Report by Pravu Prasad Routray; Bhubaneswar: 77th All India Railway Athletic Championship, which kicks started at Kalinga Stadium here on Friday. Odisha Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare inaugurates the Championship. Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare  congratulated Indra Ghosh and Railway authorities for conducting the national event at Bhubaneswar and praised the role of Indian Railways in general and East Coast Railway in particular for development of Railway infrastructure and contribution in the field of sports and culture.

East Coast Railway Sports Association president Dilip Kumar Samantary in his welcome address highlighted the achievements of East Coast Railway in sports and games and expressed his gratitude to the State Government for their cooperation in organising this national level championship.

Earlier in morning, general manager, East Coast Railway Inder Ghose lighted up the torch rally at East Coast Railway headquarters, ECoR Sadan, Chandrasekharpur for the meet and handed over the torch to sprinter JJ Sobha and other Arjun Awardees.

Colourful march-past was presented where participant of all the Zonal railways and production units of Indian Railways took part including RPF Band. A thrilling and colourful cultural function was performed by Odishi Dance Academy headed by Guru Aruna Mohanty and her troupe of over 150 dancers followed by a unique Tattoo show by RPF and various school children.