Bhubaneswar: Kalinga Stadium pulsed with energy and aspiration today as Sri Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, officially inaugurated the State Youth Festival 2025.
The inaugural ceremony saw the presence of key officials who have been instrumental in shaping the state’s sports and youth policies. Shri Sachin R. Jadhav, Secretary of Sports and Youth Services, joined the Minister along with Director Sports Dr. Yedulla Vijay.
Also in attendance were Additional Secretaries Sri B. K. Swain and Sri Ashok Kumar Panda, highlighting the collective administrative support behind this massive youth mobilization effort.
The event marks a significant milestone for the youth of Odisha, bringing together more than 900 participants representing every one of the state’s 30 districts for a three-day celebration of talent, culture, and competitive spirit.
Addressing the vibrant gathering, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing platforms where the dreams of the youth can take flight. He noted that the festival is not just a competition but a melting pot of ideas and a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of Odisha.
The participants will be competing across seven distinct categories, ranging from performing arts to intellectual challenges, each designed to highlight the creative and leadership potential of the next generation. The atmosphere at the stadium was one of intense enthusiasm as students and young professionals prepared to represent their home districts on the state stage.
As the competitions begin, the State Youth Festival 2025 stands as a beacon for youth empowerment, fostering a sense of unity and excellence among the participants. Over the next two days, Kalinga Stadium will continue to serve as the heart of Odisha’s youth movement, crowning champions and inspiring a new wave of leaders.