Chhattisgarh’s tribal girls have made history by clinching the gold medal in football at the prestigious Janjatiya Rashtriya Khel Mahotsav 2023, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The team displayed remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a thrilling final victory over Jharkhand.
Chhattisgarh Triumphs in National Football Tournament
In a closely contested final match that went into a tie-breaker, Chhattisgarh emerged triumphant with a 2-0 victory over Jharkhand. Star striker and international footballer Kiran Pisda, playing as the goalkeeper in the tie-breaker, showcased her versatility and ensured that the opponents failed to score. The team’s coaches, Yogesh Kumar Jangra, TB Reddy, and A Ekka, played a vital role in motivating the players throughout the tournament.
Unstoppable Performance of Chhattisgarh’s Girls
Chhattisgarh’s path to the final was marked by impressive wins over Tripura (4-0) and Bihar (9-0). The team’s exceptional performance highlighted their skills and determination, making them a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
Shweta Sinha, Director of Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare, commended the team’s outstanding performance and expressed admiration for their achievement at the first national-level tribal sports festival. Sinha plans to prepare a proposal to felicitate all the players and submit it to senior officials in the department. The success of the day boarding facility, introduced in 2019, was credited for nurturing the footballers’ talents.
Bastar’s Contribution to the Victory
Out of the sixteen footballers who achieved this remarkable feat, ten hail from Bastar, underscoring the immense talent present in the tribal region. This accomplishment highlights the potential for sports development and talent identification in previously untapped areas.
Medals in Various Sporting Events
Chhattisgarh’s achievement was not limited to football alone. The state’s girls’ team also secured a bronze medal in Kho-Kho. In addition, the state won four bronze medals in athletics, a silver medal in archery, and two silver medals in swimming events. Notably, Kuber Singh from the Residential Archery Academy Bilaspur won a silver medal in the 30m event and secured the second position in the overall championship. Kumari Tarnika Teta, representing the Residential Athletic Academy Bilaspur, won a silver medal in the women’s 100m championship.
Chhattisgarh’s tribal girls have proven their mettle in the realm of sports, bringing pride to their state and community. Their remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and showcases the untapped potential within tribal regions.
