Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], Nov 13 (ANI): The Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha signed seven Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) with seven leading corporate houses, with an aim to strengthen its sporting prowess.

The agreements were signed in an event titled 'Sports in Odisha' organised at the Kalinga Stadium here, where legendary sportspersons like Anil Kumble, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang came forward to promote the sports culture within the state.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "The signing of this MoUs have created a long-lasting partnership which will result in producing sportspersons of world standards. But this partnership is more than just giving grants and funds, it will focus on extending the outreach of every sport in India."

Further, Vishal Dev, Commissioner- Cum- Secretary of Sports and Youth Services said that the move was long overdue in order to fully develop the quality of sports and sportsmen in the country.

"By signing this MoUs we have built a framework which will work towards sporting education, talent identification at grass root levels and infrastructural development at a global level," he said.

According to the MoUs, athletics will be sponsored by Reliance Industries Group, Football and Swimming by JSW Group in partnership with Bangalore football club and Indian Football, Badminton by Dalmia Bharat Group with Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, Weightlifting by Ahluwalia Group with TENVIC Sports( Anil Kumble), Shooting by Aditya Birla Group with Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation and Hockey by Tata Group. (ANI)

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