Kalinganagar, May 7, 2026:The CM Trophy U-14 Football Tournament, organised by the Government of Odisha in collaboration with the Football Association of Odisha (FAO) and the Jajpur Athletic Association, was recently concluded at Vyasanagar Stadium, Jajpur Road. The tournament provided an important platform to promote grassroots football, identify emerging talent, and offer structured competitive exposure to under-14 boys and girls across the district.
The tournament was inaugurated in the presence of Akash Das Nayak, MLA of Korei Assembly Constituency; Fakir Mohan Tudu, District Sports Officer, Jajpur; Subash Chandra Bal, Chairman, Vyasanagar Municipality; Rasananda Mohanty, Working President, Jajpur Athletic Association; and Sambit Mohanty, Secretary, Jajpur Athletic Association. The closing ceremony was graced by Sapan Kumar Nanda, Additional District Magistrate, Kalinganagar, who felicitated the winners and runners-up. Prominent selectors and football professionals from FAO, including Sanjib Patsani, B-License Coach; Sunil Sardar and Chandra Muduli, former State players from Jajpur; and Narayan Hansdah, Youth Development Coach, Tata Steel Foundation, were also present.
Tata Steel Foundation reinforced its commitment to grassroots sports development through active participation from its Kalinganagar ecosystem, including training centres in Kalinganagar, Sukinda and Bamnipal. A total of 141 players participated, with a majority trained under the Foundation’s programmes.
Teams comprising Tata Steel Foundation trainees delivered strong performances across both categories. In the boys’ category, Kalinganagar S.A. emerged as champions, while Chrome FC finished as runners-up. In the girls’ category, Nakadai FC secured the championship and Dakhinpasi FC was declared runner-up. The strong representation of Foundation trainees in the finals highlights the impact of structured training, consistent mentorship and long-term development efforts.
Through sustained coaching support and community engagement, Tata Steel Foundation continues to enable rural and tribal youth to participate in football, compete at district level, and progress in the sport.
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