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Odisha joins hands with International Table Tennis Federation for the growth of the sport

However, this is not the first time when the government of Odisha is contributing towards the development of Indian sports.

By Abhiruchi Rout | Apr 4, 2023 | 3 Min Read

Delegates from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the International Table Tennis Federation Foundation met with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to talk about the growth of table tennis in the Indian state of Odisha. Patnaik announced intentions to create table tennis academies in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as well as table tennis training centers around the state, during the conference. The ITTF group, which included Petra Sorling, president of the ITTF and the ITTF Foundation, Leandro Olvech, director of the ITTF Foundation, Saurabh Mishra, programme manager of the ITTF Foundation, and Julia Tappendorf, programme coordinator of the ITTF Foundation, gave the Chief Minister the handbook titled Table Tennis for Development, which outlines how to use table tennis for social development.

What is the project intended towards?

During the delegation’s statement, Chief Minister Patnaik applauded and promised full support for the ITTF‘s initiatives to develop table tennis throughout the state and nation. The group indicated their eagerness to collaborate closely with the administration and aid in the state’s initiatives to promote table tennis. The ITTF Foundation coincides with the Chief Minister’s goal of using sport to help the youth of Odisha grow and develop, and also to use it as a means of leaving behind a more secure future. They will develop social legacy events for table tennis competitions, organize competitive events, and offer coach training in the sport.

Table tennis is being used in a project in Bhubaneswar to promote women equality and empowerment, which is supported by the ITTF Foundation, the sport for development division of the ITTF Group. Chief Minister Patnaik informed the delegation that the state government has decided to open table tennis academies in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in addition to training centers in all indoor halls throughout the state. In order to hold training programs and international table tennis competitions in Odisha, he asked for their assistance.

ITTF thanked Odisha for their contributions

The delegation thanked the chief minister for his emphasis on sports and his strategy for growing table tennis. They expressed appreciation for the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Tournament that was held in Cuttack and pledged support for more similar events in Odisha. The Chief Minister’s aim of using sport to empower and develop Odisha’s youth and to use sport as a vehicle to leave behind a stronger, sustainable future has the full support of the ITTF Foundation. An important first step in the growth of table tennis in Odisha will be the building of table tennis academies and training facilities.

Odisha investing for various Indian sports

However, this is not the first time when the government of Odisha is contributing towards the development of Indian sports. They are also the sponsor of the men’s and women’s field hockey team and played an invaluable role in the sport’s rise over the years. In addition, they are also playing a role in the growth of rugby, weightlifting, and many other sports. As a result, the state also has received the Best State for Promotion of Sports Award in Sportstar awards.