THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

Odisha’s budding sporting talent shone on the national stage as students from the state secured a bronze medal at the 69th National School Games Under-17 Softball Championship, held in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Displaying grit, teamwork and competitive spirit, the Odisha team finished third in the prestigious tournament after registering an emphatic 3–0 victory over Punjab in the playoff match.

The championship, conducted from February 4 to February 8, witnessed participation from some of the best school-level softball teams across the country. Odisha’s performance stood out for its discipline and consistency, culminating in a well-deserved podium finish. A 16-member squad represented the state under the banner of the Odisha State School Sports Association, which functions under the School and Mass Education Department.

Commending the achievement, Director of Secondary Education Birendra Karkara said the bronze medal win was a matter of pride for the state and would serve as a strong source of inspiration for young athletes in Odisha. He expressed confidence that such achievements at the school level would pave the way for greater success for Odisha sportspersons at national and international platforms in the years to come.

Coached by Bibhudatta Rath, the Odisha team was led with confidence by Captain Raju Pidishika and Vice-Captain Tarini Pradhan. The squad included Jayant Kumar Mahanta, Rajesh Pradhan, Sujan Baske, Sonu Kartami, Soumya Ranjan Jena, Sudam Kardaka, Swagat Dang, Guru Prasad Mallik, Pragnan Sahu, Amulya Debnath, Divyajyoti Jena, Rudrapratap Barik, Shubhashish Debnath and Dharmendra Pidishika, all of whom played a crucial role in the team’s successful campaign.

The School and Mass Education Department congratulated the players for their outstanding performance. On their return, the young athletes were warmly welcomed and felicitated by Bandana Mahapatra, Additional Director, Phulmani Murmu, Joint Director, Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (Physical Education), and Ranjan Kumar Dash, Editor, OSTA, who extended their best wishes for the players’ future sporting endeavors.