To promote the sports, the State Government is setting up mini stadiums in 112 blocks. The Government also has a plan to construct swimming pools in every district. In first phase, swimming pools would constructed in Subarnapur, Boudh, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts.
This was stated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of the National Sports Day while distributing Biju Patnaik Sports, Bravery and Social Service Awards at the Jayadev Bhawan here on Saturday.
International hockey star Birendra lakra, Nita Ambani Football Academy coach Nanda Kishor Patnaik, veteran basketballer Ashok Kumar Sahu and journalist Satish Sharma got outstanding player, best coach, life time achievement and sports journalist of the year awards, respectively.
lakra received the award which carries a trophy and a cash prize of Rs2 lakh. It is better to late than never, women football coach Nanda Kishor Patnaik got the award, which carries a trophy along with cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Ashok Sahu received a trophy along with cash award of Rs3 lakh. Satish Sharma got a trophy along with cash award of Rs50,000.
The CM also felicitated international athletes Srabani Nanda and Purnima Hembram, both getting Rs 3-lakh cash incentive.
Dhiren Shabar was awarded posthumously the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award. The Institute of Social and Awareness (ISSARA) received award for social service as voluntary organisation. Samapti Rana and Rama Shankar Patra received the individual awards for social service.