Chief Minister opens prestigious Odisha cricket tournament in Kataka.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League CM Trophy during an energetic opening ceremony at Barabati Stadium in Kataka this Sunday. Cricket fans witnessed a vibrant mix of sports action and glamorous entertainment. Former India cricket stars Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty joined the event as official brand ambassadors to motivate aspiring players. Historically, Barabati Stadium remains a beloved venue for Indian sports, hosting memorable international matches for decades. Now, it serves as the battleground for domestic talents eager to prove their skills.
During the launch event, Chief Minister Majhi felicitated Raina and Mohanty alongside the owners of the six competing franchises. Raina addressed the local athletes, urging them to play hard and fair. He emphasised that this platform offers players a prime chance to exhibit their abilities and elevate their professional profiles. Mohanty echoed similar sentiments regarding youth development. He noted that competing in a professional setup builds essential confidence for upcoming athletes. According to OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera, having these two cricket veterans present will significantly encourage local participants. Behera stated that interacting with former international players provides invaluable lessons for the youth.
Key dignitaries and grassroots support
Multiple prominent figures attended the celebration. Political representatives included Chief Whip Saroj Kumar Pradhan and MLAs Ramakant Bhoi, Souvic Biswal, Sofia Firdous, and Prakash Chandra Sethi. Sports secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia also marked his presence alongside OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty. Officials distributed cricket equipment kits to 41 affiliated academies and to Late Dr. Hare Krushna Mahtab Feeder Centre. This equipment distribution aims to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure across the state.
Beyond cricket administration, the stadium crowd enjoyed lively entertainment. Bollywood actress Mouni Roy delivered an engaging dance performance to thrill the spectators. Six prominent Ollywood actresses, including Boomika, Shivani, Swapa, Ellina, Sheetal, and Cookies, represented the competing teams as celebrity ambassadors.
Following the glamorous kickoff, the tournament officially commenced with sporting action. Kataka Panthers won the toss and elected to field first against Sambalpur Warriors.
