Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urges Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Affairs & Sports Ajay Maken to set up Physical Education Institutions in the state. Patanik said this in a letter to Maken.
Patnaik said that, “I draw your kind attention to the “Report of the Workinq Group on Sports & Physical Education for Formulation of 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017)” prepared by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India in October, 2011. The report speaks of establishment of new Physicai Education institutions in the country as follows: 1. Establishment of one Physical Education University/College in Western, Northern and Eastern Zone of the country (Para — 499 of the Report). 2. Establishment of 4 Regional Centres of Laxmibai National University of Physical education (LNUPE), Gwalior in different parts of the country.”
He further added that, “There is one State Government Physical Education College located at Kulundi in Sambalpur District of Odisha on about 20 kms from Sambalpur city. This has an area of 25 acres free from all encumbrances. Sambalpur city, a district headquarter and the fifth largest city of Odisha, is well connected by road and rail to all parts of the country. Moreover, Sambalpur city is close to Sundargarh district which is considered as the cradle of Hockey in Odisha. The State Government can offer this piece of land for establishment of either a Physical Education University/College or a Regional Centre of LNUPE, Gwalior. This will give a to Physical Education in Odisha and will help in the training of quality Physical Education Teachers (PETS).”
Patnaik requested Maken to sanction the establishment of a Physical Education University/College or a Regional Centre of LNUPE, Gwalior in Odisha for which the State Government will provide adequate land free of cost and will extend all necessary help and cooperation.
