4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 Kicks Off in Odisha, Showcasing Tribal Talent and Sportsmanship

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, inaugurated the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 in Odisha on Tuesday. The five-day event, being held from November 11 to 15 across Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur, brings together over 5,500 student athletes from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across 21 states and one union territory.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela, and was graced by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Jual Oram, who lit the ceremonial lamp and torch, officially marking the commencement of the national sporting event.

In his inaugural address, Shri Oram underscored the Government’s commitment to the holistic development of tribal communities through education and co-curricular activities. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that “quality education and all-round growth” are key to empowering tribal youth and ensuring their participation in nation-building.

The event was also attended by Shri Ajeet K. Shrivastava, Commissioner, NESTS; Shri B. Parameshwaran, Secretary, ST & SC Development Department, Odisha; Shri Premjit Nayak, Director, ST; and Shri Subhankar Mohapatra, Collector, Sundargarh.

Encouraging the young athletes, Shri Shrivastava called upon them to “strive for excellence with discipline and sportsmanship,” and to use the platform to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership.

The grand opening featured a ceremonial march-past and an oath-taking ceremony led by Hockey Olympian Lazarus Barla, symbolizing unity and sportsmanship among the participants.

Adding excitement to the occasion was the unveiling of the official mascot ‘Milan’, inspired by Odisha’s rare melanistic tiger — a proud symbol of strength and resilience.

The closing ceremony, scheduled for November 15, 2025, will coincide with the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrating excellence and achievement among tribal students through awards and cultural performances.

The National EMRS Sports Meet continues to serve as a dynamic platform for nurturing young tribal talent, promoting fitness, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie and empowerment across India’s tribal communities.