Mumbai/Bhubaneswar, May 4: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday emphasized the deep cultural roots and community value of traditional Indian sports and called for a collective national effort to preserve and promote these games on the world stage.
Speaking at the WAVES 2025 summit during ‘Session on Indigenous Sports: From India to the Global Stage’, CM Majhi said, “It is a great honour to be a part of this important session,” the Chief Minister said, highlighting how indigenous sports are not just games but a way of life.
“They reflect the wisdom, resilience, and creativity of our ancestors,” he added.
The session witnessed the presence of several key figures from the sporting world, including Pro Kabaddi League Commissioner Anupam Goswami, Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal, England and Wales Cricket Board Regulatory Chair Nic Coward, legendary Kabaddi player Fazel Atrachali, and Fan Code Co-Founder Yannick Colaco.
Majhi expressed sincere appreciation for the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Star India Group for organizing such a meaningful platform.
He especially acknowledged the leadership of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his “transformative initiatives in preserving India’s cultural heritage.”
Underscoring Odisha’s commitment to traditional sports, CM Majhi detailed ongoing initiatives to promote games like Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and Malla-khamb.
“Kho Kho and Kabaddi remain part of school activities in the state. Malla-khamb is widely practiced in Puri, a heritage town,” he shared.
Odisha has made significant strides in developing its sports infrastructure. Majhi noted the construction of stadiums in every block, the establishment of training centres at the panchayat level, and the launch of programs to identify and nurture rural and tribal talents.
“Our vision is simple — to create champions in every village and ensure that every child with a dream gets a platform to shine,” he said.
The state also hosted the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championship in Cuttack in February 2025, reinforcing its status as a rising sports hub in India.
Praising the remarkable rise of Kabaddi, CM Majhi said, “Thanks to initiatives like the Pro Kabaddi League, what was once seen as a rural pastime has become one of India’s most popular and commercially successful sports.”
He credited the league’s growth in viewership for inspiring countless young athletes and turning Kabaddi into a household name.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the crucial role of media and digital platforms in taking indigenous sports global. “Broadcast has played a key role in this movement. The fusion of content, native sports, and culture will create a new wave of traditional sports in India,” he said.
Concluding his address, Majhi issued a passionate call for unity among policymakers, sportspersons, scholars, and communities to ensure the revival of indigenous sports.
“Preserving these games is about preserving our soul. It’s about giving children pride in their heritage,” he said.
He urged content creators to focus on India’s traditional games, saying, “We have amazing creators who can bring our backyard games to the forefront and attract the next generation.”
“Indigenous Games to Global Glory is our vision,” he declared. “Let us work together to make it a reality.”
