Jalda Eleven team from Jalda Resettlement Colony emerged as the Champion of Zonal Level ‘Samvardhan Rural Football Tournament’ organised by CSR Department of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant at Tainsar village in Lathikata Block. Kartikeya Behera, CGM (CRM, SSM & Pipe Plant) was the Chief Guest of the Closing function and presented the trophies and Cash award to the Champions of the tournament. Ajit Das, GM (SMS-II) was the Guest of Honour. 32 teams took part in the tournament that was held from 6th to 10th January. It is noteworthy that Jalda Eleven team defeated the SYS Shakti Club team from San-Marain by 2-1 to become the Champion of the Zone . The third and the fourth positions were bagged by Sukra Tola Team from Garjan village and Lathikata FC teal from Lathikata. The Champions received a trophy and a cash award of Rs. 6,000/- while the runners up team got a trophy and a cash award of Rs. 5,000/-. The 3rd and 4th teams received cash prizes of Rs. 4,000/- and Rs. 3,000/- respectively.
At the outset Munmun Mittra, GM (CSR) welcomed the gathering. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by T B Toppo, AGM (CSR). A N Pati, Senior Manager (CSR) coordinated the event while Benedict Ekka, Senior Field Instructor (CSR) anchored the function. The five day tournament was conducted by Roshni Self Help Group of Tainsar Village under the patronage of Rourkela Steel Plant. Large number of football lovers from in and around the village gathered to witness the event. Notably this was the last Zonal Level Football tournament of the 2022-23 series which gets organised in the four peripheral Blocks of RSP every year. The Champions and the runners up from each of the four zones will now compete in the Final Football Match that will be held at Rourkela.