Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday graced the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 final between Odisha FC and East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium here and wished the two teams at the team line-up ahead of their match.
The Chief Minister expressed his delight in successfully hosting the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, saying, “It gives me immense pride to say that Odisha has successfully hosted yet another marquee tournament at the Kalinga Stadium. Being able to host as many as 16 teams simultaneously, providing them with all the facilities, also signifies that Odisha has been making positive strides in football. We aim to further strengthen our partnership with AIFF and support the football development in India.”
“My best wishes to all the participating teams and everyone involved in making this tournament a huge success. I am sure all the teams, players, coaches, and officials had a memorable experience in Odisha,” he added.
The atmosphere at the Kalinga Stadium during the match was electrifying, with the roars of the crowd reverberating throughout. Excited and enthusiastic fans of both Odisha FC and EAST Bengal FC added to the vibrant ambiance.
The Kalinga Super Cup, which commenced on January 9 in Bhubaneswar, has received an encouraging response from players, coaches, and fans. They have commended Odisha for creating a holistic football ecosystem that benefits the sport and gives impetus to its development at the grassroots level.
The state in association with AIFF & FAO has undertaken various initiatives, including coaching and training programs and creating quality infrastructure to promote football at the grassroots level. With the launch of the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in the state and having hosted top national and international football events, the popularity of football is on the rise in Odisha.
