Canberra: Non-resident Odias in Australia celebrated ‘Orioz Sports Fest 2022’ at Canberra with much pomp, splendour and fanfare.

Over 100 Odias from different states of Australia gathered at the festival venues with enthusiasm to witness and take part in the unique event showcasing both the excellence in sports and vibrant culture of Odisha. The two-day event was hosted by Odias Association in Australia, ORIOZ INC.

The cultural jamboree and sports extravaganza, conceptualised by Sambit Das from Queensland and ORIOZ President Dr Nalini Pati,  sought to ensure physical fitness as well as mental wellness of the ORIOZ members after Covid pandemic.

The festival kicked off with a fun filled and competitive T12 match between Australia Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW) teams comprising young members of ORIOZ at Gowrie Oval. ACT Team led by Captain Saswat Pati won the match, defeating NSW led by Aavansh Asitav Nayak as captain in a photo finish sensational one run victory.

The highlight of the second day of the festival was a badminton tournament at Australian National University Sports Arena with the players showing exemplary professionalism and astounding sportsman spirit irrespective of victory or defeat, the association said in a statement.

The outcome of the matches were — Men’s Doubles Champion : Sambit Das and Dharmteja  Mansingh; Runners Up: Debashish Choudhury and Anesh Mohapatra; Women Doubles Winners :  Chinmayee Mohanty and Radhika Swain; Runners Up: Madhu Patra and Pragnya Jagadev; Mixed Doubles winners Dharmteja  Mansingh and Akhansha  Mishra; Runners Up : Sambit  Das and Chinmayee Mohanty; Junior Doubles winners: Muskaan Lenka and Subhasree  Patro; Runners up: Deepti Prava Sahu and Alisha Nayak.

Orioz’s President Nalini Pati and Former President Rajsekhar Acharya distributed the trophies, medals and certificates. International shooting champion Shriyanka Sadangi enthralled the audiences by her inspiring speech.

The colourful cultural programme presented by Orioz members at Pearce Community Centre drew huge appreciation by the viewers. The spectacular show was well coordinated at inter-state level with unified efforts by Mumtaz  Lenka, Smita  Samantaray, Rozaline Rout, Barta Pendyam, Dr Ram Prasad Mohanty, Chinmayee Mohanty and Madhumita Swain.

The special attraction of the mega event was the recital of Odia Bhajan, “Ki Sundara Aha Ki Ananda Maya” by children with the brilliant direction of Tarun Agasti. The dazzling evening also witnessed several fun frolic and heart touching performances by the members of the community covering all age groups.

The spectators were overwhelmed by the virtual appearance of Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu.

Gracing the inaugural ceremony, Indian High Commissioner in Australia Manpreet Vohra lauded the contribution of Odisha and Odias in promoting brand India globally. Addressing the gathering, President of ORIOZ Nalini Pati stressed the need of sporting and cultural activities to keep the community fit physically and mentally. Australian Shadow Minister of Multicultural Affairs Peter Cain was also present.