31st State-Level Sharala Cup: Press Conference Held by Sharala Sporting Club

Kakatpur (Tushar Dixit) | 28.12 – A press conference was held on Thursday by Sharala Sporting Club at the Narendra Stadium under Astaranga block in Puri district.

Various media representatives attended the press meet. As per the announcement, a seven-day state-level T-20 cricket tournament will be organized starting Friday, January 26. Eight teams from different districts of the state will participate, informed Sports Secretary Durga Charan Maharana.

Club President Yugal Kishore Mohanty announced that the champion team will receive a trophy and a cash prize of ₹31,111, while the runner-up will be awarded a trophy and ₹21,111.

Vice President Prakash Kumar Behera stated that each day’s matches will include exciting prizes for sixes, fours, and individual performances. The matches will be played using matting pitches and cork balls, with each match consisting of 20 overs, according to the organizing club.

Among those present were Treasurer Ramakanta Bastia, Manoj Kumar Chatoi, Divyadarshi Biswal (Sports Secretary), Santosh Kumar Kandi, Mithun Behera, Chagali Mohanty, Pabitra Mohanty (Media Cell Head), Ravindra Parida, Rakesh Mohanty, Benudhar Sahu, Bapi Bastia, and other notable members.

This tournament has been running successfully for the past 29 years. It is named the Poornananda Smruti Cricket Tournament, in memory of freedom fighter Poornananda Swain.

Last year, Kumbharbasta, Khordha emerged as the champion, while Yadupur, Bhubaneswar was the runner-up. Organizers are continuously striving to elevate the tournament to a full-fledged state-level event.

So far, 42 teams from various locations have applied to participate, informed Vice President Mr. Behera. The organizers have requested support and cooperation to make this year’s tournament more vibrant and successful.