Cuttack: With World Class Sports Infrastructure made available in a big way, Odisha has turned as “Temple for Sportspersons”, said former Minister and President of Odisha State Fencing Association, A U Singh Deo.
Chairing the Preparatory Meeting of State Fencing Association here at Union Club Cuttack, on Sunday, Mr.Singh Deo said Odisha Government under leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bhubaneswar has turned out to be Sports Capital of India.
Lauding efforts of Chief Minister Mr.Patnaik, Veteran Sports Administrator, Mr.Singh Deo said Chief Minister of Odisha, had rightly said: “Investment in sports is an investment in youth. Investment in youth is an investment in the future.”
The growth of Odisha as a Sports Hub or the Sports Capital did not happen overnight, but strong efforts have been made over years, since Mr.Patnaik has taken over as Chief Minister of Odisha.
Mr.Singh Deo said now sportspersons are feeling at home in Odisha as it has turned as “Temple for Sportspersons”
Mr.Singh Deo said earlier sword fighting, the ability to fight with the sword was essential in all warriors. Now Fencing has turned out to be a good game and youth are attracted to this interesting game in a big way.
These days, fencing is considered a very good sport and in the Olympic Games, said former Minister Mr.Singh Deo.
Later speaking to Media after the Preparatory Meeting, Mr.Singh Deo said that 30th Junior National Fencing Competition will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack from 17-20 June.
Nearly 800 Sportspersons both boys and girls from 27 various States across the Country will participate in the competition.
In today’s meeting 17 District Association Representatives participated in the deliberations.
Several Committees have been formed and all arrangements are being made for the players, who will be reaching here for competition.
Junior State Camp will be held from 1-12 June, informed Secretary Odisha State Fencing Association, Debendra Sahu.
Gyanendra Kumar Singh, Secretary Union Club, Joint Secretary Odisha State Fencing Association Sumit Ranjan Purohit attended the meeting.
Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha is extending all out support for the competition, said Mr.Purohit.