Defending champion Sambalpur Sports Hostel emerged champion by defeating Cuttack Sports Hostel by 1-0 in the title clash of Biju Patnaik Gold Cup Football Tourney, which concluded at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, being organised by Unit-VI Athletic Association in association with State Sports and Youth Services Department.
Rudra Pradhan scored the all-important goal in the 16th minute. The champion bagged the trophy along with cash prize of Rs 10,000 and runners-up took home Rs 7,000. Rudra Pradhan and Mahesh Pradhan of the champion team grabbed the best defender and goal-keeper awards respectively. Similarly, Bikash Padhiary and Bhabagrahi Padhiary won the best half and best forward respectively. All the individual award winners received cash prize of Rs 500 each. Prakash Das, Skhawat Khan, Sudip Das and Durga Routary were the officials for the final match.
Energy Minister Aruna Sahu, tournament committee secretary Padmanav Behera, association president Tapan Mohanty, secretary Dillip Das, Dillip Samantary, Bhakta Ballav Das and Naba Ranjan Pattnaik were present on the closing ceremony.