Keonjhar: The Odisha Inter-University Competition (Games and Sports) organised by Dharanidhar University, Keonjhar concluded last week.
The mega event- which was organised with the support of Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha-consisted of a range of outdoor and indoor games and sports such as cricket, hockey, football, badminton, kho kho kabaddi, table tennis, carrom and chess. All the games were held under men’s and women’s category. Badminton was also held under singles and doubles category. A total of 13 universities (including the host) with more than 2000 students participated in the event.
The event was inaugurated by Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the presence of MP of Keonjhar Anant Nayak and MLAs Fakirmohan Naik, Akhila Charan Naik, Sanatan Mahakud and Collector Keonjhar, Vishal Singh on 16 April 2025 at Dharanidhar Sports Complex, Keonjhar.
The closing ceremony had renowned athlete and Olympian Dutee Chand as its chief guest. Chand encouraged students to take active interest in sports. While different universities won prizes under various categories, Utkal University led the medal tally emerging as champions in 1 1 categories and runners-up in six. Sambalpur University became champions in eight games and runners up in eight The host university secured the second runners-up position in kho kho (women’s) and table tennis (men’s). Cash prize of Rupees 50000 was awarded to Winners of games. The first runners-up received 40000 whereas the 2nd Runners outdoor
received 25000 for group events. In individual events the winners, first runners-up and second runners-up received Rupees 30000, 15000 and 10000 respectively. Five eminent sportspersons from Keonjhar district-Subhransu Senapati (cricket), Bablu Munda (martial arts), Parvati Mahanta, Renubala Mahanta and Sukabati Mahanta (athletics) were felicitated for their achievements in their respective fields. Actor Madhusmita Sutar, who is an alumnus of Dharanidhar University was also felicitated. Speaking on the occasion, OSD-cum-Vice Chancellor of Dharanidhar University, Professor Pratap Kumar Mohanty congratulated the winners and thanked all the teams for participating in the games and the people of Keonjhar in actively contributing to the success of the inter university sports and games. Registrar of the university, Dr Shashikant Jena emphasised the need to include sports as a part of everyday life for the sake of mental and physical well-being, and in the larger interest of the nation. Nodal officer, Dr Damodar Sahoo proposed the formal of vote of thanks.
Secretary sports council, Dharanidhar University, Bijay Kumar Das shared the stage with other dignitaries during the prize distribution ceremony. Dr Sangita Sushree Nayak of department of Sociology and Dr Jayalaxmi Mohapatra of department of Zoology coordinated the event.
