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The state football association members, fans, family members and well wishers were eagerly waiting for them at the railway station here.
Though the train was late for two and half hours, it never dampened the spirit of the fans who thronged the railway station with garlands and drums in their hands. As the players got off the train with trophy in their hands, people waiting for their arrival heaped on them with cheers.
Notwithstanding, Team Odisha has been a champion in the national games, yet this time it became truly national champion. The highlight of the tournament was that Team Odisha remained unbeaten throughout.
“It was the dream of Odisha Football Association that we win and the dream has been realised now after 19 long years wait. We won the championship with the peoples’ support,” said Alochana Senapati, Caption of the winning team.
“The credit goes to the Football Association of Orissa, but clearly the win is credited to the contribution of many,” said Sanjay Behera, Secretary, Football Association of Orissa (FAO).
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“In the absence of proper encouragement, in future, these talented players who mostly come from not so privileged backgrounds may look for green pastures and join teams from other states,” added Behera.
After Beating West Bengal 5-0 in the final of the championship, the Odisha Senior Women’s football team emerged as national champion after 19 long years. On Thursday morning, people anxiously waited for the Raipur-Puri Express to arrive at Cuttack station, as members of the team were on board.
