Odisha Channel Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: An Expression of Intent was signed between Government of Odisha, International Association for Athletics Federations and Athletics Federation of India here on Thursday for establishment of a High Performance Academy at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The EoI was signed at the State Secretariat in the presence Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The EoI was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships 2017 being held in the city.
The EoI was signed by Vishal Kumar Dev, Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, Adille Sumariwalla, president of AFI and Lord Sebastian Coe, president of IAAF.
To be named Odisha-AFI-IAAF High Performance Academy, it will have a professional environment and approach to athletics/track and field events to provide excellent coaching and integrated support services for the athletes.
The Academy will create an environment in which youth athletes can grow and shape their careers.
Odisha government’s Sports & Youth Services Department shall contribute to and be responsible for funding and making available necessary infrastructure and support services.
IAAF shall contribute specialists, assist in educating elite coaches, support specialist coaches such as and provide sports medicines and strength training.
AFI shall contribute in selecting an appropriate process for the Head of the Academy, all Indian coaches, administrative staff, education teachers and specialist staff and provide assistance in the management of the Academy.
