Bhubaneswar: With the growth of Bhubaneswar as a major sports destination, the State government today announced to set up a Sports City in the Capital town and Integrated Sports Complexes in five big cities of the State.
"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 while conferring Biju Patnaik Sports Award on eminent sportspersons of the State on National Sports Day in Bhubaneswar.
He further announced that an additional funding of Rs 15 lakh each will be provided to 150 block level mini stadiums to develop them as Krida Vikash Kendras.
While pointing out that Odisha State Youth Policy has been considered as a best policy for youths, Patnaik said- "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.”
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The CM said that hosting the Asian Athletics Championship has catalyzed the emergence of Odisha as a sports powerhouse in the making.
On the occasion, several eminent sports persons were conferred with Biju Patnaik Sports Award. Ace sprinter Dutee Chand received the best sportsperson award.
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