Where Development of Sports is More Than a Mission – A Passion

Bhubaneswar: One of the major features of Odisha’s transformation has been its tryst with the development of sports and games. In the last few years, the State has successfully positioned itself in a distinct place in the country as the sports capital by hosting major international sports events. At a time when other states found it difficult to host a number of prestigious events for the country for various reasons, Odisha stood ahead and took the challenge and hosted some of the big ticket events like Hockey World Cup and the Asian Athletic Championship.

Winning the franchise for Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League (HIL), hosting the prestigious Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament, managing the Asian Athletics Championship, Hockey World League of 2017 and the 2018 edition of the Hockey World Cup, have all demonstrated Odisha’s determination towards development of sports and games in the state. Odisha’s status as a hot destination for top sporting events has been proven.

The transformation of the sports infrastructure is not an effort of few days or months. It has been undergoing slow and steady development for more than a decade now. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s fancy with sports and games and concern for youth empowerment is responsible for the growth of sports infrastructure in Odisha. And behind all these achievements, one person who has given his most is none other than V K Pandian, Secretary 5T Initiatives who is also Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s private secretary.

This transformative journey of Odisha Sports started way back in 2010-11 when VK Pandian joined CM’s Office and the two sports lovers – Naveen being a great lover of hockey and himself a golie in hockey and V K Pandian who came from a sports hostel, drew the road map to put Odisha into the global map so far as promotion of sports is concerned.

Due to his hard work, Kalinga Stadium Sports complex in Bhubaneswar has become a global destination for hockey events. His love for sports and sports persons can be judged from the fact that he frequents sports hostels whenever he goes on a visit outside and also interacts with them on their problems and needs. Last year, on the occasion of Diwali, Pandian was seen in the Sports Hostel situated in Kalinga Stadium where he spent his quality time with the inmates and sharing thoughts ranging from development of sports to solving the problems. During his surprise visits to districts as part of the Mo Sarkar initiative, Pandian also reviewed the development of sports infrastructure in districts. Pandian himself is a middle distance runner and studied from a sports hostel.

Transformation of sports is an integral part of the 5T Initiatives of the Government. The high power centers at the Kalinga Stadium Sports Complex, world class sports infrastructure and hosting of International tournaments are a part of the transformation that is Odisha is witnessing in the field of Sports. As the Government is focusing on the youth, Sports and Athletics get the due attention.

Sportspersons in Odisha are being given the needed financial support for world class training.
Pandian, who attended the final day of Odisha-Reliance Foundation Athletics High Performance Centre organised at the Kalinga Stadium, explained the vision of Chief Minister to see a transformation in the sports landscape of the State and more youth of Odisha performing at the international level and bring laurels for the State.

Pandian, who has been in the forefront of supporting and promoting sports and sportspersons of the State, lauded the efforts of the HPC in enhancing performance of the athletes, and also interacted with the participating athletes and encouraged and cheered them throughout the event before giving out the awards and felicitating the cadets of the HPC.

5T Secretary’s sportsmanship spirit is reflected in all of his activities, be it too early visits to different parts of the State to review development projects on the spot, or administrative works, which is an inspiration for youth.