Odisha-AFI-IAAF High Performance Academy in Bhubaneswar soon

Bhubaneswar, July 6: The Odisha Government would set up a High
Performance Academy for Athletics here in Bhubaneswar with the help of
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletic
Federation of India (AFI). 

An expression of intent (EoI) was signed between the State
Government IAAF and AFI today in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The development came when the 22nd Asian Athletics
Championship is underway and the people of Odisha are now treated to a feast in
international athletics. This event is a huge opportunity for youngsters to get
exposed to world athletics and see top athletes in action from close quarters.

The proposed academy would come up at the Kalinga Stadium.

“Under the scheme of things, we will set up world class
infrastructure including stadium and training facilities, hostels for
residential training and all-round development of our talent. The IAAF will contribute
its expertise in the form of specialist coaches for various disciplines and
also train our coaches. The AFI will support us in selecting coaches, engaging
specialist staff, and teachers and also in managing the Academy,” posted CM Patnaik
in his Facebook page.

“It is my dream to see Olympic medalists in athletics, track
and field emerge from Odisha and our country. I am sure this initiative with
mentorship of stalwarts like Lord Sebastian Coe and Shri Adille Sumariwalla
will help realise this very dream,” Patnaik added.