Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar became Asia’s first capital city to assimilate some of the world’s best-known sports persons at the Ekamra Sports Literary Festival, as Asia’s largest and most prestigious Sports Literature Festival kick started with a bang here.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the event.
“I am delighted to be here today. Eminent sports personalities have created so much euphoria here in this city. Soon, we are hosting the World Cup Hockey in Odisha at a place, which has been the cradle of hockey, is an honor. I am sure we are going to put up a spectacular show for visitors to take back with them some alluring moments from this festival,” said Patnaik after inaugurating the event.
The other star at the inauguration was triple Olympic Gold medalist swimmer, Australia’s Stephenie Rice, who stole the show with her natural charm and elegance.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera, NNIS official Shireen Sethi attended the event.
Another session with former Australian cricketer, Jeff Thomson with Nikhil Naz of NDTV turned out to be one of nostalgia, rich trivia and loads of fun. Ekamra Sports Literature Festival presents an enriching and entertaining lineup of sessions with star sports persons like Ben Johnson, Ajinkya Rahane, Aakash Chopra, Rick Charls worth, Dhanraj Pillay, Dilip Tikry, that explore various nuances related to different sports and the journey and struggles of sports persons life.
An initiative of Emerging Sports and the Department of Sports and Youth Services, this high-powered conclave will include some of the biggest sports stars including athletes, players, and coaches, national and international sportswriters.
The organisers would welcome sports fans from across the world to listen to over 30 top-notch celebrity speakers.
Undoubtedly, India has never witnessed an event of this magnitude, which would not only create headlines but also pave the way for a new sporting philosophy and sports strategy to emerge.
During the two-day conclave, numerous national and international sportswriters, state government, authors, players and coaches will also be available for interaction.
