Bhubaneswar: The thrilling Nua-O State Football Tournament, orchestrated by the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Government of Odisha, reached its exciting conclusion in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Over twelve days of intense football action, Cuttack emerged victorious in the men’s category, while Kendrapara clinched the title in the women’s category.
In a nail-biting finale, Kendrapara emerged victorious in the women’s category, defeating Sundargarh in a thrilling penalty shootout. The third-place and fourth-place spots were secured by Jajpur and Jharsuguda, respectively. Sarojini Tirkey from the Sundargarh team received the accolade for the most outstanding player.
Cuttack showcased their football prowess by securing a 3-0 victory over Khordha in the men’s category final. Sundargarh claimed the third-place position, while Kandhamal finished in fourth. Bikash Kumar Sahoo from Cuttack was honored as the most outstanding player.
In line with Odisha’s commitment to promoting sports and rewarding athletic achievements, the champions in each category were awarded Rs 2 lakh, the runners-up received Rs 1 lakh, and the third and fourth-place teams were granted Rs 50,000 each. The title of the most outstanding player came with a cash prize of Rs 10,000.
The Nua-O State Football Tournament, a part of the broader Nua Odisha initiative, attracted 30 teams that competed from the block level to the district and state levels. The tournament not only showcased the skills of talented players in Bhubaneswar’s state-of-the-art facilities but also served as a crucial platform for talent identification.
The Nua Odisha initiative, encompassing various sports such as hockey, cricket, kho-kho, volleyball, and kabaddi, continues to engage and empower the youth of Odisha, fostering a culture of sports and arts participation across the state.