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.

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The five-day State-Level Children’s Festival ‘MAHAK-2026’ was inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, November 3, with children from across Odisha showcasing their talents, creativity and artistic abilities.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the festival at the Practice Ground of Kalinga Stadium by releasing balloons into the sky. The event has been organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development.

Addressing the participating children, Parida appreciated their confidence, enthusiasm and talents. She encouraged them to dream big, explore new opportunities and pursue their aspirations without limitations.

“Dream big and explore new horizons; the Government stands with you,” she said, assuring the children that the State Government is committed to providing them with equal opportunities, proper guidance and a supportive environment to achieve their goals.

She emphasised that every child under care and protection deserves dignity, encouragement and opportunities to build a bright future.

Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan attended the inaugural ceremony as the Guest of Honour. He appreciated the determination, enthusiasm and confidence displayed by the participating children.

Orphan Survey Report 2025 Unveiled

On the occasion, the Women and Child Development Department unveiled the ‘Orphan Survey Report 2025’, highlighting another important initiative concerning child welfare in the State.

The programme began with the rendition of Odisha’s State Anthem, ‘Bande Utkala Janani’, by children from Adruta Shishu Gruha in Khordha district.

Children who secured top positions in district-level festivals across all 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the state-level event.

Dance, Music, Painting and Sports Competitions

Several competitions, including dance, music, painting, debate and quiz, will be organised during the festival. These activities aim to provide children with a platform to showcase their creativity, enhance their skills and develop self-confidence.

The festival, being held from November 3 to 7 at Kalinga Stadium, has been divided into two segments.

The first two days are dedicated to ‘MAHAK’, focusing on creativity, arts and cultural activities. The remaining three days will feature ‘UTSAH’, which will focus on sports, enthusiasm and the overall development of children’s talents.

Winners of the MAHAK competitions will be felicitated at the concluding ceremony scheduled for Wednesday.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Director Monisha Banerjee and other senior departmental officials attended the inaugural ceremony.

The initiative reflects the Odisha Government’s commitment to ensuring that children under care and protection receive adequate support, guidance and opportunities to become confident, empowered and self-reliant individuals.

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