Bhubaneswar: The Special Olympics Bharat Odisha Basketball female teams made a remarkable debut in the National Championship, bagging one silver and one bronze medal. The tournament was held at KT Global School in Khordha from September 5 to 9.
The Odisha A Unified female team, led by Captain Sarita Routray, won the silver medal after impressive victories over Punjab (23-8) and Gujarat (26-6). Although they lost to Karnataka, their outstanding performance earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium. The team consisted of talented players like Aridita Chakraborty, Sangita Naik, Adyasha Aditi Behera, and Sunya Sakta Barik, with Sasmita Mohapatra as their coach.
In Group B, the Odisha female team secured a bronze medal after a thrilling win over Rajasthan (28-8). Led by Captain Rajashree Mohapatra, the team comprised Sagarika, Aseema Aiswarya, Diptimayee Das, and Subhasree Das, with Arpita Mohapatra as their coach.
Dillip Hial, District Social Security Officer, Khordha, distributed medals and certificates to the winners as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Col (Retd) Dr. Kedarnath Dash and Mrs. Rita Dash, Retired SBI DGM Gokulananda Dash, and Rani Dash.
During the closing ceremony, Prashant Puhan declared the games closed, and Prakash K Rath, Area Director, Special Olympics Bharat – Odisha, received the games flag to be carried to the next National Championship in Kolkata.
The event concluded with a spectacular cultural program, featuring performances by athletes from various states, including a captivating Sambalpuri dance by international athletes Aridita Chakraborty and Baishnab Rajpalia.
Special Olympics Bharat – Odisha successfully conducted the championship with the support of the Department of Sports, State Government of Odisha.
