Football Mahakumbh 2026: 69 Teams Battle It Out in Khariar; Ghuchaguda, Sunapur, Sanamaheswar and Chatiaguda Emerge Victorious

Khariar: The much-awaited Fourth Football Mahakumbh-2026, organised by the Khariar Cricket Sports Association, has entered an exciting phase. Four matches were played on the second evening on Monday, with players showcasing their skill, determination and competitive spirit, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the ground. In the first match, Damjhar faced Ghuchaguda in a closely contested encounter. Following an exciting battle, Ghuchaguda emerged victorious 2-1 in the penalty shootout. The match was officiated by referees Drustanta Pujhari, Kshirod Bhoi and Ananti Bemal. Ghuchaguda Samiti Member Hiralal Tandi and Sarpanch Representative Pareshwar Sa attended the match as guests and encouraged the players. The second match was played between Timanpur and Sunapur. Sunapur put up an impressive performance and secured a convincing 4-0 victory. Saurav Bhushan Panda, Tapas Pati and Nilu Bhoi officiated the match, while Bihari Lal Mishra and Bedanu Pradhan served as scorers. Sunapur Sarpanch Representative Debaraj Bag and journalist Chandrasekhar Behera attended as guests and motivated the players. In the third match, Emilipada and Sanamaheswar faced each other. Sanamaheswar displayed a strong performance and registered a comfortable 4-0 victory. Kshirod Bhoi, Drustanta Pujhari and Bihari Lal Bashra officiated the match. Sanamaheswar Sarpanch Ahladini Behera, former senior football player Khristadas Senapati, retired Army officer Surendra Kumar and social worker Dashamu Behera attended as guests and encouraged the participating players. The fourth match witnessed a contest between Chatiaguda and Gadramunda. Chatiaguda secured victory by a margin of three goals. Tapas Pati, Saurav Bhushan Panda and Amulya Barik officiated the match. Tiger College Director Tejraj Bag and Khariar Block Vice-Chairman Gautam Tandi attended the match as guests and encouraged the players. President of the Football Mahakumbh Jitendranath Pattnaik and Secretary Santosh Kumar Pattnaik, along with MLA Representative Akshaya Nanda, Biswajit Padhi, Chhabi Sagar, senior advocates Gobardhan Suna and Giridhari Bhibhar, and several members and office-bearers of the organising committee are extending their support for the successful conduct of the tournament. It may be noted that 69 teams from Khariar, Sinapali and Boden Blocks and Khariar NAC are participating in the Fourth Football Mahakumbh-2026. The tournament, being conducted under the leadership of Khariar MLA Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi, has generated considerable enthusiasm among football lovers and is providing a major platform for young footballers of the region to showcase their talent.