Ranpur, Dec 19: The State School Group Netball Championship was inaugurated in a grand and colorful ceremony at Ranpur in Nayagarh district. The sports festival was held under the chairmanship of District Education Officer Nityaranjan Pandey.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker and Ranpur MLA, Smt. Surama Padhy, attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the championship by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Speaking on the occasion, she said that sports play a vital role in the physical, mental, and moral development of students.
As the distinguished guest, OSSSA Joint Director Jyoti Prasad Parija highlighted that sports instill discipline, sportsmanship, sensitivity, and encourage innovation among students. After the ceremonial honors, the competition was formally declared open.
It was informed that teams from 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the championship.
Among others present were representatives of the local notified area council, district physical education officials, organizing committee members, the Headmaster of PM Shri B.C. High School, Ranpur, Dr. Girija Shankar Mahapatra, School Management Committee President Ranganath Dash, retired physical education teacher and state-level referee Trinath, and social worker Paresh Mishra, who encouraged the players.
After the singing of “Bande Utkala Janani”, the sports flag was hoisted. On the occasion, students presented various cultural programs. The stage proceedings were conducted by Satya Narayan Mahapatra.
The championship will continue for three days. All physical education teachers, sports coordinators, and members of various teachers’ organizations extended full cooperation in successfully conducting the event.