Bhubaneswar, November 8: To boost the city’s sports and fitness scenario, especially table tennis, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Odisha Table Tennis Academy, an important step towards promoting sports excellence. The inauguration coincided with the opening ceremony of the 29th State Table Tennis Championship 2023.
The newly launched Table Tennis Academy is equipped with a spacious ground that houses sixteen TT tables, a fully equipped gymnasium, a dedicated weight lifting room and an area for chess enthusiasts. Furthermore, it caters to the needs of yoga and Zumba lovers, adopting a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellness. The academy is set to serve as a platform to nurture the new generation of table tennis players from the state.
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Naveen Patnaik said, “With the launch of the Odisha Table Tennis Academy, we are making significant progress in promoting excellence in table tennis. This facility will not only develop emerging talents but will also serve as a hub for both leisure and competitive sporting skills. Will also work as.
Thank everyone involved in the setting up the #Odisha Table Tennis Academy which will promote sports excellence in Table Tennis. This academy will not only nurture budding talents as well as serve as a hub of recreation and competitive spirit. #OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/ga5oTyntgU
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) November 8, 2023
He also announced the setting up of 33 table tennis centers within indoor halls across the state. These centres, to be operational by December 2023, will each have three table tennis tables. Additionally, Cuttack TT Academy will be operational soon, which will have 16 tables.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Odisha State Table Tennis Association for its commendable efforts in promoting table tennis in the state. He promised full support to promote elite table tennis players from Odisha who are capable of representing India at the international level.
Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) dignitaries, Choudhary and Kamlesh Mehta appreciated the Chief Minister for his visionary vision towards the sport and his contribution in hosting the Commonwealth TT Championship and National TT Championship in 2019.
5T and Nabin Odisha President VK Pandian, Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, MLA Bhubaneswar Central Ananth Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, DC cum ACS Anu Garg, OSTTA President Sanjay Singh and Sports were present at the event. Secretary Vinil Krishna.
