Bhubaneswar: The Abhinav Bindra Target Performance (ABTP) centre was inaugurated by CM Naveen Patnaik at the Kalinga Stadium complex here Monday. Sports Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera, secretary, department of youth affairs, government of Odisha Vishal Dev and director Vineel Krishna were also present at the occasion.
While the ABTP has found its place under the south stand of the hockey stadium, the centre is well equipped with world-class technologies amongst all its branches in the country.
The ABTP aims to open fully for the athletes from April 1 and targets training athletes in the field of sports performance, injury management, recovery and rehabilitation with the use of cutting-edge sports science methods.
Speaking on the occasion, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra said, “It’s an honour and privilege for me to come to Odisha. I am really excited that we have been able to set this centre within such a short time of three months.”
Speaking on the details of the centre, ABTP director Digpal Ranawat said, “This is the most advanced recovery centre in the country and we aim to create future Olympic champions from the state in next four-five years.”
“Not only have the shooters from Odisha, the centre welcomes all athletes from different genres of the sports across the country. The athletes who will be coming here will be accessed scientifically with their data,” Digpal added. He also informed that around 1500 athletes sponsored by the state will be training here.
The ABTP currently has six experts working along with sports medicine doctors who will be accessing an athlete’s recovery on a regular basis. Digpal also informed that foreign experts from abroad will be coming here in every two months to help the staffs.
Commenting on the charges to be borne by the athletes, Dev said, “The state sponsored will have a free access but for others they have to pay a minimal fare.”