Odisha has Gained Repute of being Sports Capital of India: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has gained the repute of being the sports capital of India, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of launching ceremony of the first Khelo India University Games here in Bhubaneswar, the CM said, “Today Odisha is recognised in the field of sports, not just for hosting marquee events, but also for producing sports persons who are excelling across disciplines of sports in different national and international competitions”.

Besides, the bouquet of high performance centres launched in several disciplines has made Odisha a model to be emulated by others. Asian Athletics Meets, Men’s Hockey World Cup, Commonwealth Table Tennis Champions and Hockey Olympics qualifiers have created a space for Odisha on the world map and Odisha has gained the repute of being the sports capital of India, he said.

The CM thanked the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for having chosen Bhubaneswar as the venue for this important occasion.

“ It is a matter of happiness that three Union Ministers Hon’ble Union Minister Dr.Ramesh Pokhariyal, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju are present here at the launching of this spectacular sporting event”, Naveen expressed.

He said, “You will all be happy to know that Odisha is again going to host Men’s World Cup Hockey 2023 here in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. The organisation of these world class sports events will certainly go a long way in promoting the culture of sports among our youth”.

“I understand that nearly four thousand Athletes from one hundred universities across India are taking part in 17 different disciplines starting from 22 February 2020 to 1s March 2020”, the CM added.