Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the diverse sports culture in Odisha, including popular and traditional games.
- Learn about the key sports infrastructure and events in the state.
- Recognize the significant contributions of Odisha’s athletes to national and international sports.
- Gain insights into sports policies, associations, and awards in Odisha.
Sports Scenario in Odisha
Sports are integral to Odisha’s culture. The state’s most popular sports include athletics, field hockey, tennis, football, rugby, canoeing, boating, and wrestling. Traditional games such as puchi, khapura dian, rassi tana, and gilli danda are also cherished. Bhubaneswar, known as the “Sports Capital of India,” boasts world-class infrastructure for various events. The Sports and Youth Services Department oversees major sports activities.
Major Sports in Odisha
1. Athletics: Athletics is a major sport in Odisha, featuring events like running, sprinting, and hurdling. Notable athletes include Anuradha Biswal, Dutee Chand, Amiya Kumar Mallick, and Budhia Singh. The Kalinga Stadium hosted the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in 2017.
2. Canoeing and Boating: Odisha’s long coastline offers facilities for water sports like pedal boating, parasailing, and jet skiing. Popular spots include Dhabaleswar (Cuttack) and Barkul (Khordha).
3. Football: Managed by the Football Association of Odisha (FAO), the state has provided several players to the India Women’s National Football team. Prominent players include Susmita Malik, Rakesh Oram, and Proloy Shah.
4. Field Hockey: Odisha is known for its field hockey passion. The Odia Hockey Team has nurtured players for India’s Men’s and Women’s National Teams. Renowned players include Anupa Barla, Dilip Tirkey, and Birendra Lakra.
5. Hockey World Cup 2018: Bhubaneswar hosted the 14th Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Stadium, featuring a spectacular drone show. Belgium won the tournament, with India reaching the quarterfinals.
6. Rugby: Rugby is managed by the Odisha Rugby Football Association. The state hosts teams like the Odisha Women’s Rugby Union. The Asia Rugby Women’s Championship was held in Odisha in 2018.
7. Trekking: Odisha is ideal for trekking. Routes like Gandhamardan, Mahendragiri, and Nilagiri attract enthusiasts, with October to January being the best period.
8. Wrestling: An ancient sport, wrestling in Odisha has a rich heritage. The state has excelled in events like the National Arm Wrestling Tournament. Prominent wrestlers include Gautam Kumar Kahali and Sambit Nanda.
Traditional Sports in Odisha
1. Kabaddi: Widely played, it involves one person competing against seven others.
2. Kho Kho: Known as the “Standing Game,” this sport is managed by the Odisha Kho Kho Association.
3. Rassi Tana (Rope Pulling): A contest of strength involving teams pulling opposite ends of a rope.
4. Nadia Phinga (Coconut Throwing): A game where the distance covered by a thrown coconut determines the winner.
5. Khapara Dian: Involves jumping on one leg to complete various tasks.
6. Puchi: A dance game, typically played by girls under moonlight.
7. Sword Fighting: A traditional sport that emphasizes defeating the opponent quickly.
8. Paen Anba (Bringing Water): Played by children, symbolizing culinary traditions of Western Odisha.
9. Gedi: Ritual-based, played by all age groups from Ratha Yatra to Bhadrapad.
10. Surfing: Odisha’s beaches like Puri offer facilities for surfing.
Sports Associations in Odisha
1. Odisha Cricket Association: Established in 1949, it manages cricket activities and is affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. It also organizes the Odisha Premier League.
2. Football Association of Odisha: Governs state football, managing the Odisha Men’s and Women’s Teams. It hosts events like the Football League and Kalinga Cup.
3. Sports and Youth Services Department: Promotes youth participation and provides economic and social development opportunities.
4. Hockey Odisha: The state governing body for hockey, affiliated with Hockey India and the Odisha Olympic Association.
5. Odisha Olympic Association: Selects athletes for events like the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.
Stadiums in Odisha
1. Barabati Stadium: Located in Cuttack, established in 1958, it serves as a venue for cricket and football, hosting international matches and IPL games.
2. KIIT Stadium: A multipurpose stadium in Bhubaneswar with a 40,000 seating capacity, offering facilities for cricket, football, and more.
3. Ispat Stadium: Based in Rourkela, primarily used for cricket and football matches.
4. Veer Surendra Sai Stadium: Situated in Sambalpur, it has hosted cricket matches since 1973.
| Stadium | Game | Location |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast Railway Stadium | Cricket | Bhubaneswar |
| Kalinga Stadium | Multipurpose | Bhubaneswar |
| Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium | Hockey | Rourkela |
| Malkangiri Stadium | Cricket | Malkangiri |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium | — | Cuttack |
Odisha Sports Youth Policy, 2013
The policy aims to foster a sports culture.
1. Formation of ‘Sports Authority of Odisha’ to promote a comprehensive sports ecosystem.
**2. Inclusion of *sports* in school curriculum, with mandatory sports periods.
**3. Recruitment drive for *physical education teachers* and instructors.
**4. Strengthening *government schools* offering physical education.
**5. Launching *mini stadiums* in 314 blocks, with 50 blocks prioritized.
**6. Accelerating the *Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhijan (PYKKA)* program to involve youth across Gram Panchayats by 2017.
Sports Awards of Odisha
1. Biju Patnaik Sports Award: Instituted in 2001-02 to honor sportspersons and coaches. It includes categories like Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Performance with cash rewards up to ₹150,000.
2. Cash Award for Outstanding Sports Performance: Recognizes athletes who excel in national and international events.
3. Arjuna Award Winners: Include K Ravi Kumar (Weightlifting), Ignace Tirkey (Hockey), and Dilip Tirkey (Hockey).
| Name | Sport | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dutee Chand | Athletics | 2017-18 |
| Sorabani Nanda | Athletics | 2017-18 |
| Purnima Hembram | Athletics | 2017-18 |
| Jauna Murmu | Athletics | 2017-18 |
Famous Sports Personalities of Odisha
1. Cricket:
**: *International Master* and Woman Grandmaster, multiple-time national champion.
Major Schemes for Sports in Odisha
1. Scheme for Coaching for Excellence: Launched in 2018, focuses on providing expert coaching to promote sports excellence.
2. Cash Award for Outstanding Sports Performance: Introduced in 2001, amended in 2014, incentivizing athletes for national and international achievements.
3. Biju Patnaik Sports Award Scheme: Encourages development of sports and recognizes meritorious sportspersons.
4. Financial Assistance for Sports Coaching: Provides financial aid to aspiring coaches for SAI, NSNIS Patiala courses.
5. Pay and Play Scheme: Introduced in 2012 to utilize available sports infrastructure optimally.
6. National Sports Festival for Women: An annual event financially supported by state and central governments, promoting women’s participation in sports.
Important Note: The National Sports Festival for Women includes a wide array of sports, from athletics to gymnastics, ensuring comprehensive participation.
One MCQ
Which sport is managed by the Odisha Rugby Football Association?:
A) Hockey
B) Rugby
C) Football
D) Tennis
Correct Answer: B) Rugby