CUTTACK 05-Mar-2020
Sundargarh clinched a double by winning both men and women titles in the SDC Cup Football Tournament, which was organised by Special Development Council (SDC), Government of Odisha in collaboration with Football Association of Odisha at different places in the state from 14 February to 5 March, 2020.
In the final matches, played at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, Sundargarh women downed Baripada 4-1, while Sundargarh men beat Rairangpur 2-0. Anjali Barua and Rajani Hansdah scored the two goals for Sundargarh women team. For Sundargarh men, Kishore Khadia scored twice, while Mukesh Minz and Mahesh Pradhan netted one each. Durga Prasad Naik pulled one back for Baripada.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia graced the closing ceremony as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
State ST & SC Development Minister Jganannath Saraka, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Odia Language & Culture Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Principal Secretary Ranjana Chopra, Special Development Council Advisor Sujit Kumar, Football Association of Odisha Secretary Asirbad Behera and Odisha Cricket Association Secretary Sanjay Behera were present on the occasion.
The tournamerment was meant only for tribal players of the state. A total of 10 teams from nine districts _ Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabranagpur, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh _ participated. Mayurbhanj district fielded two teams. Group league matches were played in Mayurbhanj and Kandhamal districts. Squirrel (Gunduchi Musha) was the mascot of the tournament.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Player of the Final Match: Mohan Majhi, Sundargarh (Men); Munica Minz, Sundargargh (Women).
Player of the Tournament: Kishore Khadia, Sundargharh (Men); Diggi Majhi, Sundargarh (Women).
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Bhgrai Hembram, Rairangpur (Men); Jyostna Toppo, Sundargarh (Women).
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PHOTO: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and football star Baichung Bhutia with champion Sundargarh men team and other dignitaries in Cuttack on 5 March, 2020.
