The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, is organising the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 from 11th to 15th November 2025 across Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur in Odisha. This sports meet brings together student athletes from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across 21 States and 1 Union Territory, promoting sporting excellence.

The 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, on 11th November 2025 at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium, Rourkela. The Hon’ble Minister lit the ceremonial lamp and the torch, marking the formal commencement of the national event.

Lightening of Lamp by Hon'ble Minister of Tribal Affairs and dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony

In his inaugural address, Shri Jual Oram Ji highlighted that the comprehensive development of tribal communities can be achieved through quality education, quoting the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, on the Government’s strong focus on tribal education and co-curricular activities. He reaffirmed that through NESTS, the Government of India is working proactively to provide tribal students with opportunities to excel in education, sports, art & culture, and overall development.

HMTA addressing EMRS Sports athletes

The inauguration was graced by Shri Ajeet K. Shrivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, Government of India, 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 athletes, Shri Ajeet K. Shrivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, encouraged them to strive for excellence with discipline and sportsmanship. He motivated the students to use the Meet to showcase their talent, build character and sportsmanship, and also encouraged them to give their best, motivate their peers, and develop as both athletes and responsible individuals.

Dignitaries at the event

The inaugural event of the 4th National EMRS Sports Meet 2025 included a ceremonial march-past representing over 5,500 student athletes from 21 States and 1 Union Territory, followed by the oath-taking ceremony, which was conducted under the guidance of Hockey Olympian Shri Lazarus Barla.

Oath taking                                             Ceremonial march-past by EMRS Students

Adding to the excitement, the students were joined by the official EMRS Sports Meet mascot, ‘Milan’, Odisha’s melanistic tiger and a rare lineage of royal Bengal tigers.

Mascot: Milan

The closing ceremony of the meet will be held on 15th November 2025, marking the grand finale with prize distribution for the outstanding performers, continuing the tradition of celebrating excellence and achievement among tribal students, on the occasion of 150^th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, similar to last year’s cultural fest finale held on 15^th November 2024.

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RN

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