Chief minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Odisha-SAI Regional Badminton Academy at Indoor Hall, Saheed Nagar.
SAI will provide technical support in shape of coaches, support staff including physiotherapist, wardens, kits, rackets and shuttle cocks and food expenses of the inmates. The state government will bear the expenses for accommodation, refreshment of day-boarders and schooling arrangement s for the inmates and also training infrastructure. The CM also laid foundation stone for the hostel.
Noted badminton coach Pullela Gopichand will act as a mentor for the budding academy and support in guiding the academy in achieving excellence while Romen Ghosh has been appointed as the chief coach-cum-manager of the academy.