Malkangiri Observes District-Level National Sports Day: “One Hour on the Playground” Campaign Held
Manas Mallik, Correspondent, Odishabarta
Malkangiri, August 29, 2026:The National Sports Day 2026 celebrations were organised extensively across Malkangiri district under the aegis of the District Administration and the Department of Sports and Youth Services as part of the “One Hour on the Playground” campaign.
The programme was enthusiastically observed at all schools across the district, as well as at the Malkangiri Multipurpose Indoor Stadium. The main objective of the campaign was to promote physical fitness and encourage interest in sports among students and the younger generation.
As part of the district-level celebrations, a badminton competition was organised at the Multipurpose Indoor Stadium. Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Somanath Pradhan attended the event as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the competition.
District Sports Officer Muna Turuk, the Inspector-in-Charge of Malkangiri Model Police Station and senior journalist Deb Prasad Das attended the event as guests of honour and encouraged the participating players. The programme was conducted smoothly with the active cooperation and direct supervision of all staff members of the District Sports Office.
On the occasion, the Additional District Magistrate delivered a special message to sportspersons and the youth, stating that sports are not merely a means of entertainment but play an important role in promoting discipline, good health and unity in life. He emphasised that, for building a healthy and progressive society, every student should spend at least one hour every day on the playground.
During the second phase of the programme, sportspersons and successful players from different parts of the district were felicitated by the administration for their outstanding performances and achievements.
A large number of sports enthusiasts, teachers, students and others participated in the overall campaign, making the National Sports Day celebration a memorable and successful event.
