Fourth Football Mahakumbh Kicks Off in Khariar MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi Highlights Plan to Establish Football Academy

KHARIAR, SEPTEMBER 20: The much-awaited Fourth Football Mahakumbh organised by the Khariar Cricket and Sports Association commenced with great enthusiasm at the Raja Artatrana High School playground in Khariar on Saturday. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the participation of football players, sports lovers, public representatives and local residents, reflecting the growing popularity of football in the region. Addressing the gathering, Khariar MLA Adhiraj Panigrahi stressed the need to promote football at the grassroots level and expressed his determination to establish a football academy in the area with the objective of nurturing talented young players and preparing them for higher-level competitions. As many as 69 teams from 69 Gram Panchayats under the Khariar Assembly constituency are participating in the tournament. The participation of teams from Khariar, Boden and Sinapali blocks has generated considerable enthusiasm among football lovers and players across the region. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Khariar Block Chairperson Pushpanjali Nanda, Boden Block Chairperson Premashila Majhi, Sinapali Block Chairperson Madhuri Majhi, Zilla Parishad members Asha Jain, Chitta Ranjan Behera and Tanaya Sabar, Block Vice-Chairperson Gautam Tandi, social worker Akshaya Nanda, Samiti Member Tikeshwar Patel, along with several Sarpanchs and other public representatives. The inaugural match was played between Chanabeda and Rokal teams. During the inaugural programme, the guests encouraged both teams to display true sporting spirit, discipline and sportsmanship on the field. The opening ceremony also featured a colourful procession by cultural groups and football players inside the playground, adding a festive touch to the event. The tournament will continue from September 20 to October 9, with 69 teams competing for the coveted title. The massive participation is expected to provide a significant platform for local football talent and further strengthen the sporting culture among the youth of the region. Sports enthusiasts expressed hope that the tournament would not only promote football but also help identify and groom promising players who can represent the region at higher levels in the future.