An academy for athletes will be built in the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar with the Odisha government today signing an Expression of Intent (EOI) with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). The EOI, signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is for establishing an 'Odisha-AFI-IAAF High Performance Academy', to provide coaching, integrated support services and education to athletes and junior athletes in the state.
The signing of the EOI was significant as it took place a day after the Asian Athletics Championship was declared open by the Chief Minister in Bhubaneshwar. "The academy will provide a professional environment and approach to the athletes in track and field events in which athletes with potential can grow and develop into champion performers," said Patnaik. It will provide excellent coaching, integrated support services and educational experience for the athletes, which will build their mental skill, confidence, focus and determination, he said.
"The state government will provide infrastructure and support services including an outdoor stadium, medicine, physiotherapy facilities, specialists and an international sports hostel. This initiative will be a giant leap towards our dreams of producing Olympic medallists," the Chief Minister added. The State Sports and Youth Services Department will provide funds and make available infrastructure and support services, said an official. The AFI will assist in the management of the academy and selection of its the head, teachers and other staff.
