n Union Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday inaugurated eight Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) in Odisha, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Kerala, Telangana, Nagaland and Karnataka.
Rijiju and Odisha Minister of Sports & Youth Services Tusharkanti Behera together unveiled a foundation-stone at the Kalinga Stadium here, where a total area of 66 acres is earmarked.
This KISCE would focus on three disciplines, hockey, weightlifting and athletics. State Commissioner-cum-Secretary for Sports Vishal Kumar Dev, Director of Sports R Vineel Krishna and international athlete Purnima Hembrum were present. Rijiju said the vision is to see India in top 10 in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
“The Central and State Governments have to work together; and we will provide all necessary financial assistance so they develop with proper infrastructure and manpower, sports science, high-quality training and so on. We cannot be satisfied with only 1-2 medals; we have to be in top 10 in 2028 Olympics.”