Bhubaneswar: In another major boost to sports infrastructure, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday inaugurated the Odisha Table Tennis Academy in Bhubaneswar. He also declared the 29th State Table Tennis Championship 2023 open on the occasion.
The Odisha Table Tennis Academy features a spacious table tennis arena with 16 TT tables, a well-equipped gymnasium, a weightlifting room and a chess area. There are also dedicated space for yoga and zumba enthusiasts to provide a holistic approach to fitness and well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “With the inauguration of the Odisha Table Tennis Academy, we are taking another significant step towards promoting sports excellence in table tennis. This academy will not only nurture budding talents but also serve as a hub for recreation and competitive spirit.”
He said 33 Table Tennis Centres being established across indoor halls in the state will be operational by December. Cuttack TT Academy will also be operational shortly with 16 tables.
Naveen commended the Odisha State Table Tennis Association for taking significant steps for promoting table tennis and offered all necessary support to produce elite table tennis players to represent the state in national and international competitions.
TTFI dignitaries Chaudhury and Kamlesh Mehta appreciated the Chief Minister’s vision for sports and support towards hosting Commonwealth TT championship and the National TT Championships in 2019.
Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha VK Pandian, Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, OSTTA president Sanjay Singh and Sports Secretary Vineel Krishna were present on the occasion.
