Odias in North America Unite Communities Through Cricket
The first-ever OINA (Odias in North America) Cricket Tournament was successfully completed at County Court Park, Brampton, Canada, marking a historic milestone for the Odia diaspora in North America.
The concept of this unique tournament was envisioned by two dynamic Odia businessmen and community leaders — Mr. Sanjay Dalai and Mr. Subrat Nayak — with valuable support from cricket enthusiast Mr. Trilochan Rath. Their shared goal was to build stronger bonds between Odias and other Indian communities in North America through the sport that unites millions — cricket.
Unity Through Cricket
The inaugural edition saw enthusiastic participation not only from Odias but also from Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Punjabi communities. The organizers emphasized that the tournament’s purpose was more than just cricket — it was to foster friendship, cultural unity, and community pride.
A Thrilling Final
6 Canadian teams participated in the first edition. The grand final, played on September 1, 2025, turned into a nail-biting contest.
GTA Warriors defeated GTA Risers by just 1 wicket, making the finale an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
Leadership & Recognition
The appointment of noted Odia diplomat Mr. Dinesh Pattnaik as the High Commissioner of India to Canada has added further significance to this initiative. Under his guidance and goodwill, organizers believe this tournament can become a game-changing annual event, connecting all Indian communities across Canada and beyond.
From the Odia community, Mr. Bibek, Mr. Debakant Senapati, Mr. Jatibrata Acharya, and Mr. Gyana played crucial roles in supporting and motivating the organizers (Sanjay and Subrat), ensuring smooth execution.
“ This tournament was not just about cricket; it was about connecting hearts, uniting communities, and showcasing Odias as bridge-builders in North America. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed this year give us confidence that next year will be even bigger, bringing in Odia players from the USA as well. ”
Odias in North America Unite Communities Through Cricket
The first-ever OINA (Odias in North America) Cricket Tournament was successfully completed at County Court Park, Brampton, Canada, marking a historic milestone for the Odia diaspora in North America.
The concept of this unique tournament was envisioned by two dynamic Odia businessmen and community leaders — Mr. Sanjay Dalai and Mr. Subrat Nayak — with valuable support from cricket enthusiast Mr. Trilochan Rath. Their shared goal was to build stronger bonds between Odias and other Indian communities in North America through the sport that unites millions — cricket.
Unity Through Cricket
The inaugural edition saw enthusiastic participation not only from Odias but also from Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Punjabi communities. The organizers emphasized that the tournament’s purpose was more than just cricket — it was to foster friendship, cultural unity, and community pride.
A Thrilling Final
6 Canadian teams participated in the first edition. The grand final, played on September 1, 2025, turned into a nail-biting contest.
GTA Warriors defeated GTA Risers by just 1 wicket, making the finale an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
Leadership & Recognition
The appointment of noted Odia diplomat Mr. Dinesh Pattnaik as the High Commissioner of India to Canada has added further significance to this initiative. Under his guidance and goodwill, organizers believe this tournament can become a game-changing annual event, connecting all Indian communities across Canada and beyond.
From the Odia community, Mr. Bibek, Mr. Debakant Senapati, Mr. Jatibrata Acharya, and Mr. Gyana played crucial roles in supporting and motivating the organizers (Sanjay and Subrat), ensuring smooth execution.
“ This tournament was not just about cricket; it was about connecting hearts, uniting communities, and showcasing Odias as bridge-builders in North America. The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed this year give us confidence that next year will be even bigger, bringing in Odia players from the USA as well. ”
Co-organizer’s Reflections
Co-organizer Subrat Nayak added:
“ We are humbled by the appreciation we received from every participating team. This is just the beginning. Toronto will see many more such community-driven events. ”
A New Chapter for OINA
The success of the first OINA Cricket Tournament sets the stage for an annual sporting tradition that will not only strengthen the Odia identity in North America but also create bridges with diverse Indian communities.
As the sun set on a thrilling day in Brampton, the message was clear:
“ One Family, One Community, One Odisha — OINA leads the way. ”