Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: The state-level children's sports festival, ‘UTSAHA-2026’, was inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, with over 700 young athletes from across Odisha participating in the event.

Organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) under the Department of Women and Child Development, the festival aims to provide children with a platform to showcase their sporting talent and interests while promoting physical fitness, teamwork and self-confidence.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated the festival by releasing colourful balloons into the sky. Highlighting the importance of sports in the holistic development of children, she said every child has the right to play, dream and move forward with confidence. She added that the state government is committed to ensuring these rights and providing opportunities for every child.

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Rabi Narayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, also attended the event and appreciated the department's efforts to create a platform for children from all districts of Odisha. He emphasised the role of grassroots-level institutions in identifying hidden talent and ensuring that every child gets an opportunity to participate in such events.

The inaugural ceremony featured an impressive march-past by participants representing different districts. More than 700 children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across all 30 districts of Odisha are taking part in the festival.

The sporting competitions include 100-metre and 200-metre races, long jump, relay races, football, chess and carrom. Recreational activities and friendly matches have also been organised to encourage confidence, camaraderie and team spirit among the participants.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, Dr Mrunalini Darswal, delivered the welcome address. She highlighted the importance of integrating care, protection, creativity and physical well-being into children's holistic development.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Monisha Banerjee, Director of the Department of Women and Child Development and OSCPS. Additional Secretary Sumitra Kumari Patnaik, along with other senior officials, district officials and frontline functionaries, was also present at the event.