Rourkela: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced establishment of Astro-Turfs in every block of the tribal dominated Sundargarh district, in recognition of the district’s notable contribution for hockey and as a legacy of Hockey World Cup 2018 in Odisha.
“Sundergarh is where roots of hockey are the deepest in Odisha and it is a fitting tribute that we will establish Astro-Turf in every block of the tribal district. As sponsor of the National hockey teams and host of Hockey World Cup 2018, we are committed in our resolve to nurture and promote hockey,” said Patnaik.
He was speaking at the Biju Patnaik Stadium here before Odisha Eleven versus New South Wales match.
He said that High Performance Centre for Hockey at Bhubaneswar will be established shortly and steps taken to strengthen Hockey Coaching system in Rourkela.
The Chief Minister said that the district will have the distinction of having, probably, the largest numbers of such facilities in the country. He lauded the region for producing many eminent sportspersons who have done the State and the country proud at national and international events.
Highlighting efforts to host the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, he said that State is ready to successfully conduct the prestigious hockey World Cup and that it would inspire a new generation of players to come up and make Odisha proud.
“It is our constant endeavour to establish Odisha as sports capital of the country,” said Patnaik.
