Jamshedpur, Nov. 21: Sports have always been a priority within the corporate philosophy of Tata Steel. It is part of this very same commitment that made Tata Steel set up the Tata Steel Sports Foundation, to inculcate among the young men and women of India the sporting spirit, the zeal to excel, to win, and above all the discipline and dedication that brings out the winner in the individual. The Tata Football Academy, conceived in 1983 and inaugurated in 1987, is but one intrinsic component of the Tata Ideal manifested in life.
Tata�s commitment to sports in India Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata envisaged not only Asia’s first fully integrated Steel Plant but also the model township of Jamshedpur. He advised his son, Sir Dorab Tata, to earmark “areas for Football, Hockey and Parks�.”.
Tata Steel’s commitment to sports, in fact, preceded the building of the township. The aforesaid letter was written in 1902 and the site for Jamshedpur selected in 1907. J. R. D. Tata gave fruition to J. N. Tata’s vision, inculcating sports as an integral part of Tata Steel’s corporate philosophy.
Under JRD Tata�s stewardship Tata Steel introduced world class football to India through the famous Super Soccer series. Some of the top clubs like PSV Eindhoven (Europe) and Sao Paulo (South America) played against India�s best.
Tata Football Academy in fact, was established in 1987 while J.R.D.Tata was the Company’s Chairman and became a reality with his active support. A keen and skillful sportsman himself, J.R.D.Tata provided great encouragement to all sports disciplines.
The academy has many accolades to its credit and has produced 143 players who have gone on to represent the Indian national team. 24 cadets have captained Indian football team in various age group tournaments. Keeping to its commitment to develop sports from the ground-up, Tata Steel also hosts the annual community football cup where over 25,000 locals participate.
