Sports Science: Enhance athlete preparation and performance through scientific support.
- Facilities and Equipment: Improve access to quality training infrastructure and equipment.
- International Exposure: Create more opportunities to compete in international events.
- Capacity Building: Train and develop coaches, referees and technical officials.
Through these measures, the partnership seeks to establish a stronger development pathway for Indian boxers and improve their preparedness for national and international competitions.
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Sports Minister Calls for Greater Corporate Participation
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the government was deepening collaboration with corporate partners under the revamped Khelo India Scheme. He highlighted the role of CSR-backed partnerships in building a strong national sports ecosystem.
Mandaviya also called for greater corporate participation across sporting disciplines, stressing that financial assistance must be supported by investments in essential areas such as equipment, sports science, training facilities and coaching.
He further emphasised the importance of developing referees and other technical officials to strengthen the overall sporting ecosystem.
The partnership reflects the government’s efforts to encourage businesses and public sector enterprises to contribute to sports development through structured CSR initiatives.
Sports Included Under Common CSR Theme Framework
The agreement follows the inclusion of sports as a dedicated thematic area under the Department of Public Enterprises’ Common CSR Theme Framework. The move is intended to encourage greater corporate investment in sports development.
The collaboration brings together three key elements: Indian Oil’s CSR funding, NSDF’s resource-mobilisation capabilities and SAI’s technical expertise. The initiative also seeks to expand the support available to boxing academies and strengthen the system that prepares athletes for high-level competitions.
Partnership Aims to Build on India’s Boxing Performance
The initiative comes after Indian boxers won six medals, including three gold and three bronze, at the Asian Games 2026.
The Rs 40 crore investment over two years aims to build on this performance by strengthening support for both emerging talent and elite athletes.Greater access to scientific training, quality coaching, improved facilities and international competition is expected to contribute to the long-term development of boxing in India.
By focusing on multiple stages of athlete development, the programme aims to strengthen India’s boxing ecosystem and support the country’s ambitions in international sports.
About Indian Oil Corporation Limited
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil) is a major Indian public sector energy company engaged in refining, pipeline transportation, marketing of petroleum products and other energy-related businesses. The company also undertakes corporate social responsibility initiatives in areas including sports, education, healthcare and community development.
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