Bhubaneswar: Puri Smash Kings thrashed LBN Lions 3-1 to win the inaugural edition of the Odisha Premier Badminton League, which concluded at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday.

The Smash Kings beat the Lions 3-1 in the men's doubles, veterans' doubles and junior boys' doubles categories.

The Lions had defeated the ABC Warriors, while the Smash Kings beat the Falcon Fighters in their respective semi-finals to secure their places in the final.

Sports minister Chandra Sarathi Behera, who attended the concluding ceremony, said: "Bhubaneswar has emerged as a sought-after destination for international competitions. The Asian Athletics Ahampionship aimed at providing substantial exposure to our boys and girls who got a chance to watch world champions in action. We are looking to garner similar approach for other sports as well."

The three-day tournament kicked off on Friday with eight franchises - the ABC Warriers, Barabati Stars, Barbil Tigers, Falcon Fighters, Dhenkanal Defenders, Kalinga Strikers, LBN Lions and Puri Smash Kings - from across the state taking part.

The teams were divided into two groups in juniors', seniors' and masters' categories.

Ollywood stars Sabyasachi Mishra and Elina Samantray were present during the closing ceremony.

"We will organise the championship next year as well to make sure that the sport is promoted and more players get a chance to play the sport," said organising secretary Kamal Das.

Experts also feel that such tournaments would benefit the sport as it required a lot of encouragement.

"The sport is still in its nascent stage and we need to do a lot to promote it," said sports critic Akash Jena.