State to focus on development of sports infra at grassroots level

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government will focus on the development of sports infrastructure at the grassroots level. Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj made this statement while visiting the Kalinga Stadium to review the sports infrastructure and ongoing works of the sports department on Monday.
"There is a requirement to take the sports infrastructure to the grassroots level to encourage more participation and nurture talent from every corner of the state.We have facilities at the district level, but we need to go to the grassroots level," said the minister.
He mentioned that they will create more facilities in addition to the existing ones. "We will do very well with the support of all stakeholders. Odisha has created its own identity by performing very well in sports at the national level. A blueprint has been prepared to create a special place for Odisha on the map of world sports by 2036," he added.
During a meeting with the minister and Sports Secretary Vineel Krishna, the latter highlighted government initiatives, infrastructure, and success in the sports sector. The minister directed the sports department officials to work towards the growth of sports and sportspersons in the state.
They deliberated on the need to create more accessible and affordable sports facilities in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring that every aspiring athlete has the opportunity to train and excel in their chosen sport.
Suraj toured the stadium and observed the infrastructure and facilities available. He reviewed the facilities at the Sports Science Centre, Tennis Centre, Indoor Athletics Centre, Weightlifting Centre, Hockey Stadium, Hockey High-Performance Centre, Shooting Complex, Aquatics Centre, sports hostel, and other centers.
He also discussed the celebration of the International Day of Yoga in the state on June 21. To make it popular and create awareness among the public, Yoga Day programs will be organized at important and historical places in the state.