official website of pahadian sports foundation

Best Sports NGO in Odisha, India

History of Pahadian Sports Foundation

The Pahadian Sports Foundation was conceived with a vision to bring sporting opportunities to some of the most underrepresented communities in India — the tribal and hilly regions. The idea took root when two long-time friends, Lt Col Bijayananda Das and Mr. Chittaranjan Murmu (International Rugby Player), both passionate about sports and youth development, decided to create a platform for nurturing hidden athletic talent. Explore the history of Pahadian Sports from traditional games to modern achievements, and celebrate the athletic spirit of the community. Discover the proud history of Pahadian Sports Foundation, tracing culture traditions, champions and events that shaped our athletic legacy.

The foundation was established on 1 January 2023 with the aim of identifying, training, and promoting athletes from rural, urban, and underprivileged backgrounds, especially in Odisha and other states of India. After thorough groundwork and planning, the foundation was formally incorporated on 11 August 2025.

From its inception, the Pahadian Sports Foundation has set clear objectives:

Providing underprivileged athletes with access to platforms, resources, and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Organizing grassroots-level talent hunts and offering professional training in sports such as Rugby, Football, Kabaddi, athletics, and general physical fitness.
Delivering physical fitness and motivational training to youth aspiring for careers in the armed forces, police, and public services.
Offering scholarships, mentorship, equipment, and nutritional support to deserving candidates.
Hosting sports events, tournaments, and awareness campaigns in partnership with recognized sports bodies.
Coordinating and unifying sports clubs under its structure for greater efficiency and impact.

With a mission deeply rooted in service and empowerment, the foundation aims to be a catalyst for change in the sports ecosystem of tribal and hilly regions, ensuring that talent is recognized not by geography or privilege, but by potential and determination.

Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers & Team

At the heart of the Pahadian Sports Foundation is a team of dedicated and passionate individuals who go above and beyond to support our mission. They work tirelessly, often stepping in wherever help is needed, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to the cause.

We are proud to have Mr. Babula Melaka, an international rugby player, serving as our Secretary . His sporting experience and leadership bring immense value to our programs. Alongside him is Mr. Rajesh Kumar Barla, also an international rugby player, who serves as Joint Secretary. Known for his smart thinking and tireless work ethic, he plays a crucial role in advancing our initiatives.

Our support team includes Mr. Niranjan Biswal , working as a Manager and Mr. Kanhu Charan Hembram, a dedicated sports teacher who inspires and trains young athletes, and Adv. Ganeswar Gagarai, who serve as a Legal Advisor and Mr. Rati Ranjan Parida, who serves as our Field Officer, working directly with communities to identify and nurture talent.

The foundation is also guided by the vision and leadership of our Directors, Mrs. Sweta Das and Mrs. Sushree Salma Majhi, whose strategic oversight helps us stay true to our mission.

Together, this passionate team forms the backbone of Pahadian Sports Foundation, driving our efforts to promote sports in tribal and hilly regions and transforming the dreams of young athletes into reality.