On Olympic Day 2025, Odisha resonated with the heartbeat of hockey and the spirit of movement. The Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre (ONTHHPC), in alignment with the global Olympic Day theme “Let’s Move”, led the celebrations with a powerful series of events across Bhubaneswar and various grassroots centres across the state.

Hosted at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, ONTHHPC marked this day as more than just a commemoration — it became a community festival that united athletes, staff, students, and hockey lovers under one movement: to inspire physical activity, inclusivity, and excellence in sports.

A Week Full of Energy and Engagement

The celebrations at ONTHHPC were immersive and inclusive. Here’s a glimpse of the vibrant week:

• Cadet Quiz Competition: Cadets from the HPC showcased their sportsmanship and brainpower, answering questions related to the Olympics, sports history, and hockey trivia. This session helped reinforce the values of the Olympic Movement and encouraged learning through play.

• Fitness Sessions in Bhubaneswar & Cuttack HTC:
  Special fitness sessions were conducted at both Bhubaneswar and Cuttack HTCs, led by our Head of Strength & Conditioning Mr. Sudip Paul and Junior S&C Coach Mr. Rakesh Kumar Sahu.

• Fitness Session for Service & Canteen Staff: Reflecting ONTHHPC’s commitment to holistic well-being, a special fitness session was organized for support and service staff. This thoughtful initiative ensured that every member of the ONTHHPC family could participate in the “Let’s Move” campaign.

• Painting Competition: Our young hockey trainees expressed the Olympic spirit through art. With themes revolving around sportsmanship, unity, and the power of movement, their artworks added color and creativity to the celebration.

• Exhibition Matches That Stole the Show:

  • Bhubaneswar HTC vs Cuttack HTC: An electrifying match that brought together talent from across centres, ending with Cuttack HTC winning in a nail-biting penalty shootout (4-2).

• • ONTHHPC Boys vs Bhubaneswar XI: A special highlight of the day, this exhibition match saw ONTHHPC’s cadets face off against a seasoned Bhubaneswar XI team in front of a spirited crowd. Gracing the occasion were international hockey stars Roshan Minz, Stanley Minz, Dipsan Tirkey, and several other veterans who interacted with the cadets, inspired them, and added a touch of legacy to the event.

Star-Studded Presence that Elevated the Spirit

Taking the celebrations to the next level, Olympian Sprinter Srabani Nanda and Para Tokyo Olympics 2020 Gold Medalist Mr. Pramod Bhagat joined as esteemed guests, along with many other international athletes.

Their presence lit up the atmosphere — inspiring the young cadets, interacting with attendees, and sharing their journey and wisdom. These icons didn’t just witness the event; they became an active part of it.

A Special Gathering Over a Special Meal

As a heartfelt conclusion to the festivities, a special lunch was hosted in honour of all the guests and athletes turning the celebration into a true family affair. The spirit of unity and gratitude echoed through every table — reminding everyone of the power sport has to bring people together.

“Let’s Move” at the Grassroots

The spirit of Olympic Day wasn’t confined to Bhubaneswar. Every ONTHHPC-affiliated Hockey Training Centre and Grassroots Pitch across Odisha celebrated the day.

Movement That Matters

The “Let’s Move” campaign is more than just a slogan. At ONTHHPC, it was transformed into a mission — to encourage every individual, regardless of age or role, to embrace movement, health, and unity through sport. The celebrations across grassroots and training centres echoed the same message, fostering a statewide culture of activity and aspiration.

As the sun set over the Kalinga Stadium on Olympic Day 2025, what remained was not just the thrill of matches or the beauty of art, but the stronger belief that Odisha continues to lead by example in nurturing India’s sporting future.

Stay connected for more stories, achievements, and upcoming events from the Odisha Naval Tata Hockey HPC.

#LetsMoveTogether 🏑🌍

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