Paperman Media ( Bhubaneswar )- The “2nd Michael Kindo Memorial Championship Trophy 2026 – All India Women’s Hockey Championship” was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and grandeur on 22nd May 2026 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The championship is being organised by the Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust in association with the Hockey Association of Odisha as a tribute to legendary Olympian Michael Kindo and with the objective of promoting women’s hockey in India.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries and distinguished guests from sports, administration, public service, and social organisations.
The Chief Guests and distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion included Surama Padhy, Hon’ble Speaker, Odisha Legislative Assembly; Sulochana Das, Mayor, Bhubaneswar; Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India; and Albert Kindo, son of legendary hockey player Michael Kindo.
Among the other distinguished guests present were Rakesh Choudhary, Commandant, CISF; Bijaya Kumar Swain, Additional Secretary to Government & CEO, HPCO; Capt. Ratikanta Nayak, Chairman, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; Capt. Biswabijaya Sahoo, President, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; Ranjan Kumar Das, Secretary, Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust; Sanatan Sahoo, General Secretary, Hockey Association of Odisha; and Sidharth Sankar Pati, State Secretary, OBC Morcha.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the Bhubaneswar Hockey Club Trust in organising a national-level women’s hockey championship in memory of Michael Kindo, whose contribution to Indian hockey continues to inspire generations of players. The guests encouraged young women athletes to pursue excellence in sports and highlighted the importance of hockey in Odisha’s sporting culture.
The championship will continue till 27th May 2026. League matches will be conducted from 22nd to 24th May 2026, followed by a rest day on 25th May 2026. The Semi-Finals are scheduled for 26th May 2026, while the Grand Final will be played on 27th May 2026. The tournament features participation from teams across the country and aims to encourage women’s participation in hockey while strengthening grassroots sports development in India.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participating teams, supporters, officials, and sports lovers for making the inauguration ceremony a grand success.
