Bhubaneswar : Today, in an interaction, over video-conferencing with Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Youth Affairs and Sports Ministers and senior officials of other States and Union Territories, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Odisha. Shri. Tusharkanti Behera laid emphasis on the significant role that Innovation, Collaboration and Technology can play in reviving the Sports ecosystem.
He shared the initiatives that Odisha Government had undertaken to resume Sports in the State and, being a Sports hub, the possible way forward for its authorities and stakeholders to adopt.
Shri Behera shared, โToday, owing to the unprecedented Coronavirus crisis, Sports fraternities across the nation are in a constant dilemma regarding the uncertain future. However, the recent relaxation by
Central Govt. and guidelines laid down by SAI has brought in some positivity for all stakeholders. The Sports Sector has to treat this as an opportunity to innovate, to rethink policies and to reassess
priorities. Best practices from across the world are being considered to chart a course ahead.โ
He further listed, as below, the initiatives adopted by the State to facilitate a partial but safe resumption of sporting activities.
๐ We have issued detailed SOP as per the guidelines of the Central Government across our Sports
Facilities.
๐ Elite athletes have resumed training at the Kalinga stadium and we have planned resumption of training across Sports complex and facilities, in a phased manner.
๐Currently, all Covid-19 protocols are being followed during coaching, including daily thermal screening and periodic sanitisation of play field/pitch and residential complexes.
๐ For Swimming, we are resorting to strength and conditioning training.
๏ท Sports hostel inmates are benefitting from webinars and personal guidance from coaches on mental and physical conditioning.
๐ Coaches are being aligned with SAI and other educative sessions through the online medium.