Bhubaneswar: August 29: Conferring Biju Patnaik Sports Award on eminent sports persons of the State on National Sports Day in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, ‘I extend my warm greetings to all on the occasion of the National Sports Day to celebrate the birthday of the legendary Hockey Wizard Late Major Dhyan Chand. I congratulate all the distinguished awardees on their achievements in the field of sports and social service. I hope that the recognition of their significant contribution to the state and society shall inspire many more youth to follow their footsteps.
Speaking on Government’s role in promoting sports and sports infrastructure in the state, CM said, ‘My government has accorded high priority to promotion of sports and development of sports infrastructure in the state. Our youth have great potential to excel at National and International level. We have an ambitious plan to develop sports through various academies and creating world class sports’ facilities.’
“We are planning to set up a Sports City in Bhubaneswar with world-class infrastructure. Besides, Integrated Sports Complexes have also been planned to be established in major cities of Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Rourkela and Jeypore with an initial outlay of Rs 96 crore under SWARNA scheme,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.
Speaking on Youth Policy, Naveen said, ‘Odisha State Youth Policy 2013 has been hailed as one of the best youth policies in the country. Building upon this policy, we will be launching new schemes namely Biju Sashaktikaran Yojana on youth connect and engagement to reach out to youths across Odisha.”
Minister of Sports Chandra Sarathi Behera, Secretary Sports Vishal Dev and Director of Sports Vineel Krishna were also present in the award giving ceremony.
