Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards fostering sports culture and infrastructure development, Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, flagged off the First Mahanadi Half Marathon in Sambalpur. The event, initiated at 6 AM, saw a remarkable turnout of over 4000 runners across various categories.
Expressing his views during the occasion, Kartik Pandian highlighted Chief Minister Sh. Naveen Patnaik’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and providing top-notch facilities. He noted recent accomplishments such as the inauguration of the Rs 32 crore indoor stadium in Burla and the foundation stone-laying for projects like the Sambalpur Football Academy, Sports Complex in Sambalpur University, including a Hockey stadium, and indoor sports facilities, totaling a commendable Rs 100 crores.
Pandian conveyed the Chief Minister’s directives to embark on the construction of a new football stadium and the modernization of the VSS Cricket Stadium, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 350 crores. This ambitious endeavor is poised to be a game-changer in bolstering sports development in the district.
Following the marathon’s flag-off, Kartik Pandian visited the VSS stadium, where he not only interacted with players but also engaged in a spirited cricket match with them. Drawing from his own experience as a sportsperson and alumnus of a sports hostel, Pandian motivated and inspired the players.
Later, discussions unfolded regarding the development of the Veer Surendar Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR). Emphasizing the first phase’s priorities, Pandian highlighted the focus on Mother and Child healthcare facilities, a 700-bed hospital, hostel campus development, and staff residences, with an initial investment of Rs 1000 crores. A comprehensive master plan is in the pipeline for the institute’s phased development, aligning with available land resources.
Pandian also reviewed the progress of the project at the birthplace of Veer Surendar Sai in Khinda, urging officials to expedite the work. His visit concluded with an inspection of Maa Samaleswari Temple, where he interacted with pilgrims, gathering feedback on the new facilities implemented under the Samlei project. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the ongoing development initiatives.
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