Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today felicitated the members of the State-Government owned team, Odisha Juggernauts for emerging champions in the inaugural edition of the Ultimate Kho Kho League (UKKL) in Pune, Maharashtra earlier on September 14.

Naveen presented a total cash award of Rs 2 crores to the team at a felicitation ceremony organised at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The Rs 2 crore includes Rs 1 crore by the State Government and another Rs 1 crore by the the organizers of the UKKL.

Felicitating the team, Chief Minister Patnaik said, “Kho Kho has been a traditional sport restricted to rural belts and interiors with limited audience. You scripted history with your victory at the Ultimate Kho Kho. This will be remembered and discussed for days to come. It will inspire the younger players to pursue it as a professional sport.”

“Today, people are talking about Ultimate Kho Kho and Odisha Juggernauts and we feel extremely proud of our team.  You are exemplary and I wish you many more success, he added.”

The Chief Minister also announced that Odisha Govt will support towards excellence of kho-kho with setting up of a kho-kho stadium and a High Performance Centre to develop the game.

On this occasion, Ultimate Kho Kho Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tenzing Nyogi, presented the team gold medal to the Chief Minister.

Odisha Juggernauts displayed indomitable spirit at the Ultimate Kho Kho League and remained table toppers for most part of the season. Their tackle against Telugu Yoddhas was a nail-biting spectacle with Odisha Juggernauts defeating the opponent in the last few seconds thus clinching the title.

Kho Kho Federation of India President Sudhanshu Mittal appreciated the support Odisha is providing to the game and to their team. CEO & League Commissioner, Ultimate Kho Kho, Tenzing Niyogi also shared his happiness over the success.

Secretary to Chief Minister (5T), VK Pandian encouraged the team on their brilliant performance at the League. Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohaptra, Development Commissioner PK Jena, Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna were present on the occasion.
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PHOTO: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik poses with players of Odisha Juggernauts and officials of UKKL and State Government in Bhubaneswar on 7 September 2022.