Bhubaneswar: Odisha emerged as the top-performing state at the IndiaSkills 2025-26, securing the highest medal tally in the country with a total of 57 medals. The closing ceremony of the national championship was held at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

Under the leadership of Minister for Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, Odisha is strengthening youth empowerment and future-ready skill development to build a globally competitive talent pool for the industries of today and tomorrow, said the state government.

Congratulating the winners, the Minister highlighted that this achievement reflects the state’s world-class training standards, a strong culture of skill excellence, and robust institutional support. He also expressed confidence that Odisha will continue to achieve greater success on global platforms.

Odisha secures 15 Gold medals

Extending his congratulations, Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary for Skill Development and Technical Education, and Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO of World Skill Center commended the competitors for their outstanding performance and wished them continued success in the upcoming WorldSkills Competitions.

Out of 90 participants representing the state, an impressive 57 competitors emerged victorious—including 15 Gold, 12 Silver, and 14 Bronze medals, along with 16 participants who secured Medallions for Excellence. The medal winners were accorded a warm welcome upon their arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar.

Officials from the World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar, heaped praises on the efforts of the participants, noting that the accomplishment highlights the dedication, discipline, and technical excellence of Odisha’s youth, as well as the strength of the state’s skilling ecosystem.

Over 650 candidates participate in IndiaSkills 2025-26

Organised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), IndiaSkills 2025-26 witnessed participation from over 650 candidates across the country, competing in diverse sectors including construction, manufacturing, ICT, creative arts, and services. The competition was conducted across multiple locations, including Greater Noida and key centres in Odisha and other states.

The successful candidates from this national championship will represent India at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition and bring pride and recognition to the nation on a global stage.