Odisha Govt Mulls Sports Goods & Equipment Manufacturing Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is keen to make sports goods manufacturing a priority sector and introduce a fresh policy to attract sports, fitness and wellness sector companies.

Speaking at a webinar titled ‘Odisha – The sports destination of India’, Principal Secretary of Odisha government’s Industries department Hemant Sharma said the policy will provide attractive incentives for sports goods manufacturers and exporters who are interested in investing in Odisha.

Highlighting the state’s infrastructure, stable government and highly-skilled workforce, Sharma invited investors to explore opportunities in the state. He also invited sports goods manufacturers and exporter association to visit Odisha and check out the facilities.

Odisha has hosted several international sporting events including Asian Athletics Championships in 2017, Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and the ongoing Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup. The state has also set up 11 High-Performance Centres, including Abhinav Bindra Centre, Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre, Odisha JSW Swimming High-Performance Centre in 10 sports disciplines.

To empower budding sportspersons, Odisha has also built 89 Biju Patnaik indoor stadiums, 20 hockey training centres, 16 sports hostels and 314 rural mini stadiums across the state.

Representatives of sports goods manufacturers, exporter association and other sports associations participated in the webinar, held in association with the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).