Tata Steel Foundation Wins AFC Grassroots Award 2025

Recognised for Best Grassroots Project in Asia

Key Points:

• Tata Steel Foundation wins AFC Special Grassroots Award 2025
• Award presented in Kuala Lumpur for Best Grassroots Project
• Program benefits 5,000 children across Jharkhand, Odisha, Bengal

JAMSHEDPUR – Tata Steel Foundation has received the AFC Special Grassroots Award 2025 for Best Grassroots Project, recognising its contribution to inclusive football development across eastern India.

The award, given by the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur, honours initiatives that use football to promote participation, learning, and social inclusion across Asia. The event saw the presence of AFC officials, football associations, and grassroots leaders from several nations.

Captain Amitabh, Head of Skill Development, and Chandreyee Majumdar, Manager Sports, accepted the award on behalf of Tata Steel Foundation. They represented thousands of children, coaches, and volunteers shaping the Foundation’s grassroots movement.

Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation, said the recognition belonged to the children and communities who believed in sport’s power to transform lives. “Operating across six locations and engaging more than 2,500 cadets, we continue to promote empowerment through sport,” he added.

The Foundation was recognised for its “Sports for Schools and Community Football Programme,” which impacts over 5,000 children in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. The initiative combines sports training, nutrition, education, and life skills for holistic youth development.

Moreover, it focuses on girls’ participation, women’s leadership, and community-driven football ecosystems. The AFC appreciated its inclusive and child-centric model that promotes equality and social cohesion.

Through partnerships with schools, local communities, and government bodies, Tata Steel Foundation continues to make quality sports accessible for rural children. Its work strengthens teamwork, confidence, and discipline among young athletes.

This honour follows previous recognitions, including the Bridgestone Mobility Awards and Sabal Awards hosted in Jamshedpur.
It also follows the Foundation’s earlier honour at the BRICS Solutions for SDGs Awards, reinforcing its long-standing social leadership.

Tata Steel Foundation continues to demonstrate how sports and community engagement can inspire transformation at the grassroots level.