Is Odisha Proud to Host Multiple Sporting Events?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha is hosting two major sporting events simultaneously.
- The 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships marks a significant milestone for the state.
- Approximately 2,000 athletes are participating in the national event.
- The event is crucial for enhancing Odisha's reputation in sports management.
- Future events are expected to follow, further establishing Odisha as a sports hub.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) Odisha's Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj conveyed a sense of pride and enthusiasm as the state prepares for the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships 2025, commencing this Saturday.
"We are concurrently organizing both a national and an international event. The 40th Junior Nationals is currently taking place at Kalinga Stadium and will conclude on the 14th of this month. Additionally, for the first time, Odisha is privileged to host the esteemed Asian Table Tennis Team Championships," the minister stated.
The 40th National Junior Athletics Championships are also being organized in Odisha at the same venue in Bhubaneswar, with collaborative efforts from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Odisha Athletics Association, and the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Government of Odisha.
Approximately 2,000 athletes from various states across the nation are competing in this national event. Suraj emphasized that managing two significant tournaments simultaneously highlights Odisha’s growing proficiency in sports administration, stating:
"It’s a matter of pride that we can successfully host two major events at the same time. This experience will enhance our capability in organizing multiple sporting events concurrently. We are fortifying our team’s capacity — physically, mentally, and administratively — to effectively manage and execute large-scale events."
The minister further expressed optimism that this experience will enable Odisha to continue attracting more prestigious national and international sporting events in the future.
The Asian Table Tennis Team Championships will be held at the famed Kalinga Stadium from October 11 to 15. This event will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships, with the top 13 teams from each category securing their places.
Though this is Odisha's inaugural Asian-level table tennis event, the state has a history of hosting significant competitions, including the 2019 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. Bhubaneswar, which has recently hosted numerous major sporting events, is recognized as India’s sports capital.
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