Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rise as a leading sports destination received global recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Bhubaneswar’s rugby initiative while addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland, New Zealand.
Referring to the India–New Zealand Rugby Coaching Programme held at Kalinga Stadium in May, the Prime Minister described it as “a great start” towards deeper cooperation in coaching, sports technology and athlete development as the two countries mark 100 years of sporting ties.
Welcoming the recognition, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Odisha’s mention in the Prime Minister’s address reflects the state’s emergence as a globally recognised sports hub. He said such international collaborations will strengthen the state’s ‘Padia to Podium’ mission by creating greater opportunities for grassroots athletes to compete on the global stage.
-OdishaAge
