Bolangir/Bhubaneswar (Odisha) – History was scripted in the heart of western Odisha as AJSA India, in collaboration with the FIFA Foundation, successfully concluded the AJSA India Champions League 2025 – a first-of-its-kind regional football tournament that empowered hundreds of tribal children, many of whom were stepping onto a football field for the very first time in their lives. Held at the Gandharla Playground in Bolangir district, the three-day tournament witnessed the participation of 20 teams from Bolangir, Kandhamal, and Kalahandi districts, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 5,500 people.
The final match day brought electrifying energy and emotion to the ground. In the boys’ final, the Jhinkipada Rangers clinched a hard-fought victory against the Bathrala Warriors, showcasing excellent teamwork and determination. The girls’ final was equally riveting, with the Ganjiapada Queens defeating the Kurlubhata Angels in a powerful display of grit and leadership, making it a landmark moment for tribal girls’ participation in sports.
The inclusion of girls in football tournament, a rare sight in this region, generated an overwhelming buzz and drew widespread public interest. People of all ages and genders came together in large numbers- to witness, support, and cheer for their favorite teams, especially the girls who were making history on the field. The playground transformed into a celebration of community pride, breaking long-held social barriers through sport.
Supported under the GOAL (Generation of Opportunity for Aspirational Learning) project, this initiative has emerged as a bold experiment that blends sports with grassroots development. Implemented across Odisha’s KBK region, AJSA India’s efforts through GOAL have not only opened up the world of football to tribal youth but also laid the foundation for holistic empowerment.
Over the past year, AJSA India has created 30 sports clubs, developed playgrounds in remote villages, and brought together professional and community coaches to train over 3,500 children in the basics of football. But the initiative hasn’t stopped at just sports. Alongside football training, children have received instruction in first aid, search and rescue, and psychosocial support-turning the football field into a transformative space for both physical and emotional resilience.
“This match wasn’t just about football-it was a movement,” said Manoranjan Behera, Executive Director of AJSA India. “A movement to reclaim space for tribal children, especially girls, on the sports field, where they’ve traditionally been excluded. What we witnessed here is more than a tournament; it’s the beginning of a revolution through football, built on dignity, equality, and hope.”
He further added, “Our Champions League is a game-changer, particularly for tribal girls who not only participated but triumphed. Their victory is not just on the scoreboard- it is symbolic of a much larger shift. It is about confidence, visibility, and a future filled with possibilities.”
As cheers echoed across Gandharla Playground, it was clear that the AJSA India Champions League was not just a sports event- it was a celebration of inclusion, aspiration, and community pride. For the girl children who laced up their boots, many for the first time, it was a dream come true. And for the villages they come from, it was a moment of collective awakening.
In a region often spoken of in terms of deprivation, this tournament redefined the narrative- showing that with the right opportunity, talent, and support, even the most remote communities can shine brightly on the field and beyond.
