Bhubaneswar: The State-Level Children’s Sports Festival ‘UTSAHA-2026’ was formally inaugurated today at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, with the participation of over 700 young athletes from across Odisha.
Organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development, the festival aims to provide children with opportunities to showcase their sporting talent, nurture their interests and promote physical fitness, teamwork and confidence.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida formally inaugurated the festival by releasing colourful balloons into the sky.
Addressing the gathering, she appreciated the state’s growing sports infrastructure and sporting culture and emphasised the importance of sports in the holistic development of children. She stated that every child has the right to play, dream and move forward with confidence, and that the State Government is committed to ensuring these rights and opportunities for every child.
Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Shri Rabi Narayan Naik, also graced the occasion. He appreciated the Department for creating an inclusive and vibrant platform for children from all districts of Odisha. Highlighting the importance of grassroots-level institutions, he emphasised their role in identifying hidden talent and ensuring that every child gets an opportunity to participate in such events.
The inaugural ceremony featured an impressive march-past by district-level winners, reflecting the spirit of unity, discipline and sportsmanship among the participating children. More than 700 children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across all 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the two-day sporting festival.
The competitions include 100-metre and 200-metre races, long jump, relay race, football, chess and carrom. Recreational activities and friendly matches have also been organised to encourage confidence, camaraderie and team spirit among the participants.
At the outset, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, Dr. Mrunalini Darswal, delivered the welcome address. She highlighted the importance of integrating care, protection, creativity and physical well-being to ensure the holistic development of every child.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Director, Department of Women and Child Development and OSCPS, Monisha Banerjee, who acknowledged the contributions of the dignitaries, district officials and frontline functionaries in organising the event.
Additional Secretary of the Department, Sumitra Kumari Patnaik, along with other senior officials of the Department, was also present on the occasion.
