Joda: The Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) of Kalmang and Gandhalpada Project (KGP) Unit organized a one-day knockout football tournament on November 14, 2023, at the Gandhalpada village Football Playground. The event brought together football enthusiasts from six villages of Guali Gram Panchayat: Kendudihi, Panduliposi, Guali, Nuagaon, Gandhalpada, and Barpada.
The tournament’s opening ceremony commenced with the dignitaries hosting the flag, including Mr. Kabindra Naik (Chairman of Joda Block), Smt. Jayanti Banra (Ex Zilla Parishad of Bhadrasahi), Mr. Dabara Munda (Ex Sarpanch), Mr. Juria Munda (Adivasi Ho Vikash Samaj Committee Advisor), and Smt. Pritty Barla (Ward Member of Gandhalpada). The esteemed guests provided words of encouragement to the participating teams and officially kicked off the competition.
The tournament witnessed intense competition, with Team Kendudihi, Team Gandhalpada, and Team Nuagaon emerging as finalists. The Final Match was inaugurated by Mr. Dipak Kumar Behera, Chief of Kalmang and Gandhalpada Project at Tata Steel, Mr. Juria Munda (Adivasi Ho Vikash Samaj Committee Advisor), and TSF Sport Manager Mr. Chinmaye Bura.
The Chief of Kalmang and Gandhalpada Project at Tata Steel, Mr. Dipak Behera, said, “There is a lot of pride involved in an inter-village football tournament, and a good career can also be made in sports. It is a great opportunity for the players to showcase their skills, and Tata Steel is continuing its efforts to nurture this talent to give all the players an opportunity to play in national and international level competitions.”
Team Nuagaon claimed victory in the final, with Team Gandhalpada as the runner-up. Mr. Dipak Behera presented awards in the presence of 150 villagers and TSF KGP team members.
The event not only showcased the passion for football within the community but also highlighted Tata Steel’s commitment to promoting sports and fostering local talent.
