Naveen Patnaik, the esteemed Chief Minister of Odisha, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the state’s athletes, emphasizing their importance on the global sporting stage. In a heartening announcement, Chief Minister Patnaik has pledged substantial financial support to the talented athletes from Odisha who are destined to represent the nation at the prestigious Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
A communiqué from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) shines a light on this generous initiative, stating, “Every athlete bound for the Asian Games will be bestowed with a commendable grant of Rs 10 lakh. This grant is intended to bolster their training regimens, facilitate meticulous preparation, and defray expenses associated with their participation in this illustrious sporting spectacle.”
The announcement goes on to elucidate, “With the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games in China just around the corner, scheduled to grace the sporting calendar from September 23 to October 8 this year, Odisha takes immense pride in witnessing the qualification of 13 of its distinguished athletes. These exceptional individuals have earned their spots through sheer dedication and hard work, exemplifying the spirit of Odisha on the global stage.”
The list of Odisha’s accomplished athletes bound for the Asian Games is as follows:
- Kishore Jena in athletics.
- Anshika Bharati, Ritu Kaudi, and Sonali Swain in rowing.
- Anupama Swain in ju-jitsu.
- Neha Devi Leichondam in kayaking and canoeing.
- Pyari Xaxa in football.
- Deep Grace Ekka and Amit Rohidas in hockey.
- Dumuni Marndi, Tarulata Naik, Mama Naik, and Hupi Majhi in rugby.
This profound gesture of financial support not only reflects Chief Minister Patnaik’s belief in the potential of these athletes but also showcases his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent in Odisha. Under his visionary leadership, Odisha continues to emerge as a hub for sporting excellence, where the aspirations of athletes are valued and supported, ultimately contributing to the state’s reputation as a sporting powerhouse on the national and international stage.
Prasanta Patnaik