Business push for sport in Odisha

The state government signed Monday pacts with business houses for the creation of 10 high-level centers in different sports disciplines.

Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, also unveiled the Men's World Cup trophy, in the event will be held at Kalinga stadium.

The centers to set up include the Athletics Group Reliance, the JSW Group's football and swimming, the Dalmia Bharat Group's badminton, the Ahluwalia group's weightlifting and the Aditya group's shot. Birla Group and hockey by the Tata group. Moreover, the state government has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Xavier-Emlyon Business School to set up a high-level sports center for sports management. Similarly, Rungta Mines Ltd and Abhinav Futuristic Pvt Ltd will install an advanced medical rehabilitation center there.

"The signing of these protocols of agreement has created a lasting partnership, which will help train world-clbad athletes. But this partnership goes beyond the granting of grants and funds, it will aim to extend the reach of every sport in India, "Naveen said.

The former captain of the Indian cricket team Anil Kumble, coach and Indian coach Pullela Gopichand and shooter Gagan Narang was also present at the event.

"The government of Odisha promotes sport effectively. I think that Odisha has a lot of talent and that initiatives like these will only help, "said Gopichand.

Sports Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev said the initiative would contribute to the search for talent and the training of players at the party. "It's a great day, not just for the state, but for the country as well. This initiative was long overdue to fully develop the quality of sport and athletes in the country. By signing these Memoranda of Understanding, we have created a framework that will work on sports education, local talent identification, and infrastructure development globally, "said Dev.

The event was followed by a concert by Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh Thousands of spectators remained in the stadium during the unveiling of the World Cup Hockey Trophy. The event will begin on November 28th.