Odisha to have a Sports Policy soon: Minister

Odisha government Friday said the state will soon have a Sports Policy of its own to promote different sports activities.

This was stated by Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera while replying to questions in the Assembly.

Stating that the National Sports Policy is in force in the state, Behera said a draft on Odisha's own sports policy has been prepared.

However, the minister said the state has a policy to release special grant to different sports associations for conducting national and international championship in Odisha under the aegis of the concerned recognised national federation.

Replying to a question on the number of sports persons in the state, the minister said no such survey has been done in Odisha. Sports persons are being given identity cards under different categories.

He said sports persons, who have played at international sports events, have been provided jobs in various sectors.

While sprint queen Dutee Chand got job in Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), athlete Srabani Nanda was given job in Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC).

A total of 96 sports persons have been given jobs in Odisha Police, he informed the Assembly.