UTSAHA-2026 Inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium, Over 700 Children Participate

The state-level children’s sports festival ‘UTSAHA-2026’ was inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, with more than 700 young athletes from across Odisha participating in the two-day event.

The festival has been organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) with a platform to showcase their sporting talents while promoting physical fitness, teamwork, confidence and overall development.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida formally inaugurated the festival by releasing colourful balloons into the sky. Addressing the gathering, she appreciated Odisha’s growing sports infrastructure and sporting culture.

She emphasised that sports play an important role in the holistic development of children. Every child has the right to play, dream and move forward with confidence, she said, adding that the state government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all children.

Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik also attended the inaugural ceremony. He appreciated the department’s efforts to create an inclusive platform for children from all districts.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots-level institutions, Naik stressed the need to identify hidden sporting talents and provide every child with opportunities to participate in sports activities.

Seven Sporting Events Organised

The inaugural ceremony featured an impressive march-past by district-level winners, showcasing unity, discipline and sportsmanship.

More than 700 children from Child Care Institutions across all 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the two-day festival. The sporting competitions include 100-metre and 200-metre races, long jump, relay race, football, chess and carrom.

Various recreational activities and friendly matches have also been organised to encourage participation, confidence, friendship and team spirit among the children.

Senior Officials Attend the Event

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Dr Mrunalini Darswal, delivered the welcome address. She highlighted the importance of combining care, protection, creativity and physical well-being for the overall development of children.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Director of the Women and Child Development Department and OSCPS, Monisha Banerjee.

Additional Secretary Sumitra Kumari Patnaik, along with other senior departmental officials, district representatives and frontline functionaries, was also present at the event.

The festival is expected to provide young participants with valuable opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, develop sporting interests and build confidence through healthy competition.