By Subrat Chhatoi: Odisha has created its unique identity in the field of sports around the world and has emerged as a sports hub. Our State has also set a benchmark in history of world sports by organizing series of national and international sports competitions. The state government has taken a number of steps to improve the quality of Sports.

Under the able and visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has established itself as the Sports Hub of India. When big firms were reluctant to sponsor the Indian Hockey Teams after Sahara India’s exit in 2018, it was Odisha Government came to the rescue of Indian Hockey and rest is history. When Indian Men’s Hockey Team won the historic bronze medal after a gap of 41 years and Women’s Team reached the semi-finals for the first time, the entire nation showered praise on Odisha and CM Naveen Patnaik for supporting and patronising the game.

Odisha successfully organised Asian Athletics Championships, Men’s and Women’s Hockey World Cups, Asian Rugby Championships, Athletics Meet, ISL League, HIL, World Hockey League, International Table Tennis Competition and Champions Trophy Hockey in the past. The 2023 Hockey World Cup will also be hosted by Odisha in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

In the recent past, Odisha has become a key promoter for various sports. In addition, The All-India Chess Federation (AICF) has also announced that the National Chess Academy will be set up in Bhubaneswar. This chess academy will definitely help to enhance the skill of India’s chess aspirants.

Odisha will host the Junior Hockey World Cup for the first time which will be played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 5, 2021. Also, the Odisha Government will take over the sponsorship of the Indian Hockey teams for another 10 years till 2033.

Many companies have signed MoUs with the Government of Odisha for the development of various sports and set up high performance centers and launched a number of schemes to improve quality of sports.

Yes, Odisha on the Move today. And, it has become possible due to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his team who have left no stones unturned to make Odisha a Sports Hub – a proud and creditable identity for all of us.

Subrat Chhatoi is an Educationist, Social Worker and Head of the BJD Digital Wing.