ITF Asian Jr Meet: Naveen Graces Awards Function, Hopes Odisha Youngsters Will Be Inspired

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did the honours at the award ceremony of the ITF Asian (Jr) Championship Finals which concluded at Kalinga Stadium tennis complex here on Friday.

The Korean team emerged overall champions in the tournament, which had commenced on April 4.

Korea’s Won Min Kim and Jiyun Oh clinched the boys’ and girls’ singles titles.

India’s Shivtej Shirfule Balaprasad won the silver medal in boys’ singles category.

Players from 14 countries participated in the championships.

Congratulating the winners, Naveen said, “It is a matter of great pride for our state to host this prestigious tennis tournament. Congratulations to all the winners who have emerged victorious after an intense competition.”

The CM added that it’s their endeavour to promote sports in Odisha “and I am happy to see such a large number of participants from different countries come together to compete in our state.”

He expressed confidence that the event “will inspire many young players of Odisha and beyond to take up tennis and pursue their dreams.”

State Sports & Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, OTA president Asit Tripathi and Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian were also present at the closing ceremony.