In a remarkable display of grit, determination, and talent, 14-year-old Mousumi Simalai from Paralakhemundi in Odisha’s Gajapati district has brought glory to the state by clinching the Gold Medal in Rifle Shooting at the prestigious All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) 2025, held in New Delhi. Mousumi, a Class IX student at Centurion Public School, overcame stiff competition from more than 1,200 cadets across the country to secure the top position in the NCC Junior Wing Girls category.

Odisha’s young badminton stars showcased exceptional talent and determination at the East Zone Badminton Championship 2025, held at the JRD Tata Complex in Jamshedpur, finishing the tournament with a rich haul of three gold medals and one silver on the final day. Their stellar performance has once again put Odisha on the badminton map, highlighting the state’s growing prominence in the sport.

Two educators from Odisha have brought pride to the state after being honoured with the prestigious National Teachers’ Award 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu at a glittering ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The recognition was given for their innovative and creative approaches to teaching that have transformed classroom learning for young students.

Odisha took a proud step in showcasing its flavours and heritage as Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated the Omfed Café and Koraput Coffee Café at Odisha Niwas in New Delhi on Wednesday. The launch brings the authentic taste of Odisha to the national capital, offering both the Odia community and people from across India an opportunity to savour the state’s finest products.

Odisha has once again found itself on the global cinematic map with a unique cultural and historical connection.

The city of Sambalpur witnessed a grand celebration of its cultural identity and timeless traditions with the successful hosting of the Nuakhai Festival and Rangabati Mahotsava from August 27 to 29, 2025. The three-day event showcased Sambalpur’s vibrant music, rich culture, colorful rituals, exquisite handlooms, and community spirit, drawing participants, artists, leaders, and visitors from across India.

India has appointed seasoned diplomat Dinesh K. Patnaik as the country’s new High Commissioner to Canada, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. A 1990-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Patnaik brings over three decades of rich diplomatic experience and is currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Spain. He will soon assume charge in Ottawa, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Hailing from Odisha, Patnaik has held important assignments across the world.

The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has announced the Marquee Players for the much-anticipated Odisha Pro T20 League 2025, which will be held in September under the management of Arivaa Sports. Among the six marquee players, wicketkeeper-batter Aashirwad Swain has drawn special attention for being the youngest in the list at just 20 years and 175 days.

In a landmark achievement for Odisha’s cultural landscape, the Ganjam folk art-inspired short film Adamya has won the Best Short Film Award at the prestigious Nirmal Pandey Memorial Film Festival 2025. The win not only celebrates the timeless traditions of Ganjam but also places Odisha firmly in the national spotlight for its cinematic contributions.

In a historic achievement for Odisha, Champa Rasbeda, a young girl from the Didayi tribal community in Amri Behda of Malkangiri district, has become the first-ever Didayi girl to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), paving her way towards a career in medicine. This remarkable milestone has not only brought immense pride to her family but also ignited hope and inspiration across her community, which has long struggled with lack of educational and healthcare opportunities.