The State has sports hostels for a total of 308 football players, including for 44 girls, in 11 districts, informed Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sudam Marandi in the Assembly on Saturday.
Replying to a question of BJD member Bhagirathi Badajena, Marandi said in order to encourage football game, the State Government has been providing annual grants to the Football Association of Odisha and to the District Athletic Associations who apply for the same. Besides, footballers who get medals or participate in the national and international events are being given monetary awards and direct jobs. Besides, those who take part in senior level national football events are being given identity cards, which help them get jobs in Government and private sectors. Similarly, weightage is being given to athletic students for seat reservation in higher education level, the Minister informed.
In a written reply to a question put by Pravat Ranjan Biswal, the Minister said the Government has no plan for setting up indoor stadiums anywhere in the State. Currently, only one indoor stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, is working in Cuttack.
