Bhubaneswar: Minister of Sports and Youth Services Suryabanshi Suraj on Monday visited Kalinga Stadium and reviewed the sports ecosystem and infrastructure of the state. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sports Department R Vineel Krishna, Special Secretary Arvind Agarwal and other officials of the department were present and welcomed the Sports Minister. Later, the Sports Minister visited the various facilities and infrastructure at the stadium.
Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna shed light on Odisha’s sports journey and highlighted the state government’s initiatives, achievements and infrastructural development in recent years. Minister Suraj reviewed the various aspects of the sports ecosystem and advised the departmental officials to work for the overall growth of sports and sportspersons in Odisha at the grassroots level.
On this occasion, the Minister also reviewed preparations for the collective observance of International Day of Yoga across the State on June 21, 2024. The program will be organized at prominent and historical places of the state to create awareness about yoga and popularise it. Along with this, observance in the district, block and urban areas was discussed.
During the visit, Minister Suraj reviewed the facilities at Sports Science Centre, Khelo India State Center of Excellence, Tennis Centre, Indoor Athletics Centre, Weightlifting Centre, Sports Hostel, Hockey HPC, Aquatic Centre, Hockey Stadium, Shooting Complex, Sports Climbing and Gymnastics Centre. He discussed with the heads of the sports centres and inquired about the training system therein.
He inquired about the various needs and problems of the athletes and inmates of the sports hostel.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, “Odisha’s commitment to the development of sports is evident from its international level facilities and the achievements of its sportspersons.” “We will focus more on development at the grassroots level to promote young talent and ensure the continued success of the state in the field of sports,” he added.
“At the national level, Odisha has created a unique identity by performing well. Infrastructure plays an important role in the development of sports and we have to ensure that it is available at the grassroots level. As Odisha celebrates 100 years of its formation in 2036, a strategy has been prepared to create a unique identity for Odisha on the global sports map,” opined the Sports and Youth Services Minister
