The 27th state-level tribal sports meet, organised by the Odisha prant of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, recently concluded at the Satyabrata Stadium in Cuttack. This annual event aims to identify and nurture young tribal talent from across the nation and witnessed participation from 285 children representing 18 tribal-dominated districts in Odisha.
Held over two days, from November 30 to December 1, the meet showcased the athletic prowess of young tribal participants across various sports. The event was inaugurated by Odisha’s Minister for School and Mass Education, Nityananda Gond, who inspired the children by quoting Swami Vivekananda. He encouraged them to believe in themselves and to never see themselves as weak. Shri Gond emphasised the importance of awakening the pride and identity of the tribal community for the nation’s resurgence, praising Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram for its significant role in instilling self-esteem among tribal children through such initiatives. He also called for greater promotion of traditional Indian sports.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Navrangpur MLA Shri Gaurishankar Majhi, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’s State Secretary Shri Chandrakant Nath, Joint Secretary Engineer Shri Lakshmikant Behera, Shri Gyanchand Nahar, and programme coordinator Shri Suresh Kamani. Other notable attendees included Shri Vishwamitra Mahanta, Joint Zonal Organisation Secretary of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, and Shri Krishnachandra Bhati, Prant Organisation Secretary.
The two-day event featured football and archery competitions, with 18 teams competing in football. In the final match, the team from Mayurbhanj triumphed over Sambalpur to become champions.
During the closing ceremony, former serviceman and Kotpad MLA Shri Rupu Bhatra presented awards to the winning athletes. He praised the stamina and potential of tribal children, urging them to pursue sports through consistent hard work and practice.
Shri Abhijit Pal, General Secretary of the Odisha Olympic Association, commended the efforts of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in identifying and promoting young tribal talent. He assured full support from the association for similar initiatives in the future.
Shri Vishwamitra Mahanta, Joint Zonal Organisation Secretary of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to hosting annual sports meets for tribal children. He announced that participants selected from this state-level meet would progress to the national-level tribal sports event, scheduled to take place in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, from December 26 to January 1. The national meet will involve 800 selected children from across the country.
This event underscored the dedication of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram in providing a platform for tribal children to showcase their talents and foster their development in the field of sports.
