GRSE Wins CSR Times Award 2026 for Hockey Initiative

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau Aug 29, 2026 1,650 Views

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. received the CSR Times Award 2026 for its 'Hockey for Her' initiative, which empowers tribal girls in Jharkhand through professional sports training, nutrition, and life-skills support, reflecting the company's commitment to inclusive community development.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. has won the CSR Times Award 2026 for its impactful 'Hockey for Her' initiative empowering tribal girls.

NEW DELHI — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, was conferred the prestigious 'CSR Times Award 2026'. The recognition was announced at the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2026 held at Le Méridien in New Delhi. The accolade honors GRSE's dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework aimed at uplifting underprivileged tribal adolescent girls through structured sports, health support, and community development.

Empowering Tribal Youth Through Sports Development

The award-winning 'Hockey for Her' project is implemented in active partnership with the non-governmental organization Child Rights & You (CRY). Focused primarily on the Khunti district of Jharkhand, the program provides professional hockey coaching, high-grade sports kits, essential nutritional support, routine medical evaluations, and crucial life-skills training. Currently benefiting over 100 young athletes, the initiative has successfully facilitated the selection of several participants into the Khunti Hockey Federation and the Centre of Excellence (CoE), Khunti, creating clear competitive pathways for rural youth.

Platform for Inclusive Growth and ESG Alignment

Organized by CSR Times, the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit convened under the central theme "Role of Responsible Businesses for Inclusive Bharat." The high-profile gathering brought together policymakers, industry executives, and sustainability leaders to examine how corporate entities can effectively integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates into long-term strategies. GRSE’s recognition highlights how public sector undertakings can successfully bridge core heavy engineering operations with grassroots social transformation.

Official Sources and Corporate Statements

According to official event announcements and company releases from Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd., the distinction validates the organization's wider socio-economic development goals.

"Organizers stated that the recognition is a testament to GRSE's continued commitment towards implementing impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for socio-economic development and grassroots empowerment."

Event coordinators confirmed that the rigorous evaluation process conducted by the CSR Times jury emphasized measurable social change, long-term scalability, and transparent governance parameters.

Why It Matters

The recognition underscores the practical impact of targeted corporate social programs on marginalized communities. For young participants in remote regions, structured interventions like 'Hockey for Her' offer tangible career pathways in professional sports while addressing chronic nutritional and healthcare gaps. For businesses and investors, such initiatives demonstrate how strategic CSR investments foster sustainable community relations and fulfill broader national development goals.

Key Facts at a Glance

Award Received: CSR Times Award 2026.
Event: 13th National CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2026 in New Delhi.
Implementing Partner: Child Rights & You (CRY).
Core Beneficiaries: Over 100 underprivileged tribal adolescent girls in Khunti, Jharkhand.
Organization Profile: GRSE, a Navratna Ministry of Defence PSU.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GRSE's 'Hockey for Her' initiative? It is a targeted corporate social responsibility program that provides professional hockey training, nutrition, and life-skills development to tribal girls in Jharkhand.
Which organization honored GRSE? GRSE was honored by CSR Times during the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit & Awards 2026.
Where is the program active? The initiative is primarily implemented in the Khunti district of Jharkhand.
What are the key outcomes of the project? Over 100 young athletes have received training and support, with several participants advancing to district championships and the Centre of Excellence, Khunti.