NHM Mission Director Takes Stock of Hockey Infrastructure in Jharsuguda, Focusing on Strengthening Grassroots Sports Development and Nurturing Future Players

Jharsuguda Aug 6 [UDN}:: Dr. Brunda D., Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Odisha, and the district’s designated Nodal Officer, visited the Hockey Stadium at H-Katapali on the second day of her two-day official tour of Jharsuguda district.
During her visit, Dr. Brunda reviewed the district’s sports infrastructure and assessed the various initiatives undertaken to promote and strengthen hockey in the region. She inspected the newly constructed artificial turf hockey stadium and appreciated the commendable efforts of the Jharsuguda Hockey Association in promoting and developing hockey at the grassroots level.
On the occasion, Jeevan Mahanti, Vice President of the Odisha Hockey Association and a member of the Jharsuguda Hockey Association, briefed the Mission Director on the rapid growth of hockey in the district. He highlighted the regular organization of tournaments and coaching camps, as well as the achievements of local players who have brought recognition to the district through their performances.
Mahanti also submitted a proposal seeking the development of additional infrastructure at the stadium to facilitate the hosting of major state and national-level hockey tournaments in the future. The proposal included the construction of a spectator gallery, a 5-a-side turf field, and other essential sports facilities to enhance the stadium’s capacity and overall sporting environment.
Expressing satisfaction with the dedicated efforts of the Hockey Association, Dr. Brunda praised its commitment to identifying and nurturing young sporting talent. She lauded the association’s continuous work towards strengthening the district’s sporting ecosystem and encouraging youth participation in hockey.
The visit was attended by Bishakesan Panda, In-Charge District Sports Officer; Suryashu Rout, Assistant Project Director (APD) of the Zilla Parishad; and several senior officials from the district administration. Members of the Jharsuguda Hockey Association, including Prajwal Patel, Ganesh Naik, Clement Ronald, Jyoti Lath, and Tapan Kumar Barik, along with several prominent sportspersons from the district, were also present during the inspection.