Bhubaneswar: Thirty-nine meritorious sportspersons including 30 women from various games Saturday joined the Odisha Police. Previously, 96 sports persons were appointed in various ranks of Odisha Police in six-phases.
Joining an induction programme for the new entrants to the state police on virtual platform, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the state will continue to support the sportspersons in every possible manner to enable them to achieve their dreams.
Patnaik congratulated the new personnel in Odisha police and said: "It's a big moment for you to join a job and share the responsibilities of your families. I am sure your parents and families are proud of your achievement. It requires a lot of passion, discipline and hard work to excel in sports."
Noting that youth are the future of the state, Patnaik said sports is the best way to teach good virtues and channelize the energies of youth in a positive manner. "Therefore, investment in sports is investment in youth. Investment in youth is investment in the future of this state", he said.
The chief minister said the government has embarked on a journey to make Odisha a sports powerhouse. In the last few years, Odisha has featured prominently in the sports sector in the country. "We have successfully hosted a number of national and international events. Hockey World Cup 2018 and Asian Athletics championship 2017 have been a great success for the state," he said.