Bhubaneswar: The World Aquatics Country Leads’ Training Course (Asia) was formally inaugurated at the Odisha IIS JSW Swimming High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant step for aquatic sports development in the continent. The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Yeddula Vijay, Director of Sports, Odisha, as the Chief Guest.
The Odisha IIS JSW Swimming High Performance Centre, a facility created under the umbrella of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), is acting as the host for this prestigious training course. The event brings together country leads from across Asia, providing them with a platform for advanced training and the sharing of best practices in the development of aquatics.
Dr. Vijay, in his address, highlighted Odisha’s commitment to promoting sports and creating world-class infrastructure and training environments for athletes. He emphasized the importance of such international collaborations in elevating the standard of aquatic sports in the region. The state government, in partnership with entities like JSW Sports, has been actively working on both grassroots and elite-level swimming programmes, focusing on developing future champions and promoting swimming as a vital life skill.
The training course is part of World Aquatics’ global development initiatives aimed at strengthening member federations through education and certification programmes. Participants will undergo intensive sessions designed to enhance their leadership, technical knowledge, and organizational skills, ultimately contributing to the growth of swimming, diving, water polo, and other aquatic disciplines in their respective countries.
The event underscores the Odisha IIS JSW Swimming High Performance Centre’s rising prominence as a hub for aquatic sports excellence and international training in India.