Mizuho’s commitment to excellence: Supporting swimmers on the path to podium
April 1, 2025
About Mizuho High Performance Swimming Programme
Mizuho Bank has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, reflecting the bank's values of prosperous and sustainable future for all. Our fundamental approach to all our activities is to operate responsibly. As part of this commitment, Mizuho Bank has partnered with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) since 2023 to support the High Performance Swimming Programme. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in Indian swimming by providing state-of-the-art facilities, world-class coaching, and competition exposure. Based at IIS in Bellary, Karnataka, the programme features state-of-the-art pools and comprehensive support, including sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition, education, and mental health services. This ensures that selected swimmers receive the best possible training environment, preparing them to represent India on the global stage.
Mizuho Volunteering Day: IIS Buddy Program
Mizuho Bank's commitment extend beyond CSR compliance, as our employees actively volunteered and dedicated their time to making a difference. This dedication was highlighted through the Mizuho Volunteering Day, where employees engaged with IIS athletes – “IIS Buddy Program”. The program's purpose was to create meaningful connections between athletes and Mizuho Bank employees, creating a mutual understanding and sharing experiences. Nearly 30 employee volunteers participated and shared their experiences with the IIS athletes.
We would like to feature one of the swimmers whose journey reflects the impact of our programme.
Yogya Singh, an 18-year-old swimmer from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has been making waves in Indian swimming. Coming from a family deeply rooted in sports, she began her journey at just three years old, inspired by her father, a swimming instructor and her uncle, a national boxing medalist. Currently, she is pursuing a B.Sc. in Sports and Physical Education at Lovely Professional University.
Her breakthrough came at the state U14 in 2019, where she won multiple medals. Despite a shoulder injury, Yogya’s determination led her to the 2024 Senior Nationals, where she qualified for finals in two events. Her training at IIS under the Mizuho High Performance Swimming Programme has been crucial in refining her technique and helping her achieve personal bests.
She aims to compete at the 2025 World University Games and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Beyond swimming, Yogya dreams of running a successful business and opening a swimming training center. For now, she remains focused on training hard and taking it one day at a time.
With relentless focus, she is not just chasing medals- she’s paving the way for future athletes.
Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS)
The Inspire Institute of Sport, India’s first privately funded High Performance Training Centre and the country’s largest Olympic sports development programme, offers 100% scholarships to over 800 talented athletes across centres in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Haryana, and Manipur. IIS provides access to world-class infrastructure, coaching, sports science support, and an integrated academic curriculum, focusing on the holistic development of athletes in an effort to achieve glory for the nation. The institute's expertise extends to its satellite centre in Odisha, impacting over 4,000 young swimmers through the 'Learn to Swim' programme in partnership with the Odisha Government.
To know more about IIS: Inspire Institute of Sport