Jamshedpur, Sept 22: The 15th East Zone Junior Softball Championship 2025-26 concluded on Sunday at Regal Ground, Bistupur, with Odisha emerging as the overall winner. The Odisha boys’ and girls’ teams displayed exceptional skill and claimed the championship titles in both categories.
Bihar secured the runner-up position in the boys’ category and finished third in the girls’ category. West Bengal took the second runner-up spot in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
The three-day tournament, held from September 19 to 21, was jointly organized by the Purbi Singhbhum District Softball Association and the Softball Association of Jharkhand. It was the first time Jamshedpur hosted the prestigious junior championship, which witnessed participation from five states, 350 players, and 30 technical officials.
The closing ceremony featured a colourful prize distribution. Chief guest Pawan Singh, along with senior officials of the Softball Association of India and representatives from West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, presented trophies and medals to the winners. Coaches, technical officials, and association members who contributed to the event’s success were also honored with mementos and robes.
Pawan Singh praised the smooth organization and congratulated the players. Officials of the Softball Association of India also expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and hoped Jharkhand would get the opportunity to host such championships again. Visiting teams appreciated the hospitality and praised the facilities provided.
The tournament followed a league-cum-knockout format, with league matches held in the initial rounds followed by knockout stages. On the final day, matches concluded before the grand prize distribution ceremony at 3:30 pm.
Key contributions to the event came from association office-bearers and volunteers, including General Secretary Praveen Anavarkar, Chairman L.R. Maurya, and several state officials. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dayal Singh Mehra, Joint Secretary of the host district association.
