Baliguda, Jan, 03:The 13th Birateshwar Cricket Tournament, held over five days at Landagaon, Baliguda block, Kandhamal district, concluded successfully. In the final match between Karnibeda and Manmunda, the Manmunda team defeated Karnibeda by 114 runs, claiming the championship title for the current year.
The final match was graced by several dignitaries. Pandit Kumar Bishimajhi, BJP President of Kandhamal district, was the chief guest, while MP Ranjit Kumar Sahu, District BJP Editor Debendra Kudei, former District BJP President Jagannath Sahu, District Council member Sumitra Sahu of Baudh Ghantapada zone, teacher leader Nilachal Bhoi, Nagar MP representative Adikanda Pattnayak, local Sarpanch Tulsi Jhankar, committee member Hem Sagar Majhi, and Khamanmunda Sarpanch Alka Pradhan were also present, encouraging the players.
During the prize distribution ceremony, the champion team received trophies and ₹50,000, while the runners-up were awarded trophies and ₹30,000. The Man of the Series award went to Lilu Behera of Titilagad, and the Man of the Match trophy was awarded to Bishnu Nayak of Manmunda.
The five-day tournament was managed by Rabindra Kudei, Baikuntha Nayak, Mahendra Bagh, and Sanju Rana, with support from Nakula Bagh, Prashant Behera, Sanjib Kumar Kudei, and Rabindra Kudei along with all committee members, who actively assisted in the smooth organization of the event.