In a triumphant progression from block and district triumphs, the Nua-O Sports Championship is set to hit the state level, orchestrating an exhilarating showcase of athletic prowess from January 30, 2024. Launched by the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Government of Odisha in November 2023, this championship has seamlessly blended cultural and sports events, emerging as a beacon for youth engagement and empowerment in the state.
After a vibrant series of competitions spanning Block Level/ULB Level, Institutional Level, and District level, the spotlight now shifts to the state-level showdown. The battle will unfold across six disciplines—kho-kho, cricket, hockey, football, kabaddi, and volleyball. Only the district champions, having navigated through the crucible of local competition, will vie for top honors at the state level, where a ‘knock-out’ format promises nail-biting encounters, with elimination looming over the losing team in each round.
The inaugural volley of the state-level competitions will commence with Volleyball on January 30, 2024, at the prestigious Biju Patnaik Indoor Stadium, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.
The fervor continues as the Hockey tournament, showcasing prowess in both genders, unfolds from January 31 to February 8 in Rourkela. Simultaneously, the football fever will grip Bhubaneswar Football Academy from February 1 to February 12. The cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat from February 6 to 16 in Puri, with kho-kho following suit from February 6 to 10, and kabaddi stamping its authority from February 13 to 17, both at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.
Looking ahead to this grand spectacle, Vineel Krishna, Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Odisha, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Nua-O Sports Competitions is a unique youth engagement initiative that harmoniously melds sports and community. It has ignited a fervor among our youth, and the response has been tremendous. Anticipation is high for the Nua-O State Sports Competitions, where district champions will vie for glory. This initiative plays a crucial role in nurturing talent, building teamwork, and fostering a sense of culture.”
Adding to the excitement, substantial prize money awaits the victors. The winning teams at the state level competitions will be awarded Rs 2 lakh, with the 1st runners-up receiving Rs 1 lakh, and the 2nd runners-up walking away with Rs 50,000.
As the state braces for the culmination of this sporting extravaganza, the Nua-O Sports Championship stands not just as a testament to athletic prowess but as a vibrant canvas depicting Odisha’s commitment to youth development and community building through the unifying spirit of sports.
The Sportz Planet Desk
