Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has exhorted start-ups and entrepreneurs to invest in sports as Odisha is promoting the sector in a big way.
The said this at the valedictory ceremony of SPORT IT 2020, touted as India’s first sports and innovation festival. The event, organised by Xavier Emlyon Business School (XEBS) and the state government’s Sports and Youth Services Department, came to an end here on Sunday.
“With SPORT IT 2020, we want to create an inclusive platform that would not only celebrate sports innovation and entrepreneurship but also involve sports persons, start-ups, high performance centres and students in a significant way,” he said.
“It will encourage the participants from the sports fraternity to meet, exchange knowledge and learn from one another,” he added.
Welcoming sports entrepreneurs, investors and students from across India and abroad, the CM said it was a matter of pride that Odisha has been conferred with the Sports-Star Ace Award for the second consecutive year for being the best state for sports promotion in the entire country.
“I am sure the festival will enhance the outcome of our efforts to bring innovation to sports and promote a sporting culture among the youth,” he said.
On the occasion, the CM handed over the Best Start-up Award to Funngage, a curated and integrated sports platform from Delhi.
