Sharjah: Fujairah Odia won the ninth edition of Odisha Cup, the world’s largest Prabasi Odia cricket tournament held in the UAE.
A total 12 teams took part in the tournament – biggest edition since its inception in 2013 – which began on October 16, 2022.
In the final, played at Sharjah English School’s cricket ground on January 22, Utkal Challengers posted 104/9 in 20 overs with Deepak Kumar (23) being top scorere.
Fujairah Odia reached the target in the final over, thanks to Birendra Panda’s 27 and 17 off 8 balls by Pintu Dalai. Fujairah Odia’s Trinath Behera, who gabbed 4 wickets, was adjudged Man of the Match.
The Odisha Cup, which has become a vital component of Odias’ lives in the UAE, was played in a celebratory environment in the presence of eminent personalities and Odia families. Odia snacks and dishes were arranged for the players and spectators.
During the course of the tournament, organisers supported the ongoing Odisha Hockey World Cup 2023 by conducting games for children parallelly and also updated the scores of matches being played at Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from the commentary box.
The organising committee invites participants from all social groups and sectors from prabasi Odias residing in the UAE.
Chief guest Uttam Chand, Consul (Visa & Community Affairs) India, lauded the efforts of participants and organisers.
Manoj Kumar Mishra, a prominent actor and production designer best known for his work in Hindi and Odia films like Drishyam (2015), Raavan (2010), Mission Kashmir (2000), Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005), Bhaunri (2015) and Abhay (2017), was present as a special guest.
Thrilled to be part of such a large Odia event outside India, he encouraged Odia people to promote Odia culture globally.
Among others present were Priyadarshee Panigrahi, an Odisha Cup advisor and senior Business Management expert; Sailaj Das, prominent entrepreneur in maritime area and one of the tournament’s main supporters; Amiya Kumar Mishra, president of Odisha Samaj UAE.
On behalf of the organising committee, Rajat Rath and Nirlipta Mohanty committed to making the 2023 edition the largest yet and celebrating the event’s tenth anniversary by bringing in more teams and ensuring the spirit of Odia culture is promoted among Odia community in the UAE.
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