Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday gave appointment letters to 31 meritorious sportsperson, including 28 women, in the State police force. While five sportspersons, Rosnara Parwin and Madhuri Meheta (women cricketers), Rasmita Sahoo (Kabaddi), Pratima Puhan and Pramila Prava Minz (Rowing), were appointed as Sub Inspector of Police (SI) 25 were appointed as constables and one as battalion sepoy.
On Wednesday, the State Cabinet had also taken a decision for direct entry of sportspersons of highest caliber in Odisha Police in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
“The State Government is committed for development of sports and games in Odisha. Quantum of cash award given to meritorious sportspersons for national and international achievement has recently been enhanced while more than Rs 2 crore has been given as cash award to eligible sportspersons of Odisha in last two years alone,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik further stated that swimming pools would be constructed in every district within the next couple of years. In the first phase, five districts namely Boudh, Sonepur, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj and Jajpur have been selected for this. Complete renovation of Dr Jhasketan Sahu Municipality Swimming Pool Complex of Sambalpur city has already been taken up, Patnaik added.