RURAL BADMINTON COMPETITION TRIUMPHS IN BALASORE — A LANDMARK EVENT FOR GRASSROOT TALENT!
In a historic first, a groundbreaking rural-level badminton tournament was held at Palaspur village, under Ganguti Gram Panchayat, Sadar Block, Balasore — aimed at unearthing and nurturing raw youth talent from remote corners. Organized with official sanction from the State Badminton Association and dynamic collaboration with the District Badminton Association, the event was powered by Abhyudayam Computer Training Institution — turning vision into vibrant reality.
The glittering inauguration was presided over by Mr. Sabysachi Pradhan, esteemed Chief of Abhyudayam, who set the tone with inspiring leadership. Gracing the stage as Chief Guest was Mr. Birupakshya Mahapatra, revered former Sarpanch, whose presence lent gravitas and community spirit. Joining the dignitaries were:
- Mr. Chinmay Kanti Biswal — President, Balasore Badminton Association
- Mr. Pitabas Acharya — Renowned Social Activist & Community Builder
- Mr. Sudhakar Sethi — National Para-Athlete Extraordinaire, who delivered a rousing keynote that ignited passion in every heart.
Mr. Biswal hailed the initiative as revolutionary, stressing the urgent need for indoor stadiums to protect and polish rural gems from monsoons and neglect. He pledged unwavering institutional support to every promising athlete emerging from this fertile soil.
Chief Guest Mr. Mahapatra delivered a stirring address, applauding the organizers for turning grassroots dreams into flying shuttles, and urged players to dream bigger, train harder, and represent Odisha with pride.
Refereeing brilliance came from Mr. Satyajit Parida & Mr. Ajitabh Nayak — two local badminton stalwarts whose precision and fairness kept the competition fierce yet fair.
A thunderous eight-team showdown electrified the arena:
- D Brothers
- Raut Boys
- San Saun Sizzlers
- Rakesh Hunters
- The Maverick
- Acharya Sparks
- Friends Club (CHAMPIONS!)
- Bindas Club (Runners-Up — well-deserved silver!)
Behind the scenes, a dream team of organizers ensured seamless execution:
Shubhrajit Mohanty | Manmath Barik | Achyut Mohanty | Shubhranshu Rout | Rahul Barik | Shakti Prasad Rout | Jayashree Rout | Abhijit Acharya | Sai On Sahoo | Dibyajyoti Rout | Commentator Deepan Chandra Das | Yatin Mohanty | Hemendra Bugudei | Nabakumar Nayak | Manoj Rout
Friends Club soared to glory — their captain, Chandrakanta Sethi, and star player Shantanu Mohanty proudly lifted the prestigious ACTI Trophy from the hands of honored guests — a moment etched in local sporting history.
And the promise? Bigger. Bolder. Brighter.
Mr. Sabysachi Pradhan announced with confidence:
> “Next year, we will host a STATE-LEVEL BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP — to amplify awareness, attract sponsors, and turn our villages into breeding grounds for national champions!”
This isn’t just a tournament — it’s a movement. A rallying cry. A launchpad.
Let the shuttlecock fly higher, let the cheers echo louder, and let rural Odisha claim its rightful place on the national badminton map.
The future of Indian badminton? It’s being forged in villages like Palaspur.
