Odisha Govt Shows Interest To Set Up Equestrian Centre of Excellence

Bhubaneswar: In another step to promote sports, the Odisha government has evinced its interest to set up a Centre of Excellence in equestrian.

R Vineel Krishna, secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department showed keen interest in opening such a centre in the state during a meeting with Odisha’s horse-riding prodigy Rishita Samantaray and her parents, Col Ashish Samantaray and Rohini Singh Deo, at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

While congratulating Rishita for winning a silver and a bronze medal at the Delhi Horse Show in Delhi last month, the Sports Secretary assured support to help the promising horse rider achieve greater laurels.

According to Col Samantaray, who is a highly experienced horse rider and polo player turned coach, the secretary showed keen interest in equestrian and enquired about scope of promoting the sport in Odisha.

“During discussion, we sought the support of the Odisha government to set up an Equestrian Centre of Excellence in the state. If implemented, the centre could be another jewel in the crown of Odisha, which has already become the best sports promoting State in the country,’’ said Col Samantaray, who trains horse riders of the country.

The centre would not only provide training and coaching facilities to aspiring and active horse riders, but also help them win laurels for the state and country in equestrian and polo.

“The response of the Sports Secretary was positive. He has asked us to come up with a concrete proposal with all requirements including infrastructure, horses, trainers and expenses. We already have a proposal with us. But it needs modification. I will consult with personnel in the Indian Army who have been dealing with equestrian and submit the final draft proposal as early as possible,’’ said Col Samantaray.