Odisha Launches ‘Padia to Podium’ Initiative with CM Trophy Championship

In a bid to nurture grassroots sports talent and provide a platform for young athletes, the Odisha Government, through its Department of Sports and Youth Services, is organizing the ‘CM Trophy’ Championship under the state initiative “Padia to Podium.” The main goal of this program is to identify talented players from the grassroots level and provide them opportunities to compete at national and international stages.

Promoting Grassroots Talent

The championship aims to offer a strong platform for young athletes across the state to showcase their skills. By identifying and supporting talent at the local level, the initiative seeks to build a sustainable pipeline for sports excellence in Odisha.

The program is being organized under the direct supervision of the Department of Sports and Youth Services, in collaboration with various State Sports Associations. Both traditional and popular sports are included in the event:

1. Football – Under 15 years

2. Volleyball – Under 14 years

3. Kabaddi – Under 16 years

4. Kho-Kho – Under 14 years

The championship will be held for both boys and girls, promoting equality and inclusive participation in sports.

Multi-Level Tournament Structure

The CM Trophy Championship will be conducted in multiple phases:

• Phase 1: Selection at the grassroots level

• Phase 2: District, zonal, and state-level championships

Registration for the championship will be open from 7th to 14th January 2026. At the district level, 10 boys’ teams and 6 girls’ teams will be formed in each category.

The tournament is expected to attract approximately 500 teams and 32,000 young athletes from across the state.

Two-Stage Competition

The championship will take place in two stages:

1. First Stage: January to February 2026

2. Second Stage: Starting from May 2026

Semi-final and final matches are scheduled to be held in May 2026, ensuring a smooth progression from local selections to the state championship.

Professional Management and Oversight

State Sports Associations will be responsible for player registration, trial management, appointment of officials, and match organization. The Department of Sports and Youth Services will oversee the planning and execution of the entire program.

A Milestone for Grassroots Sports in Odisha

The CM Trophy Championship is expected to become a milestone in creating sports talent from the grassroots level, helping Odisha emerge as a hub for young athletes and fostering a strong sports ecosystem in the state.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by:

• Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports and Youth Services

• Shri Babu Singh, MLA

• Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services

• Shri Sachin Ramchandra Yadav, Secretary of Governance

• Director Dr. Yedula Vijay