Odisha's Commitment to Grassroots Sports Highlighted at AIFF Awards Day

Odisha's Sports Minister Emphasizes Support for Athletes

During the 2025 AIFF Awards Day in Bhubaneswar, Suryabanshi Suraj, the Minister for Sports and Youth Services in Odisha, reaffirmed the state government's dedication to fostering grassroots sports and supporting athletes.

Suraj highlighted the ongoing investments in sports infrastructure and the nurturing of local talent.

"We honored athletes and coaches who excelled in their performances," he shared with the media.

He also unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing access to sports facilities throughout Odisha.

"We plan to construct sports complexes in all 314 blocks of the state," Suraj noted, emphasizing the government's long-term vision for sports development.

Reiterating the ambition to cultivate world-class athletes, he stated, "The state government is focused on ensuring that talented sportspeople emerge from Odisha to represent India on both national and international stages."

At the AIFF Awards Day, Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth were honored as the Best Men's and Women's Players of the Year for 2024-25, respectively. The awards ceremony took place in Bhubaneswar just before the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final.

Notable attendees included AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, and other prominent officials from the Odisha government and the All India Football Federation.

In addition to Bose and Guguloth, other award recipients included Khalid Jamil (Best Men's Coach), Sujata Kar (Best Women's Coach), and several others recognized for their contributions to football.