Bhubaneswar : The curtain came down on the 7th All India Mini Kalinga Cup Football Tournament at Raikala in Keonjhar on Sunday with an electrifying finale and a strong message from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi—Odisha is gearing up for a sports revolution. The Chief Minister attended the concluding ceremony as the chief guest, handing over trophies and cash awards while reaffirming the state’s long-term vision to strengthen sports at the grassroots.
In a thrilling championship clash, Anurag FC from Shuakati clinched the title after outplaying Rishi Fighter of Jhumpura. The winners walked away with a prize of ₹2 lakh, while the runners-up were awarded ₹1.5 lakh, both presented personally by the Chief Minister.
Hosted by the Rising Star Club of Raikala, the tournament began on November 12 and drew teams from multiple states, offering a national stage to budding footballers and celebrating competitive spirit.
Addressing players and spectators, CM Majhi called the Kalinga Cup the result of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. “Sports are not merely competitions—they shape character,” he remarked. “Discipline, respect, and sportsmanship are values every athlete must carry, and tournaments like this ensure these ideals reach villages and small towns.”
The Chief Minister also spotlighted Odisha’s growing status as one of India’s leading sporting destinations. With the state hosting marquee events such as the Indian Super League, Kalinga Super Cup, BWF Odisha Masters, and the FIH Hockey Pro League, he said Odisha has earned national recognition for its sporting infrastructure and event management.
To ensure rural athletes get equal opportunities, the state has rolled out the CM Trophy, a flagship initiative designed to scout, train, and elevate young talent from remote pockets. Majhi further revealed the government’s ambitious plan to transform Odisha’s sports infrastructure over the next five years.
A massive ₹4,124 crore has been earmarked for building 314 modern block-level stadiums, each equipped for multiple disciplines including football, cricket, volleyball, and athletics. For the financial year 2025–26 alone, Odisha has allocated ₹825 crore toward this mission.
In addition, every block will soon have a dedicated indoor sports hall for badminton, table tennis, and other indoor games. The Chief Minister announced that Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput will be developed as specialised sports hubs—centres designed to nurture professional-level athletes and host larger tournaments.
The closing ceremony also witnessed the presence of Telkoi MLA Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, who attended as the guest of honour, along with members of the Rising Star Club.
The Mini Kalinga Cup’s successful finale once again highlighted Odisha’s commitment to integrating sports into daily life, empowering young athletes, and building a vibrant sports culture that positions the state at the forefront of India’s sporting future.
