The Business Bytes
Bhubaneswar, November 9, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Centurion Cup 2024, the prestigious Odisha State AFL (Australian Football) Championship, concluded with electrifying wins as Team Keonjhar clinched the senior men’s title, and Team Mayurbhanj emerged victorious in the senior women’s division.
Organized by the Odisha Footy Association (OFA), in collaboration with Centurion University, Odisha, THAMARRURR Youth from Australia, and AFL India, the two-day tournament witnessed fierce competition among 14 teams from across Odisha.
Hosted at Centurion University in Bhubaneswar on November 8th and 9th, the championship saw over 200 players and officials from 8 senior men’s teams, 2 junior men’s teams, and 4 senior women’s teams battle it out in a double-header league format. The participating teams included representations from districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Jajpur, and Khordha, all striving for the coveted title and a chance to compete in the upcoming National Championship organized by AFL India.
In a thrilling final showdown, Team Khordha claimed the junior division title, while Team Keonjhar emerged as the champions in the senior men’s category, showcasing exceptional skill and resilience. In the senior women’s division, Team Mayurbhanj displayed remarkable sportsmanship and tenacity, seizing the top spot with an impressive victory.
Team Centurion, despite narrowly missing the title, secured runners-up positions in both the senior women’s and men’s divisions, underscoring their consistency and competitive spirit.
The event was inaugurated by prominent dignitaries including Dr. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University Odisha, along with Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajay Kumar Nayak and Dr. Surjyaprakash S. Choudhury, a renowned neurologist. The awards ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Ashok Mohanty, Deputy Director of Sports for the Government of Odisha, and notable figures such as Prof. Jaganath Padhi, Director at Centurion University Bhubaneswar Campus, was a celebratory affair that honoured the achievements of the players.
As the final whistle blew, the grounds of Centurion University resonated with the victorious cheers of Team Keonjhar and Team Mayurbhanj, who celebrated with an exuberant display of folk music and dance.
The Centurion Cup 2024 was not merely a championship; it was a vibrant festival of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the growing passion for Australian Football in Odisha.
