Rural Odisha champions depart for national volleyball glory today
Two triumphant rural volleyball squads from Odisha left for Assam on Tuesday to compete in the BVL Inter-State Mega League. Scheduled for October 2 to 4 in Guwahati, this regional tournament gathers top grassroots athletes from across India. Subarnapur Sports Club from Puri district will compete in the boys' category. Talbahal village from Angul district will represent the state in the girls' division. Both squads earned this national opportunity by winning their respective divisions in the inaugural Kalinga Volleyball League. Volleyball holds deep grassroots popularity across Odisha's rural hinterlands, often serving as a primary sporting outlet for village youths. Stepping onto a larger stage provides these young players with valuable competitive exposure.
Expanding grassroots sports
Kalinga Volleyball Development Council officials are currently laying out plans for their next domestic tournament. More than 150 rural teams representing 22 districts across the state have officially registered for the upcoming season. Council President Dr. Avilash Dash and Secretary Sangram Ojha stated their core mission focuses on uncovering hidden sports talent in remote areas. They want to provide these athletes with proper training and competitive platforms. Consultations are presently underway with the Odisha Volleyball Association and state government officials to expand local sports infrastructure directly at the panchayat level.
Girls competing in Guwahati include Milky Naik, Rupali Naik, Rojalin Naik, Swarnaprava Naik, Sayani Naik, Shibani Naik, Mira Naik, Srabani Nayak, Soumya Sandipa Garnaik, Priyanka Priyadarshini Bhukta, Bishnupriya Roul, and Rinki Sahu. Coach Sanket Kumar Naik and Manager Rakesh Pradhan lead this squad.
Boys heading to the event are Bismay Bhoi, Rudra Narayan Behera, Rakesh Behera, Aditya Prasad Das, Rashmi Ranjan Swain, Durga Prasad Nayak, Satya Sai Pradhan, Rajesh Bhoi, Sai Narayan Behera, Dibyaranjan Pradhan, Chhittaranjan Swain, and Omm Prakash Bhoi. Coach Sukanta Kishore Mishra travels with them.
