Odisha continues to shine on the national football map as Akashi Nayak from Sundargarh has earned a prestigious call up to the Indian U 19 women’s football squad for the upcoming South Asian Football Championship. The tournament will be held in Pokhara, Nepal, and is set to begin on January 31, bringing together top young footballing talent from across South Asia.

Akashi Nayak, a promising defender and a product of the renowned Sundargarh Sports Hostel, is the only footballer from Odisha to be selected for the Indian squad for this championship. Her selection is a matter of immense pride not just for Sundargarh but for the entire state, highlighting Odisha’s growing contribution to Indian women’s football.

The young defender’s journey to the national team has been marked by consistent and impressive performances in various national level tournaments. Her strong defensive skills, game awareness, and discipline on the field helped her stand out during the India camp, where she successfully impressed the national selectors and secured her place in the final squad.

With Akashi’s inclusion, she becomes the seventh player from the Sundargarh Sports Hostel to be selected for a national junior football team, further underlining the hostel’s reputation as a nurturing ground for football talent in India. Over the years, Sundargarh has emerged as a major hub for football in Odisha, producing several players who have gone on to represent the country at different levels.

Expressing confidence in his trainee, Sundargarh Sports Hostel coach Hriday Ranjan, popularly known as Tuna Singh, said that Akashi Nayak has the potential to enhance the glory of both Sundargarh Sports Hostel and Odisha through her performance on the international stage. He praised her dedication, hard work, and commitment, stating that her selection is the result of years of disciplined training and passion for the game.

India will kick off their South Asian Football Championship campaign against hosts Nepal on January 31. The team will then face Bangladesh on February 2, followed by a match against Bhutan on February 4. The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on February 7, where India will aim to put up a strong performance and compete for the title.

Akashi Nayak’s selection is an inspiring moment for young footballers in Odisha, especially girls aspiring to make a mark in the sport. Her journey from Sundargarh Sports Hostel to the Indian U 19 national team stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and the strong sports ecosystem developing in the state.