Jharigaon Sept 3 [UDN}: The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Football Mahakumbh and Sports Competition, organised at Adibasi Khanda under Umerkote Block in Nabarangpur district, concluded successfully amid great enthusiasm and a large gathering of sports lovers.
The sporting event was organised by the Shaheed Baga Pujari Referee Association of Nabarangpur district. The closing ceremony was attended by Jharigaon MLA Narsingh Bhatra as the chief guest. On the occasion, he presented trophies and prize money to the winning teams.
The football tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from 16 men's teams and four women's teams, with players displaying impressive sporting skills, determination and competitive spirit. The event attracted an estimated 15,000 spectators, who gathered to enjoy the exciting football matches and cheer for their favourite teams.
In the men's category, Sangrami Rabising Majhi Sports Complex, Umerkote, emerged as the champions, while Sit FC, Jharigaon, finished as the runners-up. The champion team received a cash prize of Rs 20,000 along with a trophy, while the runners-up were awarded Rs 15,000 and a trophy.
Similarly, in the women's category, Sangrami Rabising Majhi Sports Complex, Umerkote, secured the championship title, while Jodinga FC finished as the runners-up. The women's champion team was awarded Rs 5,000, while the runners-up received a cash prize of Rs 3,000.
During the closing समारोह, MLA Narsingh Bhatra congratulated and extended his best wishes to the winning teams. He also appreciated the excellent and fighting spirit displayed by the teams that could not win the tournament.
The MLA said that winning and losing are both part of sports, but the real achievement lies in the enthusiasm, discipline, determination and sporting spirit demonstrated by players on the field. He praised the players for their competitive attitude and encouraged them to continue developing their skills and pursuing excellence in sports.
Bhatra also appreciated the efforts of the Baga Pujari Referee Association, particularly its president Sapan Bairagi and all the members of the organisation, for successfully arranging such a grand sporting event. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the association for organising the tournament and providing a platform for young athletes.
He said that sporting events of this nature would play an important role in identifying and developing sporting talent among the youth of tribal and rural areas. Such competitions, he added, would provide young players with greater opportunities, encouragement and a new direction to progress in their sporting careers.
The concluding ceremony was attended by members of the organising association, players, referees, sports enthusiasts and a large number of spectators. The successful organisation of the football tournament and the overwhelming public response highlighted the growing enthusiasm for sports and football among the youth of the Umerkote and surrounding tribal regions.
