Bhubaneswar, Jun 27 (Representative) Odisha has embarked on a journey to make the state a sports power house, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said while inducting 39 sportspersons in police service. Odisha has featured prominently in the sports sector in the country in the last few years, Mr. Patnaik said adding the state government will continue to support the sportspersons in every possible manner to enable them to achieve their dreams. The State, he said, will produce many sportspersons, and make the state and country proud in the coming years. Congratulating the personnel for joining the police service, the Chief Minister said, “it’s a big moment for you to join a job and share the responsibilities of your families.”
“I am sure your parents and families are proud of your achievement. It requires a lot of passion, discipline and hard work to excel in sports” Mr. Patnaik remarked. He said since sports is the best way to teach good virtues and channelize their energies in a positive any investment in sports is investment in youth and also investment in the future of this state. Stating that Odisha is investing more than Rs 1000 crores in developing the sports infrastructure across the state, Mr Patnaik said ‘’we are building India’s largest hockey stadium in Rourkela for the Hockey World Cup in 2023.’’ The state, he further said, has partnered with Corporate houses and eminent sports persons to start High Performance centres. Coaching at the grassroots level and sports education in schools is a major focus area to develop sports across the state, he added. The Chief Minister said the Para athletes have also been performing well at international level. Arjuna Awardee, Pramod Bhagat has qualified for Paralympics and is a leading contestant for the medal. ‘’We would like to continue to financially support our para athletes and also provide job related support for them to excel in the sports field,’’Mr. Patnaik said.