Former MLA Bibhudhendra Pratap Das has urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to set up a Sports University at Talcher in order to make Odisha a permanent sports capital of the country.
“The dignity of Odisha has been heightened in the country due to successful holding of the Men’s Hockey World Cup recently. But the move is not a permanent one. While Odia players have earned fames in national and international levels, establishment of a Sports University will certainly create more sports talents and make the State the sports capital of the country,” demanded Das in a statement.
He lamented saying that the present Union Government didn’t consider a proposal for establishment of a Sports University in Odisha sent by former Sports and Youth Services Minister Sudam Marandi in November 2014. However, he mentioned that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik can establish such a university collecting funds from PSUs and private firms operating in the State.
Das suggested that over a hundred of quarters, lying unused at Samal barrage and the under-construction Talcher sub-divisional stadium can be used to run such a university for a temporary period. Similarly, the barrage can be used for water sports purpose, he said.