Report by Saumya Parida; Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Youth Affairs & Sports Ajay Maken to set up new sports coaching facilities of SAI in state. Patanik said this in a letter to Maken.

CM 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 sports coaching facilities under the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as follows: 1. Establishment of  entres of Excellence in 7 States including Odisha with a budget of Rs.50.00 crores each (Para 4.20 of the Report). 2. Establishment of 20 new STCS/SAG Centres in areas where there are no such Centres (Para—4.20 of the Report). 3. Establishment of Sports Academies at suitable places for Boxing, Wrestling, Archery & Football."

He further added that, "Sportspersons of Odisha have been excelling in national and international levels bringing laurels to the country‘ Establishment of such high quality coaching facilities by SAI will boost the performance of the sportspersons of Odisha further. The State Government has a number of Stadiums/Sports Complexes at locations in the State where such coaching facilities of SAI can be established immediately. Or else, if required by SAI, suitable Government land can also be allotted in favour of SAI for establishment of such coaching facilities."

He requested Maken to sanction the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, a Sports Academy and two of STCs/SAG Centres in (Ddisha under the fold of SAI during the 12th Plan period. The State Government will extend all necessary help and cooperation in successful establishment of such facilities by SAI in Odisha.