Bhubaneswar: In a novel initiative to contribute to the development of sports and support budding sportspersons in the state, the Department of Sports and Youth Services of the Government of Odisha Monday signed ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with leading industries and sports organisations here at the Kalinga Stadium.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the men’s Hockey World Cup trophy amidst huge fanfare. The Temple City is hosting the marquee tournament from November 28 to December 16.
“The signing of MoU will create a long-lasting partnership, which will result in producing sportspersons of world standard. These partnerships are more than just giving grants and funds; they will focus on extending the outreach of every sport in India,” Naveen said.
Aside from leading industrialists, India Olympic Association (IOC) president and International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Narinder Batra, and commissioner-cum-secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Odisha, Vishal Dev also attended the glittering event.
Speaking on the occasion, former India cricketer Anil Kumble, the founder of Tenvic Sports, which along with KJS Ahuwalia Group will set up a weightlifting High Performance Centre, said, “It really good to see the vision of the Chief Minister in promoting sports in Odisha. I am really honoured to get this opportunity to support sports in the state.”