On his maiden visit to the Steel City, Minister for Sports and Youth Services Sudam Marandi, while talking to The Pioneer on Sunday, said he could have worked more for the State if he had joined the BJD a decade back. “It was better for me to leave JMM immediately after the formation of separate Jharkhand State and join BJD,” said Marandi.
He said during his political career he has worked with at least five Chief Ministers like Biju Patnaik, Janaki Ballav Patnaik, Hemanand Biswal, Giridhar Gamang and Naveen Patnaik. But Naveen is one who loves the State most and believes in work, said Marandi, adding that he enjoys working under Naveen’s leadership.
He further said due to support of the Chief Minister, many exemplary steps are taken for the development of sportsmen and sports in the State. He said Sundargarh is the heart of sports, which has produced the best players in Hockey. He said he visited the district to see what more can be done for the development of the sports infrastructure in the district. Money will be not a constraint for the development of sports, assured Marandi.
Regarding the shifting of Hockey excellence centre to Bhubaneswar, he said nothing of the sort has taken place. As usual 160 inmates are undergoing hockey coaching in Panposh unit and in addition to it 30 boys and 30 girls from this centre are given special training at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Now, total 220 hockey talents of the district are given opportunity to take coaching, he informed.
Regarding the fate of Birsa Munda stadium and Jalda Mini stadium, the Minister said he is aware of the situation as he has visited personally to both the places and very soon adequate steps would be taken to finish the construction works of those two. Regarding the tribal problems on displacement and other aspects, the Minister said the Chief Minister is always in favour of the development of the tribals and he will take appropriate step in appropriate time for their betterment.
The Minister said that he seeks to have a Sports University in Sundargarh district, given its sport legacy and tribal populace. The Minister chaired a review meeting with the local administration, ITDA and sports officials; visited nearby tribal schools, Panposh Sports Hostel and witnessed a women hockey match. He also interacted with sportsmen and various sports organisations inviting suggestions from them.