Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre athletes shine at 13th State Junior Kho Kho Championships

Bhubaneswar (Odisha Tazanews) :-  The Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre (HPC) delivered commanding performances at the 13th State Junior Kho Kho Championships 2025, held at the District Sports Complex, Puri. A total of ten boys and twelve girls from the HPC took part in the tournament, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, and competitive temperament. Their achievements highlight the centre’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Kho Kho in Odisha.

The State Junior Girls Championship, held on November 27–28, 2025, witnessed inspiring performances by twelve HPC athletes representing different districts. The Championship title was won by KISS with major contribution from seven HPC athletes Lisarani Raita, Chinmayee Pradhan, Subhashree Mallick, Raktima Bhanda, Ashika Kujur, Sujata Pangi, and Rajashree Dal. Jagatsinghpur district, represented by HPC athlete Lipina Nath, secured the second place, while Puri, powered by HPC athletes Archana Pradhan and Samikhya Biswal, finished third.

Balasore district also shared third place, showcasing a highly competitive championship. Ten athletes from HPC participated in the State Junior Boys Championship held on November 30 – December 01, 2025. Sundargarh district finished third, powered by the contributions of HPC athletes Samir Xalxo and Tefransis Rana. KISS, supported by HPC players Ramlal Birua and Bijay Tuika, also secured joint third place.

Ramlal Birua was honoured with the Best Emerging Player Award, a deserving recognition of his agility, consistency, and determination. The tournament was graced by Dr Sambit Patra, Hon’ble MP, Puri, Shri Pradyumna Mishra, Vice President of KKFI & Secretary of Odisha Kho Kho Association, along with other dignitaries. Adding to the team achievements, HPC athletes swept the major individual honours. Lisarani Raita was adjudged Player of the Tournament, reflecting her unmatched agility and all-round brilliance, while Archana Pradhan received the Defender of the

Tournament Award for her exceptional defensive mastery. Shri Sanjeev Sharma, Head Coach, Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho HPC, said, “Our athletes have once again proved that structured training and discipline lead to extraordinary results. I am incredibly proud of their performance at the State Championship.” The Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho HPC continues to stand as a beacon of structured training, discipline, and excellence, nurturing athletes who are not only winning titles but also inspiring the next generation of sports talent in the State.

ABOUT ODISHA AM/NS INDIA KHO KHO HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE (HPC): ArcelorMittal proprietary information – all rights reserved for all countries. Odisha AM/NS India Kho Kho High Performance Centre (HPC) is a collaborative initiative between ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) and the Government of Odisha to nurture Kho Kho talent in the state. While Government of Odisha has built and maintains the infrastructure of the HPC, AM/NS India operates and manages the HPC, and trains the Kho Kho players. It also coaches and develops judges for the sport. The primary goal of this establishment is to elevate Odisha into a premier hub of Kho Kho excellence in India.