The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 13, 2025
In a remarkable feat that has brought pride to Odisha and the entire nation, athletes from the Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High-Performance Centre (HPC) delivered outstanding performances at the 7th Khelo India Youth Games, held in Gaya, Bihar, from May 4 to 9, 2025. As many as 13 athletes from the HPC were part of the Odisha state teams, which emerged Champions in the Girls’ category and Runners-up in the Boys’ category, making a historic mark for the state in the prestigious national tournament.
The Odisha Girls’ Kho Kho team, featuring eight athletes from the HPC — K. Ramya, G. Nandini, Basanti Nag, Archana Pradhan, Harapriya Bhuyan, Lisarani Raita, Subhashree Mallick, and Sabita Murmu — showcased tactical brilliance, indomitable spirit, and seamless teamwork to defeat powerhouse Maharashtra in a thrilling final. Their victory stood as a shining testament to the intensive training, strategic preparation, and holistic support they receive at the Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High-Performance Centre.
In the Boys’ category, five athletes from the HPC — Sunil Patra, Kuna Behera, Siba Gunta, Aditya Das, and Yashwant Yadav — represented the Odisha team, which fought valiantly to secure the silver medal after a hard-fought final against Maharashtra. The boys’ team displayed grit, speed, and strategic finesse throughout the tournament, underscoring their status as future champions.
Adding further glory to the Centre, Sharad Ghatage, an athlete from Kolhapur who is also trained at the Odisha AM/NS India HPC, clinched the gold medal with Team Maharashtra. His achievement highlights the national footprint and cross-regional impact of the HPC, which has become a nurturing ground for talent from across India. Another HPC athlete, Rahul, proudly represented Team Delhi in the tournament, further reflecting the centre’s pan-India reach and excellence.
Dr. Vikas Yadvendu, Head of CSR, AM/NS India, lauded the performances, saying, “This achievement is a result of the determination and relentless efforts of our players and coaching staff. The Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre has been instrumental in nurturing young talent from the grassroots. Seeing our athletes perform at a national level and bring home gold and silver medals is a proud moment for all of us. AM/NS India will continue to provide them with the best training and support.”
The stellar performances at the Khelo India Youth Games are a reflection of the world-class coaching, structured training programs, and athlete-centric approach at the Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High-Performance Centre. The HPC continues to be a beacon of excellence, not only raising the standards of the sport in Odisha but also contributing significantly to India’s Kho Kho landscape.
The Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High-Performance Centre is a pioneering initiative jointly launched by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and the Government of Odisha, with a mission to transform Odisha into a premier hub for Kho Kho excellence. While the state government has built and maintains the state-of-the-art infrastructure, AM/NS India manages operations, coaching, and talent development, including the training of athletes and judges.
