Providing yet another boost to sports, Odisha Government appointed as many as 39 meritorious sportspersons, including 30 women pointed as constable in the State Police Service today. Previously, 96 sportspersons have been appointed in various ranks of Odisha Police in six phases in the past.
Joining an induction programme for these new entrants to the state police on virtual platform, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the State will continue to support the sportspersons in every possible manner to enable them to achieve their dreams.
Congratulating the personnel for joining the police service, the Chief Minister said, “It is a big moment for you to join a job and share the responsibilities of your families. I am sure your parents and families are proud of your achievement.’’
Putting a premium on the youth of the state, he said that youth are the future of our State. Sport is the best way to teach good virtues and channelize the energies of youth in a positive manner. Therefore, investment in sports is investment in youth. Investment in youth is investment in the future of this State, he added.
Speaking on state’s achievements, he said that we have embarked on a journey to make Odisha a sports powerhouse. In the last few years, Odisha has featured prominently in the sports sector in the country. We have successfully hosted a number of national and international events. Hockey World Cup 2018 and Asian Athletics championship 2017 have been a great success for the State, he added.
Stating that the State is investing more than Rs 1000 crores in developing the sports infrastructure across the state, he added that we are building largest hockey stadium of the country in Rourkela for the Hockey World Cup in 2023.
On the state’s strategy in sports, he said that we have partnered with corporates and eminent sportspersons to start High Performance centres. Coaching at the grassroots level and sports education in schools is a major focus area to develop sports across the state, he added.
He further said that our Para athletes have also been performing well at international level. Pramod Bhagat, Arjuna Awardee, has qualified for Paralympics and is a leading contestant for the medal. We would like to continue to financially support our para athletes and also provide job related support for them to excel in the sports field, he added.
DGP Abhay gave the welcome address and Principal Secrtary Sports Vishal Dev also spoke on the occasion. Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian coordinated the function. Director Intelligence Shri Lalit Das gave the vote of thanks. ACS Home Sanjeev Chopra and other senior police officials were also present on the occasion.
According to sources, a total of 41 sportspersons had been offered for jobs in the State Police Service. But two among them chose not to accept the offer as they were given the post of constable. The two are: international hockey medalist Nilam Sanjeep Xess and national weightlifting medal winner Susila Majhi.
However, woman hockey international Rashmita Minz, rower Kamala Lakra, archer Ranjit Naik and eminent footballers Pyari Xaxa and Jabamani Tudu did not hegitate to join the police service as constable.
LIST OF 39 SPORTSPERSONS APPOINTED IN STATE POLICE SERVICE:
WOMEN: Hockey: Rashmita Minz (Place of posting: Rourkela). Rowing: Sumitra Mallick (Cuttack), Kamala Lakra (Rourkela). Football: Soni Behera, Arati Sethi, Suman Pragyan Mohapatra, Susmita Dalei (all UPD, Cuttack); Eva Panna, Sanjukta Tirkey, Sumitra Xalxo, Munika Minz (all Rourkela); Satyabati Khadia (Jharsuguda); Damayanti Tiriya (Mayurbhanj); Juli Kishan, Jharana Mallik, Runi Naik, Pyari Xaxa, Jabamani Tudu (all UPD, Bhubaneswar); Kabita Kar (Balasore); Laxmi Munda (Jajpur); Jasoda Munda (Sambalpur). Kayaking & Canoeing: Reena Pujhari, Nitu Prava Toppo (both Sundargarh); Elina Rout (UPD, Cuttack). Cricket: Bandana Priyadarshini Hanuman (Bolangir); Binu Sahoo (Cuttack). Karate: Susmini Paltasingh, Sindhu Tanaya Khuntia, Chinmayee Bhuyan (all UPD, Bhubaneswar). Taekwon-do: Saswati Nayak (Bhadrak).
MEN: Archery: Ranjit Naik (UPD, Bhubaneswar). Football: Sk Sahabaaz Alam (UPD, Cuttack); A Kanheya (Ganjam). Powerlifting: Bichitra Nayak, Biswajeet Jena (UPD, Bhubaneswar); Rakesh Bhukta (Angul). Kayaking & Canoeing: Nihar Ranjan Jena, Ranjan Kumar Barik (both Cuttack). Taekwon-do: Satya Prakash Mohanty (Bhadrak).
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PHOTO: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and 5T Secretary VK Pandian at the virtual induction programme for 39 sportsperson in state police service on 26 June, 2021.