Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday said sporting records may be rewritten and medals may change hands, but character, determination and discipline remain enduring values as he welcomed athletes participating in the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver Meet in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing a welcome dinner organised on the eve of the competition, Kambhampati welcomed athletes, coaches, officials and guests from different countries and said the Kalinga Stadium was set to host a high-quality sporting event.
More than 200 athletes from 27 countries are taking part in the meet.
The Governor said the event was more than a sporting competition as it represented human potential and demonstrated how sport could bring people together by overcoming geographical, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
He urged athletes to compete with confidence and determination while maintaining fairness, respecting their opponents and making the most of the opportunity to perform at the international stage.
Behind every race, jump and throw, he said, were years of discipline, sacrifice, training and experiences of both success and failure.
Describing athletes as “messengers of hope”, Kambhampati said their performances could inspire children watching sporting events in villages, schools and cities.
Drawing a parallel between sport and Odisha’s cultural traditions, the Governor said the tradition of Lord Jagannath reflected inclusiveness, humility and service. Sport, too, brings people together by transcending differences of nationality, language and culture, he said.
Kambhampati highlighted Odisha’s emergence as a global sporting destination, referring to the state’s hosting of events such as the Hockey World Cup, FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, Asian Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Meet.
He said Odisha is also scheduled to host the World Athletics and Asian Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028.
The Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Sporting India” and appreciated the efforts of the Odisha Government, Sports and Youth Services Department, World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of India towards promoting sporting excellence.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also addressed the gathering.
Senior Vice President of the Athletics Federation of India Anju Bobby George, Athletics Federation of India Planning Committee Chairman and South Asian Athletics Federation President Lalit Kumar Bhanot, Sports and Youth Services Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Punia and Department Director Yedula Vijay were among those present.
