Odisha's Sporting Revolution

Ashok Mishra, overseeing the operations of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) Gymnastic Academy, shared insights into the academy's diverse activities and forthcoming plans

- MILIND DHAMDHERE

Odisha, emerging as a sporting powerhouse, has witnessed a monumental shift in its athletic landscape, garnering global recognition for its endeavours. The historic triumph of the Indian men’s Hockey team at the Tokyo Olympic Games, supported by the state, marked a pivotal moment, transcending geographical boundaries and etching Odisha’s name in sporting history. Expanding its scope beyond hockey, the state has embarked on a resolute journey across diverse sporting disciplines, with Gymnastics prominently positioned in their pursuit of excellence.

The state government, in collaboration with several multinational companies, has launched state-of-the-art sports academies and high-performance centres. These facilities aim to train both current Olympians and athletes striving for future Olympic participation. Ashok Mishra, overseeing the operations of the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) Gymnastic Academy, shared insights into the academy’s diverse activities and forthcoming plans.

This academy is located at Kalinga stadium where two programs, i.e., Elite Senior Gymnastics program for senior players and the Odisha AM/NS Gymnastic Academy for the training at the grassroots level, are simultaneously conducted.

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