Odisha Hosts 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025
Rourkela, November 12, 2025: — The 4th National Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Sports Meet, a celebration of tribal youth talent and sportsmanship, commenced today at the iconic Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela. The five-day event (11–15 November 2025) brings together more than 5,500 student-athletes from 21 States and 1 Union Territory, competing in 22 sporting disciplines across eight venues in Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur.
The grand inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, as Chief Guest, and Olympian Lazarus Barla,as Guest. The event was hosted jointly by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and the Odisha Model Tribal Education Society (OMTES) under the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha.
The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the Olympic torch relay, flag hoisting, and a vibrant march-past by state contingents. The meet was formally declared open by the Hon’ble Chief Guest.
Delivering the welcome address, Shri B. Parameswaran, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, ST & SC Development Department, Government of Odisha, expressed pride in Odisha being chosen as the host for this national event. “Sundargarh, the sports hub of Odisha, stands as the perfect venue for this grand celebration of tribal talent. This meet reflects our collective commitment to nurturing excellence in both academics and sports among tribal students,” he stated.
Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, IRAS, Commissioner, NESTS, presented an overview of the event, highlighting the unprecedented scale and meticulous planning. He acknowledged the seamless coordination among over 20 partner departments, including the Sundargarh District Administration, OTDC, Rourkela Steel Plant, I&PR Department, Health & Family Welfare, TPWODCL, and the Department of Sports, among others.
With participation exceeding 7,000 individuals including escort teachers, officials, and volunteers, the event involves 200 vehicles, 60 hotels, and 350 sports officials to ensure smooth operations and hospitality.
Odisha previously hosted the 5th National EMRS Cultural Festival in 2024, which received nationwide acclaim. Hosting the Sports Meet for the second consecutive year underscores Odisha’s growing stature as a destination for national-level EMRS events.
The EMRS initiative, launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 1997–98, has been a cornerstone in promoting quality education and holistic development among tribal children. These fully residential schools blend academics with training in sports, arts, and local culture. As of 2025, 728 EMRSs have been sanctioned across India, with 477 schools functional and more than 1.38 lakh tribal students enrolled. Odisha alone has been sanctioned 114 EMRSs, the highest among all states, with 47 schools currently functional across 17 districts.
Odisha’s commitment to the EMRS movement reflects a broader vision of inclusivity, equity, and empowerment. As aptly described by Shri Parameswaran, “Eklavya schools are scripting a silent revolution in tribal education and sports — shaping a generation that will not just compete, but lead with confidence and pride.”
The closing ceremony will be held on 15th November 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, to be graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha.
Reported by Kunja Bihari Rout
