Bhubaneswar (Odiha Tazanew) OUAT :-The 1 (Odisha) R&V Squadron NCC with the able command of Colonel Deenadayalan CO R & V,under the aegis of NCC Group Headquarters Cuttack, successfully conducted the Opening Ceremony of “Equestrian Camp – 2026” on 28 February 2026 at the Horse Riding Ground, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. The ceremony was graced by Lt Gen Mohanty (Retd) as the Chief Guest.
Colonel Satyabrata Swain, Group Commander NCC, Cuttack, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. The 10-day camp, being organised from 28 February to 09 March 2026, is being conducted for 25 selected students nominated by the Ministry of Sports, Government of Odisha.
The initiative aims to promote equestrian sport beyond NCC enrolment and to expand grassroots participation in this prestigious Olympic discipline across the state.
The event commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by a Mounted Guard of Honour, National Anthem, and a brief presentation on the objectives and conduct of the camp. A spectacular show jumping demonstration by NCC cadets showcased the high standards of training and discipline maintained by the Squadron.
Addressing the cadets and participants, Lt Gen Mohanty (Retd) lauded the NCC for nurturing courage, resilience, and leadership through structured equestrian training. He emphasised that horsemanship instils confidence, balance, and decision-making under pressure — qualities essential for both military and civilian leadership.
In his address as Guest of Honour, Colonel Satyabrata Swain highlighted that equestrian training represents a unique blend of discipline, trust, and harmony between horse and rider.
He motivated the young participants to view the camp not merely as a sporting engagement but as a transformative journey that builds character, responsibility, and mental fortitude.
He further underscored that such initiatives align with the Hon’ble Minister Sports Department,Government of Odisha Shri Suryabanshi Suraj’s vision of youth empowerment and sports diversification, while also creating a feeder pathway for state, national, and Armed Forces equestrian competitions.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks and a Group Photograph. The Equestrian Camp – 2026 is expected to significantly contribute towards identifying and nurturing emerging equestrian talent in Odisha, strengthening collaboration between NCC and the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha .
