Rourkela: The 4th National Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Sports Meet 2025 began on Tuesday with great enthusiasm in Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur, Odisha, bringing together more than 5,500 student-athletes from 21 States and one Union Territory. The event, organised by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, aims to promote sporting excellence and holistic development among tribal youth.
The grand inauguration took place at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela, in the presence of Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, who lit the ceremonial lamp and torch to mark the formal commencement of the national event, according to a PIB release.
In his inaugural address, Oram emphasised that the comprehensive development of tribal communities is rooted in quality education, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for tribal empowerment. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts through NESTS to create platforms for tribal students to excel not just academically, but also in sports, art, and culture.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ajeet K. Shrivastava, Commissioner, NESTS; B. Parameshwaran, Secretary, ST & SC Development Department, government of Odisha; Premjit Nayak, Director, ST; and Subhankar Mohapatra, Collector, Sundargarh.
Addressing the young athletes, Shrivastava urged them to strive for excellence with discipline and sportsmanship, and to use the national platform to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership.
The inaugural ceremony featured a ceremonial march-past representing all participating States and Union Territory, followed by an oath-taking ceremony led by Hockey Olympian Lazarus Barla. The event also saw the vibrant entry of ‘Milan’, the official mascot of the EMRS Sports Meet – a melanistic tiger symbolising Odisha’s strength, pride, and resilience.
The sports meet will continue till November 15, culminating in a grand closing ceremony that will coincide with the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The finale will include cultural performances and the prize distribution ceremony honouring the outstanding athletes, continuing the tradition of celebrating tribal excellence and achievement, much like last year’s cultural fest finale on the same date.
