Sports Academies will create a favourable environment for sports in state: Baghel

Raipur, Sep 14: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that there is no lack of sports talent in Chhattisgarh and now with the availability of good sports facilities, coaches and training facility, Chhattisgarh will prepare sportspersons of international-level. On many occasions, sportspersons of Chhattisgarh have performed excellently in national and international-level tournaments, glorifying the name of the state and the country. Baghel was virtually addressing the inaugural programme of Badminton Academy established at ITM University campus in Nava Raipur, with the help of Tata Trust, from his residence office. Chhattisgarh Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Umesh Patel presided over the programme. Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Ravindra Choubey was also present on the occasion.
This world-class badminton academy named “Raipur Center of Excellence in Badminton” has been fully-funded by Tata Trust. This is the latest and best badminton academy in central India. Other than providing land for the academy, ITM university management will also cooperate in the operation of the academy. Eight world class badminton courts have been built in the academy along with the seating arrangement for more than 300 spectators. The academy also has the hostel facility for sportspersons and coaches. Services of dieticians, physiotherapists and counselors are also available in the academy. Establishment of Badminton Academy in Raipur and Baroda was announced in a ceremony organized by ITM Management in Mumbai to honor Olympian PV Sindhu. And today the academy was inaugurated in Raipur. Chief Minister said that establishment of sports academies in the state would create a favourable good environment for sports. Inauguration of this world-class badminton academy in ITM University campus today is a big achievement not only for the university but also for Chhattisgarh. Tata Trust has made commendable contribution for this academy. Baghel extended his greetings and best wishes to the players and sports lovers on the occasion. Presiding over the program, Sports Minister Mr. Umesh Patel said that as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, high-level sports infrastructure and training facility is being provided to the sports-loving children of the state through sports academies. He thanked the ITM University Management and the officials of Tata Trust for establishing a world class badminton academy in Chhattisgarh. Ajay Singhania, Secretary, Badminton Association of India, Gurucharan Singh Hora, Secretary-General, Chhattisgarh Olympic Association, Anwar Dhebar, President, Chhattisgarh Badminton Association, Neelam Babardesai, Sports Head, Tata Trust, Director and National Chief, ITM University Badminton Academy, Junior Coach Sanjay Mishra, ITM University Raipur Vice Chancellor Dr Vikas Singh, Senior Badminton player HS Prannoy, representatives of ITM University and Tata Trusts, and sports enthusiasts were present in the inaugural programme.