Rourkela : 128 teams from four Revenue blocks namely Nuagaon, Bisra, Kuarmunda and Lathikata took part in the Samvardhan Rural Football Tournament 2017-18 organised by the CSR Department of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). The mega event culminated in an exciting grand finale between Balani and Jasmberna teams played at Ispat Stadium on 27th October 2018, in which the Balani emerged winner. The final score line was 2-0.
Mr. Ashwini Kumar, CEO, RSP graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mr. P.K. Pradhan, ED (P&A), Mr. N.K. Samantaray, GM (TA), and other officers of CSR and the plant were also present on the occasion.
The CEO and the other dignitaries were introduced to the players and Match Officials before the start of the final match. The CEO kicked the football to mark the beginning of the title clash.
It is noteworthy that such types of Rural Sports Events under the Samvardhan Banner are being conducted by the CSR Department of RSP for the youth of the Peripheral villages from 2012-13. In the preliminary matches of the Samvardhan Rural Football Tournament, 32 teams from each block participated. The top 2 teams from each Block qualified to play in the final phase.
The dignitaries presented the certificates and footballs to the participating teams, the individual players who had displayed their brilliance and the winners and runners-up teams. The winning team got a glittering trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- while the Runners up team received a trophy and a cash award of Rs. 8000/-. The remaining 6 teams which participated in the final phase of the tournament were presented with a cash award of Rs. 3000/- and footballs. Ashok Lakra of Ushra bagged the Best Scorer of the Tournament award while Ajay Xalxo of Balani received the Best Defender award and Jonshon Bagey of Lathikata the Best Goalkeeper award. Karan Topno of Balani was adjudged the man of the match. All the individual awardees received a cash award of Rs. 500/-. The members of the Women Self Help Groups that conducted the matches and the Match Officials were also felicitated.
Ms. Munmun Mittra, AGM(CSR) coordinated the programme and also proposed a Vote of Thanks. After the prizes were given away, the ceremonial flag was lowered and presented to CEO by the players. Mr. B. Ekka, Senior Field Assistant, CSR coordinated the prize giving ceremony.
