The much-awaited Final Phase of the 5th Odisha Naval Tata Grassroot Hockey League Championship 2025 was inaugurated today with immense energy and enthusiasm at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Our Honorable Sports Minister of Odisha, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside celebrated international hockey player Shri Dipsan Tirkey.

In his inspiring inaugural address, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized the importance of discipline, encouragement, proper diet, and respect for family values in building not only excellent athletes but also responsible citizens. He highlighted that sports should be played with a big heart, and reinforced the Odisha Government’s unwavering support toward grassroots sports development. “This championship is a great opportunity, one that many others may not get. With support from your parents, teachers, Naval Tata Hockey HPC, and the Government, make the most of it. Stay disciplined, enjoy the game, and if things don’t go your way this time, come back stronger next season” he said.

Adding pride to the moment, hockey icon Dipsan Tirkey, Former Junior International Vice-Captain of the Indian Hockey Team, shared his journey from the grassroots to international arenas, igniting passion in the hearts of young players.

Also present at the ceremony were Shri Bijay Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Services (DSYS), Odisha, and Shri Rajiv Seth, Project Director of Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre, both of whom expressed their strong commitment to the development of hockey at the grassroots level.

From a whopping 1018 children who participated in the first phase, the final phase now brings together 256 of the most promising young boys and girls from across Odisha — ready to showcase their skills and sportsmanship over the coming days.

Matchday 1 Highlights – 8th July 2025

A total of 8 thrilling matches kicked off the championship, with remarkable performances from the young athletes:

Women’s Matches

• HTC Lathikata defeated HTC Kutra (2-0)
• HTC Gurundia crushed HTC Saunamara (8-0)
• HTC Bamra triumphed over HTC Bargaon (5-0)
• HTC Jajpur edged past HTC Subdega (4-3)

Men’s Matches

• HTC Rajgangapur beat HTC Saunamara (2-1)
• HTC Kutra narrowly defeated HTC Subdega (1-0)
• HTC Kaurmunda emerged victorious over HTC Nuagaon (3-1)
• HTC Kardapal dominated HTC Chatrapur (4-1)

This tournament, a collaborative initiative between the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High-Performance Centre and the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, continues to set the gold standard in grassroots hockey development. With participation from districts across the state and a growing culture of excellence, the Grassroot League continues to serve as a launchpad for the hockey stars of tomorrow.