Former MlA Bibhudhendra Pratap Das has demanded the State Government establish a Sports University to strengthen the sports sector when the number of sports talents is steadily increasing in the State and many of them have already proved their mettle at both national and international levels.
“There will be no problem for establishment of a Sports University and institutions as funds will be coming from the University Grant Commission and Central and State PSUs like Nalco, MCl, NTPC and OMC,” said Das.
He also suggested that there should be a sports college in each RDC area and a sports school in each district to boost sports. A Sports University can be established at Samal near Talcher where sprawling buildings are lying vacant after construction of the Samal Barrage, he suggested.
While State Sports and Youth Services Minister Sudam Marandi has already written to the Union Government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should take further steps for establishment of such a university, he said.
“The need for a Sports University is felt in view of the dissatisfactory performances of Odia athletes in the Rio Olympics,” he said.