Odisha Chief Minister announces opening of 22nd Athletic Championship, Colorful function marked the opening ceremony
Bhubaneswar: 22nd Asian Athletic Championship, 2017 – mega event in Odisha sports history, has been inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Sri Nabin Pattnaik at Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday evening . Sri Pattnaik announcing the opening of the Championship in a colorful function narrated how the state administration has completed this sort of infrastructure of International Standard within a record period of 90 days It proved the efficiency and preparedness of the Government. He said that, this is a historic moment through which Odisha will be known throughout the world, starting from its glorious maritime heritage to present day development.
Other dignitaries including Lord Sebastian Coe, President of International Association of Athletics Federation, General Dahlan Al-Hamad, President of Asian Athletics Association, Mr. Adille Sumariwala, President of Athletics Federation of India, Sri Chandra Sarthi Behera, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Sri Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chief Secretary of Odisha, Sri I.Srinivas, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and R. Balakrishnan, IAS, were present at the opening ceremony. A commemorative Postal Cover was also released by the Chief Minister on the occasion.
In the march past, all the players from 45 countries of Asia participated with National Flags of their countries. On behalf of Team India women Sprinter Shrabani Nanda read out Oath for the players. Kalinga Stadium, the venue of the event was packed with thousands of spectators while everybody enjoyed the Firework and Balloon Show. Finally followed colorful cultural events. Journey of Odisha – right from the Kalinga war during the reign of emperor Ashoka, to the spread of Buddhism in the region and its subsequent modernity was told through various dance forms. The narrative followed Odisha’s landmark history; right from its ancient temples to its pristine coastline, from its mighty rulers to their penance, from its beautiful simplicity to its fierce ambitions, all aspects were displayed through dance and art forms. Prince dance group presented “Surya Upasana”. Artist Groups from foreign countries also presented an item titled “Ten Thousand Hands of Budha”. Short films on Odisha’s Journey towards growth and development such as new opportunities, skilled in Odisha etc. were also shown to provide update information on State’s Development Scenario. Well Known Singer and Music Director Shankar Mahadevan started with famous Odia song “Ranga Bati” inviting the original singers Padmashree Jitendriya Haripal and Krishna Patel along with the Composer and Lyricist to the dais and took their blessings. He also mesmerised the audience through his all time hits “Breathless” and “Koi Kehe Kehata Rahe Kisme Kitna Hai Dum”.
The actual athletic events of the 22nd Asian athletic Championship will start from tomorrow (Thursday) and concluded on 9th July. Around 800 participants from various Asian countries are participating in the athletic events. The visiting sports persons and their officials are our guests. so, take care of them, CM appealed to the audience at the inaugural function.
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