Rourkela (Odisha), November 11, 2025: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, inaugurated the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 in a grand ceremony at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela. The event, which runs from 11th to 15th November 2025, is being held across Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur, bringing together over 5,500 student-athletes from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) representing 21 States and 1 Union Territory.
The Chief Guest, Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and torch, formally launching the national-level sports meet.
In his address, Shri Oram highlighted the Government’s commitment to holistic development of tribal communities through quality education and co-curricular excellence, quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for empowering tribal youth. He emphasized that through NESTS, the government continues to create opportunities for tribal students to excel in education, sports, art, and culture, ensuring their all-round growth and leadership in society.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed participation from distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Ajeet K. Shrivastava, Commissioner, NESTS; Shri B. Parameshwaran, Secretary, ST & SC Development Department, Government of Odisha; Shri Premjit Nayak, Director, ST; and Shri Subhankar Mohapatra, Collector, Sundargarh.
Addressing the young participants, Shri Ajeet K. Shrivastava encouraged them to display discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, underscoring that sports are key to building character, confidence, and leadership among youth.
The opening ceremony featured a vibrant march-past and an oath-taking ceremony led by Hockey Olympian Shri Lazarus Barla. The event’s official mascot, ‘Milan’ — a melanistic tiger symbolizing strength and pride, added enthusiasm and excitement to the proceedings.
The closing ceremony on 15th November 2025 will coincide with the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, celebrating the spirit of tribal excellence with prize distribution for outstanding performers — continuing the tradition established in last year’s cultural fest.
The National EMRS Sports Meet stands as a powerful platform for promoting sporting excellence among tribal youth, while nurturing unity, talent, and pride across India’s tribal communities.
