By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday inaugurated the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Kalinga Stadium in presence of Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA, Arsene Wenger.
Sports Minister Shri Tusharkanti Behera, President of All India Football Federation, Kalyan Chaubey, Chief Secretary P K Jena, DC Anu Garg and Sports Secretary Vineel Krishna were among those present.
Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted that Football is a popular game in India especially among younger generation.
Chief Minister Patnaik mentioned there is lot of talent in football in India & with proper coaching facilities, the Indian team can perform very well in future. Expressing happiness over Odisha Government’s partnership with FIFA and AIFF to create academies, Chief Minister Patnaik said Odisha will support football projects & work in close collaboration with AIFF for football promotion in India.
AIFF and FIFA are partnering with Odisha Government for setting up this academy. As many as 50 talented football players including 15 from Odisha in the under 14 years category will be selected for the academy. It will be headed by a FIFA appointed coach along with various coaches & staff from AIFF and Odisha Goveernment.
Shri VK Pandian Chairman 5T & Nabin Odisha interacted with Arsene Wenger during his visit to the stadium. Sh Pandian showed the upcoming sports science centre in Kalinga Stadium to Mr Wenger, who was impressed with the commitment of the state towards sports development.
