Bhubaneswar: The Under-14 boys’ and girls’ competitions of the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26 commenced at Kalinga Stadium, adding fresh momentum to the ongoing national-level tournament.
More than 300 young athletes from 14 states are participating in the Under-14 category, showcasing enthusiasm and competitive spirit as teams battle it out on the field.
N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, visited the venue and interacted with the players. He encouraged them to give their best and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the championship.
During his interaction, Naik appreciated the dedication and energy of the participants, highlighting the role of such events in identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
Senior officials including Birendra Korkora, Director of Secondary Education, and Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (P.E.T), were also present. They extended their best wishes to the players and commended the smooth conduct of the tournament.
The matches witnessed lively participation and promising performances, reflecting the growing popularity of rugby among school students across India.
