Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Odisha Table Tennis Academy in Laxmisagar, Bhubaneswar today. On this occasion, he also declared open the 29th State Table Tennis Championship, which is being organized by Odisha State Table Tennis Association (OSSTA) with the support of State Sports & Youth Services Department from 7 to 10 November 2023.

The Odisha Table Tennis Academy features a spacious table tennis arena with 16 tables, a well-equipped gymnasium, a weightlifting room, and a chess area. Additionally, there are dedicated spaces for yoga and zumba enthusiasts.  It will provide a platform to produce new generation of paddlers from the state.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “With the inauguration of the Odisha Table Tennis Academy we are taking another significant step towards promoting sports excellence in table tennis. This academy will not only nurture budding talents but also serve as a hub for recreation and competitive spirit.”

Chief Minister Patnaik also announced that 33 table tennis centres are being established across indoor halls in the state. The centres will be operational by December 2023 and will have three tables each. Cuttack Table Tennis Academy will also be operational shortly with 16 tables.

The Chief Minister commended OSTTA for taking significant strides for promoting table tennis in the State and offered all necessary support to produce elite table tennis players from the state who can represent India.

International Table Tennis Federation Board of Director Dhanraj Choudhary and Table Tennis Federation of India Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta, Chairman 5T VK Pandian, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, State Sports Secretary R Vineel Krishna, OSTTA President Sanjay Singh and Secretary Rabindra Kumar Parida were present on the occasion.