Curtains came down on the first Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav with Odisha emerging as the overall champions in both the men’s and women’s categories. The grand sporting extravaganza was hosted by KIIT and was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Culture and the Odisha Government.
The first edition attracted the participation of 5,000 tribal athletes and 1,000 officials from 26 states, with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik describing the games as a historic event. He said that the event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the athletic prowess of the tribals and promote their cultural heritage and traditional sports on the national stage.
In the event, Karnataka emerged as the 1st runners up and Jharkhand as the 2nd runners up in the overall. In Rugby, team Odisha won the Gold in both the men’s and women’s categories. In Hockey as well, Odisha was the winner in both the men’s and women’s categories. In Kabaddi, Odisha bagged the 1st position in Men’s category while Karnataka bagged the 1st position in the women’s category. In Volleyball, Karnataka bagged the 1st place in both men and women category. In football Odisha emerged winner in the men’s category, while Chhattisgarh emerged winner in the women category. In Kho Kho, Odisha emerged the winner in both men and women category.
Stating that the Tribal sports persons have made a very significant and bright profile in the sports map of India, the CM said that in Odisha as well most of the sportspersons are from the Tribal communities who have brought huge appreciation and laurels for the country. “I believe the time for the community in India is up and coming,” he said.
Thanking the Prime Minister and the Culture Ministry for allowing Odisha to host the first edition, he said that Odisha has developed a special affinity for sports. “Today Odisha has become a hub for the country.
The concluding function was attended by ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Class Welfare, Law Minister Jagannath Saraka, School and Mass Education Minister Sudam Marndi, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Sanjukta Mudgal, President Rugby India Rahul Bose, the Founder of KIIT and KISS Dr Achyuta Samanta and others.
Dr Samanta, in his address, said that it was a matter of pride for KIIT to have organised the first Janjatiya Khel Mahotsav. He said that the excitement among the participants and the officials was palpable notwithstanding the rain and heat. He expressed his gratitude to the Central Government, the Culture Ministry and the Odisha Government for their cooperation in making the event a success.