Odisha is all set to rise as sports hub in coming years

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is all set to rise as the sports hub in coming years with all the necessary modern amenities, said Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra at a book launching ceremony held in the city.

Joining as chief guest, he unveiled a book titled as ‘Seizing The Opportunity: The Artist’s Gallery For Penalty Corner & Drag Flick’, written by renowned sports scientist Dr. Saju Joseph.

Sharing about sports infrastructures in the state, he said around 100 multipurpose indoor stadiums have been constructed in urban areas with facilities of Gym, Badminton, Table Tennis and other sports activities to attract talent pools in the state.

Speaking on the hosting of Men’s Hockey World Cup next month, he said that for the first time in the history of hockey that world cup will be played at two venues at Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Sharing about the love of Odisha for hockey, he reiterated that a half of the hockey players in national teams will be from Odisha in coming years and the state government is also preparing for it.

“A total of 21 Astroturf fields are under construction in the blocks of Sundargarh district including Rourkela and will be completed before Hockey World Cup,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, author of the book Dr Joseph elucidated on drag flick in Hockey and said that how it has become a scoring opportunity in tournaments. He said that it is an attacking technique within a penalty corner and involves scoop and flick.

Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey Association of India said that such book needs to be translated in Odia as hockey players at grassroots level can read it and can draw inspiration.

He was also felicitated with 1200 Gram Silver made Hockey Stick on the occasion.