Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi lauded sports as a vital pillar for social unity and brotherhood while addressing the 16th Tata Steel Friendship Cup Football Tournament-2026 at Kalinga Stadium today.
The annual friendly tournament brought together public representatives, administrative officials, media personnel, and Tata Steel executives. In an exciting finale, the 'Media 11' squad clinched the championship title, leaving the 'Officers 11' team as runners-up.
Highlighting sportsmanship over competition, CM Majhi praised Tata Steel's enduring commitment to community engagement. A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of ten stellar hockey players from Odisha—seven men and three women—who starred in India's triumphant Junior Asia Cup campaign in China. Each athlete was awarded a cash prize of ₹1.25 lakh in recognition of their historic achievement.
The high-profile event witnessed the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, several cabinet ministers including Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Government Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan, and Tata Steel Vice President D.B. Sundara Ramam, alongside numerous legislators and media dignitaries.