ANGUL (India CSR): The much-awaited Grand Finale of the O.P. Jindal Memorial Football Tournament 2025 concluded with great excitement and fanfare at Kadam Padia, Angul, after 12 days of thrilling football action among 12 state-level teams across Odisha.
In the final clash, Bargarh United faced Sports Hostel Cuttack in a gripping contest that ended in a dramatic 6–5 penalty shootout, with Sports Hostel Cuttack emerging as the champions and lifting the O.P. Jindal Cup 2025.
The event was graced by Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Govt. of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Pratap Chandra Pradhan, MLA Angul; Agasti Behera, MLA Chhendipada; Akhay Kumar Samant, Chairman Angul Municipality; Jindal Steel Officials Damodar Mittal, Executive Director (Projects), Dilip Kumar Sinha, CHRO; Prasanna Kumar Panda, EVP and several esteemed guests.
Addressing the gathering, Sampad Chandra Swain appreciated the efforts of Jindal Steel and Jindal Foundation for promoting sportsmanship among the youth and undertaking numerous social initiatives in and around the district. He also informed the audience that the BJP Government is committed to providing proper infrastructure for sports enthusiasts in every block of the state. For this purpose, the government has sanctioned significant funds to construct modern stadiums across all blocks.
In addition, Pratap Pradhan and Shri Agasti Behera expressed their gratitude to Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel, and Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of Jindal Foundation, for their generous contributions toward community development and their continued efforts in promoting sports in the region.
Raju Behera of Bargarh United was adjudged the Best Player of the Tournament, while his teammate Sidharth Pradhan was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper. The Man of the Final Match award went to Avinash Kishan of Sports Hostel Cuttack for his outstanding performance. The final was officiated by Referee Siba Sundar Panda, assisted by Dillip Kumar Rout and Alok Dehry, with Pupun Behera serving as the fourth official.
Damodar Mittal, thanked the dignitaries, players, and the people of Angul and nearby areas for making the tournament a grand success. He emphasized that Shri Naveen Jindal, Chairman of JSP, is not only a visionary business leader but also a passionate sportsman who has always championed youth development and sportsmanship.
The tournament was successfully organized by Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, GM-CSR, and his team, with active support from the District Sports Authority, Angul.
(India CSR)
