THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BARAGADA, AUGUST 31, 2026

Rural football talent got a competitive platform in Baragada as TP Western Odisha Distribution Limited (TPWODL), a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, organised a grassroots football tournament at the Janged High School playground in Attabira to mark National Sports Day.

The tournament, organised under TPWODL's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, brought together young footballers from Lahanda, Lastala, Silet and Janged villages, with an objective to promote sports, physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship while providing an opportunity to identify promising football talent at the grassroots level.

Four teams representing the participating villages took part in the tournament, with players selected from their respective villages and nearby areas. Three matches were played during the competition, culminating in the final between Lahanda and Janged.

Lahanda emerged champions after defeating Janged 1-0 in the final. Tilu Khadia was adjudged the Player of the Final, while the winning team received the Championship Cup and a cash prize. A total of 10 goals were scored across the three matches.

The tournament provided rural youth with a structured platform to compete, showcase their footballing abilities and develop sporting values, while encouraging greater participation in physical activities.

The event is part of TPWODL's wider efforts to strengthen sports education, grassroots talent development and physical fitness among young people in western Odisha.

Under its Sports Promotion Project, TPWODL has implemented sports programmes across Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts, covering six government schools with dedicated trainers. The initiative provides curriculum-integrated coaching as well as community-based training in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Athletics and Football.

Two Centres of Excellence have also been established to provide advanced coaching and facilitate skill development among promising athletes. The programme additionally includes health assessments, distribution of sports equipment and community engagement activities aimed at encouraging wider participation in sports.

Through its grassroots sports initiatives, TPWODL is seeking to create sustained opportunities for rural youth to participate in organised sporting activities, hone their skills and explore their potential in different disciplines.