While the Odisha capital is gearing up for hosting the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship at the Kalinga Stadium scheduled in July, the endangered Olive Ridley turtle will enhance the attraction of the mega event.
The decision to make Olive Ridley as mascot of the event was taken at the first governing body meeting chaired by Odisha Sports Minister Sudam Marndi for holding the Asian Athletics Championship.
The move came in view of percentage of sea turtles that choose Odisha beaches for laying eggs. The mascot would be named very soon, official sources said.
The Government has decided to promote the mega sports event to draw public attention through road shows and other forms of campaign. The event is scheduled to be held from July 6 to 9. The logo for the athletics championship will be released soon.
Around 600 athletes including 20 world champions of 45 countries will participate at the international event. The Government has formed 14 different committees for smooth conduct of the competitions.
Sources said that 950 rooms in the hotels including Mayfair and Trident have been booked for accommodation of the sportspersons and authorities. Agreements would be made soon with the leading hospitals in Bhubaneswar including Apollo, KIIMS, Sunshine, Cares and AMRI for providing the sportspersons world-class health services.
The OTDC will provide vehicles for escorting the sportspersons. Tender process will begin soon for construction of temporary camps, toilets, installation of CCTVs, a parking system and decoration in different locations in Bhubaneswar for the event. The BSNl will provide WiFi services at the stadium.
The State Government will provide Rs 15 crore from its contingency fund for hosting the event. An allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for renovation and repair work of the Kalinga Stadium.
The meeting decided to lay a synthetic track at the stadium by May 15. The Athletics Federation of India would verify all the systems and arrangements, the meeting decided.