Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to rise in sports in coming years and necessary modern amenities are on the anvil, said Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Friday.
Releasing a book titled “Seizing The Opportunity: The Artist’s Gallery For Penalty Corner & Drag Flick”, written by renowned sports scientist Dr Saju Joseph, in Bhubaneswar, the chief secretary said the government has created enviable sports facilities in the state. Around 100 multipurpose indoor stadiums have been constructed in urban areas with facilities of gym, badminton, table tennis and other sports activities to attract talent pools in the state, he added.
Speaking on the Men’s Hockey World Cup next month, he said for the first time in its history, the world cup will be played at two venues i.e. Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. India’s largest hockey stadium with all modern amenities has been set up at Rourkela within a year. The commercial flights to steel city are expected very soon.
Arranging such international tournaments has brought laurels to Odisha at international level. After historic performance by the hockey teams in Tokyo Olympics, the government has extended sponsorship contract for them for another 10 years till 2032, he said adding that a half of hockey players in national teams will be from Odisha in coming years and the government is also preparing for it.
As many as 21 astroturf fields are under construction in Sundargarh district and will be completed before the World Cup, feeling the pulse of the hockey lovers of the district, a place is known as the cradle of Indian hockey, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, author of the book Dr Joseph spoke on drag flick in hockey and explained how it has become a scoring opportunity in tournaments.
President of Hockey Association of India, Dr Dilip Tirkey said such book needs to be translated in Odia so that hockey players at grassroots level can read it and draw inspiration. He was also presented a silver hockey stick on the occasion.
Secretary, Sports and Youth Services R Vineel Krishna and Commissioner of Police Cuttack-Bhubaneswae Saumendra Priyadarshi also spoke on the occasion. Eminent personalities from sports and other sectors were also present.
The event was organised by Hockey Association of Odisha. Former sports administrator Ashok Mohanty moderated the session while Joint Secretary of Sports and Youth Services Sailendra Kumar Jena proposed a vote of thanks.
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