Bolangir: The historic Gandhi Stadium transformed into a hub of sporting passion as the Maharaj Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo Memorial All India Football Tournament officially kicked off.
This prestigious competition, which honors the legacy of the former Chief Minister of Odisha and renowned sports enthusiast, Late R N Singh Deo, continues to serve as a premier platform for football talent from across the country.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by a gathering of prominent leaders and sports advocates. Bolangir MLA Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, who serves as the Tournament Committee President and is the grandson of the late Maharaj, led the proceedings. He was joined by Junagarh MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra along with several other dignitaries who arrived to show their support for the beautiful game.
As the guests received a warm welcome, they took the opportunity to address the participating teams and the packed galleries of spectators. The speakers emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and the role of such high-profile tournaments in nurturing local talent while bringing national-level football to the heart of Bolangir.
NRAI Chief Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo’s personal commitment to the event highlights a family tradition of promoting athletics and community spirit.
The atmosphere at Gandhi Stadium was electric as the players were encouraged to compete with integrity and grit. With top-tier teams vying for the memorial trophy, the coming days promise intense action and high-quality football for the fans in Bolangir.