The 48th National Junior Aquatic Championship’22 kicks start at the spectacular state-of-the-art all weather indoor Biju Patnaik Swimming Pool, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today’s morning hours .

Bhubaneswar,16/07/22 (Pratyusha Bureau):

This is is first ever National Aquatic event in Odisha that will help boost the sport of swimming in Odisha.

The inaugural ceremony was held at 16.30 hours with the Hon’able Minister of sports Shri Tusharkanti Behera as the Chief Guest of the evening. In his address he reiterated the pledge of Government of Odisha led by Shri Naveen Patnaik ji to make Bhubaneswar the ‘ Sports Capital ‘ of the country.

He said that Odisha had become the Sporting Hub for all sports disciplines. He hopes that with the completion of the indoor ultra modern state-of-the-art aquatic complex at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar will definitely develop, promote and expand the aquatic sport in Odisha in particular and India in general.

He spoke about the grassroots level training facilities available in 9 different centres of the state and said that swimming is given the top priority along with the game of hockey.

He formally declared the championship opened with the cheers and clapping by the thousands participants across the country. Ms Mannata Mishra , captain of the Odisha contingent took the oath of fair play and sportsmanship on behalf of all the participants.

Among others present in the inaugural ceremony were Commissioner Cum Secretary, department of Sports & Youth Services, Shri R. Vineel Krishna, CMD of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Mr. Glenn Saldanha, the President of Swimming Federation of India Shri R.N. Jayprakash, Secretary General Shri Monal Choksey, Working President of The Odisha State Swimming Association Mrs. Soma Mishra and General Secretary Mrs. Golapmani Mahanta.