Jajpur Footballers Shine: Eight Selected for Odisha Under-17 National Squad

Kalinganagar, August 23, 2026: Jajpur has firmly cemented its status as an emerging powerhouse in Odisha football, with eight exceptional young talents selected to represent the state at the upcoming national-level under-17 championship. This milestone achievement underscores the rising tide of grassroots football development in the region, propelled significantly by the structured training initiatives of the TSF Sports Ecosystem.

Among the eight selected state representatives, five players are shining products of the TSF grassroots training initiative. Demonstrating immense skill, discipline, and perseverance, the talented youngsters who have earned their places in the state squad include Premchand Salbania and Laxman Majhi from Sukinda, Lucky Tudu from Bamnipal, Mangal Besra, and Sirka Gagarai hailing from Kalinganagar. Their selection underscores the effectiveness of the TSF grassroots framework in identifying, nurturing, and propelling local talent toward elite competitive platforms.

Building on grassroots football programme established in 2012 across Jajpur, including Kalinganagar, Sukinda, and Bamnipal, Tata Steel Foundation continues to empower rural and tribal youth through structured coaching and competitive exposure. By bridging local talent with state-level opportunities, the initiative continues to transform dreams into reality for aspiring athletes across Odisha.