Kendrapara, Oct 15: The 69th edition of the Odisha State School Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated with much enthusiasm in the presence of notable dignitaries. In the state-level competition, the Kendrapada team emerged as the champion. Out of the 48 selected players, who will now represent the state at the national level, they received best wishes from Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The event was organized under the chairmanship of District Education Officer Jagabandhu Sahoo, with Odisha's esteemed Minister for Higher Education, Sports, and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, as the chief guest. Minister Suraj performed the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, officially inaugurating the event.

During the event, students from RCBL Charampa performed a welcome song to set the tone for the occasion. Addressing the gathering, various dignitaries, including Bhadrak MLA Sitaanshu Shekhar Mahapatra, District Collector Dilip Rautaray, Jyotiprakash Parida, and Sapan Kumar Jena, praised the competitive spirit of the players and lauded their enthusiasm in the tournament.

The event was marked by an overall display of sportsmanship, with the young athletes exemplifying the true spirit of competition and camaraderie. The selected athletes now look forward to representing Odisha in the upcoming national volleyball tournament.