Sambalpur, Jan 24: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan attended the closing ceremony of the Fourth Baji Rout Cup Football Tournament 2025-26 at 4C Padia in Sambalpur on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, he remarked, “In sports, no one loses; one wins, and the other learns.” He urged young athletes to embrace this philosophy as they move forward in their sporting journeys.

Union Minister Pradhan praised the tournament, organized by the Ame Odia Foundation Trust, as a fitting tribute to India’s youngest martyr, Baji Rout. He noted that the event has played a commendable role over the past four years in showcasing grassroots talent across Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, and Deogarh districts.

Highlighting Sambalpur’s rich sporting culture, the Union Education Minister said the city has always been a hub for athletics and other sports. He pointed out that the Odisha government has recently taken several steps to strengthen sports infrastructure in Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Berhampur, and Jaipur. He added that under the Prime Minister’s vision, Sambalpur is being developed into a major sports hub, with plans to build more stadiums across the city.

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Expressing optimism, Dharmendra Pradhan said that as India prepares to host the 2036 Olympics, athletes from Sambalpur will also bring glory to the nation by winning medals and making Odisha proud.

This year’s tournament began on January 12 in Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal, and was held across four districts. A total of 199 teams participated: 73 from Sambalpur, 73 from Angul, 29 from Dhenkanal, and 24 from Deogarh. The Sambalpur leg concluded on January 22, with the semifinals and grand final played on January 24.

In the final, Singhpali FC from Sambalpur defeated Golden Club from Angul to lift the championship trophy. Pradhan congratulated all 199 participating teams, thanked Ame Odia for the successful organization, and personally awarded the winners and runners-up.