CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR EQUESTRIANS IN ODISHA MOOTED

The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has announced its interest in setting up a Centre of Excellence for equestrians. The move was discussed when R Vineel Krishna, secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, met with Odisha’s horse-riding prodigy Rishita Samantaray and her parents, Col Ashish Samantaray and Rohini Singh Deo, at Kalinga Stadium recently. While congratulating Rishita for winning a silver and a bronze medal at the Delhi Horse Show last month, the Sports Secretary assured support to help the promising horse rider achieve greater laurels. According to Col Samantaray, a highly experienced horse rider and polo player himself, the secretary showed keen interest in equestrians and enquired about the scope of promoting the sport in Odisha. “During the discussion, we sought the support of the Odisha government to set up an Equestrian Centre of Excellence in the state. If implemented, the centre could be another jewel in the crown of Odisha,’’ said Col Samantaray, who also trains horse riders. The centre would not only provide training and coaching facilities to aspiring and active horse riders but also help them win laurels for the state and country in equestrian sports. “The response of the Sports Secretary was positive. He has asked us to come up with a concrete proposal with all requirements, including infrastructure,’’ said Col Samantaray.