Two-day sports literary meet 'Ekamra Sports Literary Festival' begins in Odisha for authors, enthusiasts and players to interact

This two-day fest will provide a unique platform for literary exchanges between authors, sports enthusiasts, and players
Patnaik also unveiled the covers of a ready reckoner on Hockey World Cups over the years and sports magazine 'Hockey Bites'
Patnaik also unveiled the covers of a ready reckoner on Hockey World Cups over the years and sports magazine 'Hockey Bites'

Ahead of Men's Hockey World Cup in Odisha, a star-studded sports literary meet began here Friday with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik describing the event as a "one-of-a-kind platform for exchanges between authors, enthusiasts, and players".

Inaugurating the 'Ekamra Sports Literary Festival' here, the chief minister said the two-day event will develop a sports culture and generate interest about popular games among the youngsters.

Sports can be a "life-changing experience", it can change one's outlook towards everything, Patnaik said.

"The games and their impact, the players and their struggles, victories and rejoices, failures and disappointments, and if possible, the story behind each story - sports literature can truly captivate young minds," he said.

Stating that there will be a "lot of writing" on the upcoming hockey event here, Patnaik said, "We welcome the finest minds in the world of sports to write, discuss and reveal their stories.

This two-day fest will provide a unique platform for literary exchanges between authors, sports enthusiasts, and players.

"Since Odisha has been the "cradle of hockey" with many top Indian players from the state "donning the national colours", hosting the Men's Hockey World Cup will be an honour for people here, he said.

"For several decades now, as a state, we wanted to take our commitment towards the sport to another level by putting a spectacular show, which would eventually see hockey lovers from across the globe return home with alluring memories from the event here," the CM added.

Patnaik also unveiled the covers of a ready reckoner on Hockey World Cups over the years and sports magazine 'Hockey Bites'.

Describing the literary fest as a "new chapter" in the history of the state, Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera said the event was being held as a run-up to Men's Hockey World Cup, scheduled to begin on November 28.

Organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, in association with a sports management agency, the high-powered conclave drew on the first day some of the biggest sports stars, including international athletes, players, coaches, and sportswriters.

Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, former Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson, Olympic Gold medalist swimmer Stephanie Rice, and Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among those who will share their stories and experiences at the two-day fest.

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