The 7th All India Mini Kalinga Cup Football Tournament concluded with great fanfare at Raikala in Keonjhar district on Sunday evening. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi graced the final match as the chief guest, presenting awards to the winning teams and emphasising the state’s commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level.
In an exciting finale, Anurag FC from Shuakati emerged victorious, defeating Rishi Fighter from Jhumpura. The champions were awarded a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the runners-up received Rs 1.5 lakh, both presented by the Chief Minister.
Organised by Rising Star Club, Raikala, the tournament kicked off on November 12 and featured teams from across the country, showcasing young talent and fostering a spirit of competition.
In his address, CM Majhi described the Kalinga Cup as a culmination of hard work, struggle, and team spirit. “Sports is not just a physical activity but a way of life and a mindset,” he said. “It teaches us discipline, sportsmanship, and respect—values that are the true goals of such events.”
Highlighting Odisha’s rise as India’s sports capital, the CM noted that the state has successfully hosted major national and international events like the Indian Super League, Kalinga Super Cup, BWF Odisha Masters (Badminton), and FIH Hockey Pro League. “Our government’s relentless efforts have strengthened Odisha’s reputation as a premier sports destination,” he added.
To nurture grassroots talent, the government has launched transformative initiatives like the CM Trophy, aimed at identifying and grooming rural athletes for global recognition. Looking ahead, the CM announced plans to bolster sports infrastructure across the state.
Over the next five years, Rs 4,124 crore will be allocated for constructing 314 block-level stadiums equipped for volleyball, cricket, football, athletics, and more. For 2025-26 alone, Rs 825 crore has been budgeted for these developments.
Additionally, every block will have an indoor hall for badminton, table tennis, and other indoor sports. Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput will be developed as dedicated sports hubs to further enhance the ecosystem.
The event was also attended by Telkoi MLA Dr Fakir Mohan Naik as the guest of honour, along with Rising Star Club officials.
This tournament underscores Odisha’s ongoing push to integrate sports into everyday life, inspiring the youth and positioning the state as a leader in India’s sporting landscape.
