The All-Odisha Forest Sports Meet 2025 was inaugurated today at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, generating great enthusiasm and participation from forest officers and staff from across the state.
The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department of the Government of Odisha organises this two-day event.
The inaugural ceremony began with a ceremonial flag hoisting conducted by the Chief Guest, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change for the Government of Odisha. The event was also attended by Suresh Pant, IFS, PCCF & HOFF of Odisha, who served as the Guest of Honour, and Prem Kumar Jha, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife) and Secretary of the Odisha Forest Sports Association, who delivered the welcome address.
A splendid march past was performed by participants representing the four forest zones: Berhampur, Angul, Bhawanipatna, and Rourkela. The procession was accompanied by the KISS Band Troop, which added grandeur and rhythm to the ceremony, receiving loud applause from the spectators and dignitaries present.
Guest of Honour Shri Suresh Pant, an accomplished sportsman himself, addressed the gathering and encouraged participants to give their best on the field while enjoying every moment of the two-day sporting event. He stated that “sports are not just about winning medals, but about embodying the spirit of unity, integrity, and mutual respect.”
In his welcome address, Prem Kumar Jha greeted all participants warmly. He highlighted the significance of the event as a celebration of “unity, integrity, and indomitable spirit” within the forest fraternity. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister and senior officers for their ongoing guidance and encouragement, noting that over 500 participants from the four forest zones are competing in various athletic and team events during this year’s meet.
Delivering his keynote address, Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia congratulated forest officers and staff from all ranks, from frontline guards to senior officers, for their relentless service in protecting Odisha’s forests, wildlife, and environment. He praised their dedication, courage, and silent contributions, calling them “the true custodians of our natural heritage.”
The Minister emphasised that their commitment to safeguarding forests and wildlife forms the backbone of Odisha’s ecological balance. He urged them to continue their noble work with pride, unity, and dedication, noting that they are “the true protectors of the planet’s future.” He also underscored the role of sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities essential for forest and environmental protection duties.
The Hon’ble Minister encouraged officers to maintain physical fitness and mental well-being through regular participation in sports and outdoor activities. Concluding his speech, he motivated participants to embrace the spirit of competition and camaraderie, reminding them that “true victory lies in teamwork, participation, and a shared commitment to conserving our nation’s natural heritage.”
The ceremony concluded with an oath-taking session led by Vishwanath Neelannavar, IFS, RCCF Berhampur Circle, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Shri Biswaraj Panda, City DFO, who convened and coordinated the entire program.
Following the formal proceedings, students from KISS presented a vibrant cultural program, showcasing tribal and folk dances from various regions of Odisha to celebrate the state’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage linked to its forests.
Previously, KIIT and KISS successfully hosted the National Forest Sports Meet 2020, which attracted nearly 2,500 athletes from across India competing in 23 sporting disciplines. This year, participants and officers of the Forest Department expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, for once again extending their support and hospitality in hosting the event.
The All-Odisha Forest Sports Meet 2025 will continue until October 12, featuring numerous athletic and sporting events aimed at promoting fitness, unity, and morale among members of the forest fraternity.
