60 Youth Complete 200-Km Mahanadi River Rafting Expedition, Reach Paradip

Paradip: In a first-of-its-kind adventure sports initiative in Odisha, 60 young men and women have successfully completed a 200-km river rafting expedition along the Mahanadi, reaching Paradip Fishing Harbour on Friday evening.

The week-long adventure, organised by the State Sports and Youth Services Department under the Mahanadi River Raft 2026 programme, began on October 31 from the Bhattarika shrine in Cuttack district.

A total of 60 participants, including 42 men and 18 women from nine districts, took part in the expedition, which concluded with a grand reception at Paradip Fishing Harbour.

Sharing their experiences, participants said the expedition helped them overcome fear and develop courage, patience, discipline and teamwork. They described the journey as a valuable learning experience that would help them face future challenges.

The concluding ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Sudhakar Nayak, Deputy Secretary Bibhudatta Gadanayak, Abhishek Mandal of MY Bharat, AAF Director Rabindra Bhuian and Odisha Marine Fish Producers Association president Srikanta Parida, among others.

The dignitaries felicitated the participants and appreciated their courage and determination in successfully completing the challenging expedition.