Bhubaneswar: Odisha showcased its rising dominance in school sports by emerging as the champion in both boys’ and girls’ Under-14 categories at the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26, held at Kalinga Stadium.
The state secured top honours in both categories, while Bihar finished as runner-up and Maharashtra claimed third place, capping a highly competitive tournament marked by strong performances and sportsmanship.
The closing ceremony of the Under-14 events was attended by Nityananda Gond as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he praised the young athletes for their dedication and discipline, stating that such platforms play a crucial role in shaping character, resilience, and confidence among students.
N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, commended the players for their commitment and highlighted the importance of sports in holistic child development, including teamwork and leadership skills.
Earlier, Birendra Korkora, Director of Secondary Education, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasised the need for institutional support to promote a strong sports culture at the school level.
Priyadarshi Mishra highlighted the transformative impact of sports on personality development and thanked all stakeholders for successfully organising the championship.
Tournament observer Arvind Yadav appreciated Odisha’s hosting and the high standards of competition, noting that such events help strengthen rugby at the grassroots level.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (Physical Education), acknowledging the efforts of all departments and participants in making the event a success.
Odisha’s double victory highlights the state’s growing investment in sports infrastructure and talent development at the school level.
