Rojalin Mishra

Bhubaneswar: Asia's first international sports literary meet- Ekamra Sports Literary Festival 2018 was inaugurated by CM Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar today.

Noted sports writers, journalists and critics from across the globe will participate in the two-day unique literary event.

Athlete Ben Johnson, swimmer Stephanie Rice, wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, Jeff Thompson, Mohammad Kaif were at the festival on the inaugural day. Besides, international Hockey player Ric Charlesworth, V. Baskaran, Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey were also present at the event.

“Eminent sportspersons, coaches and sports writers from across the globe are here to support the cause of sports. Your presence has created the much-needed euphoria for the upcoming Men’s World Cup Hockey. I welcome all of you to Odisha,” said Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

Encouraging Odisha’s men’s hockey players for the upcoming world cup, Patnaik further added “For several decades now, Odisha has been the cradle of hockey with many of the top Indian players from Odisha donning national colours.”

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