Tag: Sports News

Paving the Path to Success

  As the world turns its gaze to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, India proudly announces its largest-ever contingent for the games, consisting of 117 athletes across 16 sports disciplines. This diverse team, which includes 70 men and 47 women, will compete in 69 events with a total of 95 medals at stake. Supported by an impressive funding allocation of over 470 Crore rupees, the Indian athletes are primed to make their mark on the global stage.

 

Sports landscape in India

India’s sports ecosystem has evolved into an athlete-centric model, with the motto “Athlete-First.” This integrated ecosystem includes the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the National Sports Federations (NSFs). Together, these bodies ensure that athletes can focus solely on their training and competition, with logistics and other support taken care of by the system. Corporate sponsors, CSR partners, athlete families, fans, broadcasters, and media have all played crucial roles in sustaining Olympic sports in India.

Government Efforts for Efficiency and Growth

The Indian government has significantly ramped up its efforts to support athletes and boost the country’s performance in the Olympics. These efforts encompass a variety of initiatives and programs designed to enhance the training, preparation, and overall performance of Indian athletes on the global stage.

 

  • Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) is a flagship program aimed at providing targeted assistance to potential Olympic medalists. TOPS offers support in several key areas:

  • Training and Camps: National Coaching Camps and international training sessions.
  • Foreign Exposure: Opportunities for athletes to compete and train overseas.
  • Specialized Support: Hiring of foreign experts, coaches, and support staff.
  • Equipment and Facilities: Provision of necessary sports equipment and training facilities.
  • Financial Assistance: Direct funding to cover various aspects of athletes’ preparation.

The TOPS scheme includes a Core Group of over 170 athletes preparing for the 2024 Olympics and a Development Group of over 130 athletes targeted for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics.

 

  • National Sports Development Fund (NSDF)

The NSDF supplements the TOPS by providing additional financial support for the specialized training and competition needs of elite athletes. This ensures that athletes receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific requirements.

  • Corporate Support and CSR Initiatives

Corporate sponsors and CSR partners play a crucial role in sustaining Olympic sports in India. Their contributions include funding for training programs, equipment, and other resources necessary for athletes’ development.

  • International Competitions and Exposure

The government has facilitated extensive international exposure for athletes across various sports. This includes participation in international competitions and training camps abroad, which are critical for gaining competitive experience and improving performance.

  • Focus on High Priority Disciplines

The government’s strategy involves focusing on high-priority disciplines with strong medal prospects. These sports include archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, and wrestling. For each of these disciplines, detailed funding and support plans have been implemented, ensuring athletes have the best possible preparation.

  • Mission Olympic Cell (MOC)

The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) is a dedicated body that oversees the implementation of the TOPS. It includes representatives from past elite athletes, IOA, NSFs, and other stakeholders. The MOC is responsible for approving customized programs for athletes, recommending financial disbursements, monitoring performance, and addressing athletes’ immediate needs.

 Achievements and Impact

The impact of these efforts is evident from the significant increase in medals won across recent competitions. From winning 2 medals in Rio 2016 to 7 in Tokyo 2020 and from 4 to 19 medals in the Paralympics, India’s performance reflects the enhanced support system, including the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), and extensive corporate backing. The nation’s medal count at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games also surged, showcasing the success of an athlete-centric sports ecosystem and comprehensive government initiatives. This upward trajectory underscores India’s commitment to achieving excellence in global sports.

The Indian government’s comprehensive and targeted approach towards supporting its athletes is a reflection of its commitment to achieving excellence in sports. With a robust support system in place, India aims to significantly improve its performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 and beyond, showcasing the nation’s potential on the global sports stage.

References

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2034434

https://x.com/pibyas/status/1814278906356334618

https://olympic.ind.in/paris-2024

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2034434#:~:text=Union%20Minister%20highlighted%20that%20India,in%20these%20disciplines%2C%20he%20added.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2029762

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2029657

https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/sai/documents

Pathway to Paris pdf: https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/jun/doc2024629346101.pdf

Click here to see in PDF.

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Indian Premier League (IPL)

 The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India and one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world. Launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL has transformed the landscape of T20 cricket, combining sports, entertainment, and business in a unique and dynamic manner.


Key Features of IPL:

  1. Franchise-Based Model:

    • The IPL operates on a franchise-based model, where teams representing different cities or regions are owned by various corporate entities, celebrities, and consortiums. These franchises bid for players in an auction before each season, creating a competitive and market-driven player acquisition system.

  2. Teams:

    • As of my knowledge cutoff in January 2022, there are 10 teams in the IPL. These teams are:
      • Mumbai Indians
      • Chennai Super Kings
      • Royal Challengers Bangalore
      • Kolkata Knight Riders
      • Delhi Capitals
      • Punjab Kings
      • Rajasthan Royals
      • Sunrisers Hyderabad
      • Kings XI Punjab
      • Deccan Gladiators (teams may be subject to change due to franchise auctions or other reasons).

  3. Season Format:

    • The IPL season typically lasts for around two months, usually starting in March or April and concluding in May. Each team plays a double round-robin format in the group stage, followed by playoffs and a final to determine the champion.

  4. Iconic Players and International Stars:

    • The IPL features some of the world’s best cricketers, attracting international stars alongside Indian players. The league provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills alongside established cricketing legends.

  5. High-Profile Auctions:

    • The IPL auction is a highly anticipated event where franchises bid for players to build or strengthen their squads. The auction is a mix of strategy, analysis, and excitement as teams compete to secure the best talent within their budget.

  6. Global Fan Base:

    • The IPL has a massive global fan base, and matches are watched by millions of viewers worldwide. The league’s popularity extends beyond India, with fans from various countries passionately supporting their favorite teams and players.

  7. Entertainment Extravaganza:

    • IPL is not just about cricket; it’s an entertainment extravaganza. The league incorporates music, dance, cheerleaders, and celebrity performances during matches. This blend of cricket and entertainment has played a significant role in attracting a diverse audience.

  8. Economic Impact:

    • The IPL has a substantial economic impact, contributing significantly to the Indian economy. The league generates revenue through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandise, and various other commercial avenues.

  9. Innovation and Technology:

    • IPL has been at the forefront of introducing innovations in cricket, including the Decision Review System (DRS), strategic time-outs, and player auctions. The league embraces technology to enhance the viewer experience, with innovations like the SpiderCam providing unique angles and perspectives during matches.

  10. Community Engagement:

    • IPL franchises engage in various community and social initiatives. They undertake activities such as promoting grassroots cricket, supporting charitable causes, and organizing events to connect with fans at a local level.

  11. Controversies and Challenges:

    • Over the years, the IPL has faced challenges and controversies, including issues related to match-fixing and betting. However, the league has also taken steps to address these concerns and maintain the integrity of the competition.

  12. Impact on T20 Cricket:

    • The IPL has had a profound impact on the T20 format, influencing how the game is played globally. It has set new standards for franchise-based leagues, with other countries launching their own T20 leagues inspired by the success of the IPL.

The Indian Premier League stands as a unique and dynamic force in the world of cricket, combining the thrill of high-quality T20 cricket with entertainment, glamour, and commercial success. It has become an annual cricketing spectacle eagerly awaited by fans around the world.

County Championship Cricket

 The County Championship is the premier first-class cricket competition in England and Wales. It has a long and storied history, dating back to the 19th century, and serves as a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills, vie for national selection, and contribute to the development of English cricket.

Here are key aspects of the County Championship:

  1. Structure:

    • The County Championship involves the first-class cricket teams of various historic English counties, as well as a few teams representing Wales. These teams compete in a league format, playing against each other in a series of matches throughout the season.

  2. Divisional Structure:

    • In recent years, the County Championship has been organized into two divisions, Division One and Division Two. The top teams from Division Two are promoted to Division One, while the bottom teams in Division One face relegation to Division Two, adding a competitive edge to the tournament.

  3. First-Class Status:

    • Matches played in the County Championship are designated as first-class, meaning they adhere to the traditional format of multi-day cricket (usually four days). The first-class status emphasizes the importance of technique, endurance, and strategic play.

  4. Historical Significance:

    • The County Championship has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of English cricket. Many legendary cricketers have honed their skills in county cricket before representing England in Test matches.

  5. Player Development:

    • County cricket serves as a crucial pathway for player development. It provides a platform for young talents to make their mark, gain experience, and catch the attention of national selectors. Many England cricketers have risen through the ranks of county cricket.

  6. Competition Intensity:

    • The competition in the County Championship is intense, with teams competing for the coveted County Championship title. The tournament requires consistent performances over the course of the season, testing the skill, resilience, and adaptability of players.

  7. Batting and Bowling Conditions:

    • County cricket is played across a variety of venues, each with its own unique characteristics. Players must adapt to different pitch and weather conditions, making the championship a true test of skill in a range of playing environments.

  8. Day/Night Matches:

    • In recent years, the County Championship has introduced day/night matches, where a portion of the game is played under floodlights. This innovation aims to attract larger crowds and make the format more accessible to working fans who may not be able to attend daytime matches.

  9. County Grounds:

    • Matches are played at iconic county grounds, each with its own history and traditions. These grounds, such as Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, are integral to the fabric of English cricket.

  10. Impact on England Team Selection:

    • Strong performances in the County Championship often lead to national team selection. Players who consistently perform well at the county level earn the opportunity to represent England in Test matches, forming a direct link between domestic and international cricket.

The County Championship continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of English cricket, providing a platform for players to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and contribute to the rich tapestry of the sport.

Who Will Host FIFA World Cup 2026?

 The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is currently ongoing and fans have been steadily streaming into the gulf country for weeks now, excited to cheer on their favourite teams. But as the tournament nears its final two weeks—the closing ceremony will be held on December 18—many are now wondering which country will host the next one. Speculations abound as competitions are typically fierce among bidding countries who want the prestige and financial boost that come with being a World Cup host.

It appears that fans and insiders won’t have to wait for long to find out, as it’s been revealed ahead that United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host World Cup 2026.

At a press conference conducted in New York City on June 16, 2022 which was live-streamed all around the world, FIFA revealed the locations and cities that will host the World Cup 2026. Out of the 23 cities chosen by the “United Bid,” 16 venues in all were picked by FIFA: 11 venues in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.

Learning from experience facing the tricky travel arrangement and strict restrictions made by Qatar for this round of World Cup, fans around the world may be eager to start browsing for (super) early bird flight tickets along with accommodations to visit the next host countries. As they still have plenty of time, it should still be easy to find cheap flight tickets and hotels online through reputable travel websites such as wego.qa.

80 matches played by 48 teams will be divided throughout the region’s three main countries and it will be the largest World Cup in history. Notably, this is the first time the World Cup is being hosted by three different nations. The last time the football tournament was hosted by multiple hosts was in 2022 with co-hosts South Korea and Japan.

Mexico will likely be the first nation to host three World Cups so far: in 1970, in 1986, and later in 2026. The United States, which hosted in 1994, will shortly join Mexico, Brazil, Italy, France, and Germany as nations that have hosted more than one World Cup events. Meanwhile, Canada previously has already hosted a FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and a FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup in 2007.

It’s also announced that the 32-team system used since the 1998 World Cup in France will be replaced with an enlarged structure for the first time at the 2026 World Cup. A 48-nation tournament will have a 50% larger field than before. This will increase the number of teams competing by 16 and result in more games being played during the tournament. 

The greatest number of games that every team might play under the new structure, according to FIFA, would still be seven for each finalist. The group stage of the 2026 World Cup will include 16 groups of three teams each. The top two teams from each group will then proceed to a knockout stage with 32 teams, which is expected to produce a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.

Into the journey of – MARY KOM

 Into the Journey of  

– MARY KOM –

Eight World Championship medals (6 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)

Mary Kom, often referred to as “Magnificent Mary,” is a renowned Indian boxer and a trailblazer in the world of women’s boxing. Born on March 1, 1982, in Manipur, India, she has an incredible legacy in the sport.

Here are some highlights of Mary Kom’s illustrious career:

  1. Olympic Success: She is a six-time world champion and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the first seven World Championships. At the 2012 London Olympics, Mary Kom won a bronze medal in the flyweight (51 kg) category, marking her Olympic debut.

  2. Asian Games Dominance: Mary Kom has clinched several gold medals in the Asian Games, showcasing her dominance in the sport at the continental level.

  3. Commonwealth Games Achievements: She has also excelled at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold medals and solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.

  4. Padma Bhushan Awardee: She has been honored with several awards and accolades for her contribution to boxing and sports in India. Notably, she received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for her achievements in sports.

  5. Inspiring Journey: Mary Kom’s journey to success has been inspirational. Hailing from a humble background in a remote Manipuri village, she faced numerous challenges and societal norms that discouraged women from pursuing sports, especially boxing. Despite this, she persevered and became an icon for aspiring athletes, particularly women, breaking barriers and stereotypes.

  6. Contribution Beyond the Ring: Apart from her sporting achievements, Mary Kom is also involved in promoting and nurturing boxing talent in India. She runs academies and initiatives to encourage young boxers and provide them with opportunities to excel in the sport.

Mary Kom’s remarkable achievements in boxing and her unwavering determination have not only brought her personal glory but have also inspired generations of athletes, especially women, to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams.

Asia Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team secured a convincing victory against Nepal in their second match, winning by 10 wickets.

However, despite this significant
win, Team India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed mixed emotions.

   


         
         In the match against Nepal, Nepal’s
team set a target of 230 runs after losing all their wickets while
batting first. Due to rain interruptions, Team India was given a target of
145 runs in 23 overs. In response, Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman
Gill showcased a splendid partnership,  leading the team to
victory without losing a single wicket. Rohit Sharma scored an
unbeaten 74  runs from  59 deliveries, including
6 fours and 5 sixes, while Gill played a remarkable innings
of 67  runs from 62 deliveries, featuring 8 fours and 1 six.

  

Despite this significant victory, Captain Rohit made a noteworthy
statement. He mentioned that he wasn’t entirely pleased with the innings, as
there were initial nerves. Still, once he settled in, he was determined to lead
the team to victory. He highlighted that it wasn’t a mere flick or sweep; he
aimed to chip the ball over the infield, and the team’s batting was in
excellent form these days. Rohit Sharma also mentioned that when they arrived,
they knew the Asia Cup would not provide a comprehensive picture because it
consisted of only two games.


Rohit went on to say that fortunately, they had the opportunity to bat in the
first match and bowl in it, making it a complete game for them. “There is still
much work to be done” he mentioned. “Several players need time to regain their
form as they strive to recover from injuries,” he said. He also praised
Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan for their excellent performance in the previous
match, which got the team close to the target. Rohit also pointed out that
while the bowling was good, the fielding needed improvement, and they would
work on it.

Looking ahead, India will face Pakistan on September 10th in the Super 4 stage
of the tournament. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with both bat and ball, scoring
40 runs and taking 3 wickets, but the other spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, did not
achieve much success with 34 runs in 10 overs. Among the fast bowlers, Mohammad
Siraj picked up 3 wickets by conceding 61 runs, while Mohammad Shami, Shardul
Thakur, and Hardik Pandya each claimed one wicket.
    

In summary, Team India won convincingly against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023,
with Captain Rohit Sharma expressing his mixed feelings about the performance. Despite the win, he emphasized the need for
improvement in certain areas as they prepare to face Pakistan in the next match
on September 10.

            

National Sports Federations portal on the National Sports Day

 On the occasion of National Sports Day 2023, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur launched the third edition of the Fit India Quiz, among other initiatives, at an event at the JLN Stadium today.

The event was attended by almost 500 school children from various schools in New Delhi as well as several elite athletes and officials from the MYAS, SAI and the National Sports Federations.

The Minister also launched an Information booklet on Sports Infrastructure Projects sanctioned under the Khelo India Scheme as well as launched a National Sports Federations portal, while also felicitating the 4x400m men’s relay team, fresh after creating an Asian record at the World Athletics Championships held at Budapest.

Addressing the event, Shri Thakur mentioned, “The Wizard of hockey Major Dhyan Chand gave us three consecutive Olympic gold medals in hockey in 1928, 1932, and 1936. This is a fitting day for tribute to this great maestro and I’m happy to observe that over the years, coaches and athletes have also played a big role to take this sporting revolution forward. Coaches and athletes play a big role.

“There are 3526 events happening today across India and that’s a testament of the road to which we have come today. This is an unbelievable phase for Indian sports. In 60 years, there were only 18 medals at the World University Games. This year itself, we won 26 medals in the tournament. Not only that, across all sports, be it Praggnanandha in Chess to Antim Panghal in wrestling and Aditi Gopichand Swami in archery, we are getting phenomenal results. In the World Athletics Championships Budapest too, our 4x400m relay team gave a great display, along with Parul Chaudhary as well as our evergreen Neeraj Chopra, who has not got gold in every possible high scale international competition in the sport,” the Minister added.

Following two successful editions of the Fit India Quiz, the 3rd edition was also announced. It is India’s biggest sports and fitness quiz competition for school students featuring total prize money of Rs 3.25 crores. Commenting on the Fit India Quiz, Shri Thakur said, “I was amazed to see that students from the Tenga valley of Arunachal participated in the Fit India Quiz, along with remote locations in Andaman, Sikkim and so on. They were the top teams in the quiz.”

“From the field of sports to right up there on the moon with Chandrayaan, we have made our mark. This is new India. Our athletes have done it all to make us reach on top. I congratulate not just the NSFs and IOA but also the several parents and coaches who have disciplined their children and made them enter the field of sports,” Shri Anurag Singh Thakur added.

The National Sports Federations portal launched on Tuesday is in line with the Government of India’s vision for Digital India, for ensuring ease of business and good governance. It is a unified online portal for the NSFs, which shall be a single window system for processing of annual renewal of recognition of NSFs, elections of National Sports Federations etc.

This will do away with the existing system of physical mode of submission of documents by NSFs and examination of the same by the Union Sports Ministry. The online portal will also be ensuring better coordination among the Department of Sports and the National Sports Federations.

Similarly, an online application submission and processing portal was launched which will be utilized for handling all the application for creation and upgradation of sports infrastructures and demand for sports equipment under the Khelo India Scheme. This portal will be available for grantees, States, UTs for submission of their proposals of financial support through this portal from first September 2023.

The Information booklet on Sports Infrastructure Projects sanctioned under the Khelo India Scheme, meanwhile, showcases how the Khelo India Scheme has transformed the nation for sporting excellence since 2016. The booklet throws light on the entire sports infrastructure that has been developed and is in pipeline in various States and UTs of the country. The Khelo India Scheme, since its inception, has remained pivotal in sports development in the country with focus at the grassroots level.

To also commemorate the grand occasion and pay a fitting tribute to Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on the National Sports Day, sports and fitness activities were held across several Government of India offices, Union Ministry offices, Sports Authority of India centres, Khelo India centres, National sports federations as well as schools and colleges. Age-appropriate Competitive and fun games were conducted for the age groups of 18-40 years, 40-60 years and 60+ years.

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Khelo India University Games 2022 kicks off with kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh

 Kabaddi kicked-off the first competitive day of the Khelo India University Games 2022 Uttar Pradesh (KIUG22UP) games amidst much fanfare at the SVSP Sports Complex, Gautam Buddha Nagar on 23rd May

The official opening ceremony of the Khelo India University Games 2022 Uttar Pradesh (KIUG22UP) will on 25th May 2023 and the  edition of the KIUG22UP will see over 4000 athletes representing over 200 Universities in 21 sporting disciplines.

The opening day of the competitive proceedings for Kabaddi at the SVSP Sports Complex was preceded by a small cultural program that included performances from school children from the region and was attended by the Chief Guest of the evening Shri Brijesh Singh, Minister of State, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Public Works Dept. & Minister Incharge, Gautam Buddha Nagar District.

 

Other dignitaries who attended the opening day of Kabaddi included, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Member of Parliament, Gautam Buddha Nagar; Shri Surendra Nagar, MP Rajya Sabha; Shri Amit Chaudhary, Chairman, Zila Panchayat, Gautam Buddha Nagar; Shri Shrichand Sharma, MLC; Shri Manish Kumar Verma, District Magistrate, Gautam Buddha Nagar & Smt. Laxmi Singh, Commissioner of Police, Gautam Buddha Nagar.

The opening day was also attended by some prolific athletes that included Mr. Varun Bhati, Paralympian & Bronze Medalist, Ms. Babita Nagar, International Wrestler; Mr. Asish Nagar, & Mr. Ashu Singh, Pro Kabaddi Players from UP Yoddhas.

A total of four games began Kabaddi’s competitive rounds at the SVSP Sports Complex today. The day began with a heartbreak for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vishwavidyalaya University (ABVVU), Bilaspur as they lost 28-41 to Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind in their opening league match of the women’s category at the Noida’s Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Indoor Sports Complex.

For ABVVU, Sanju Devi did most of the work for her team in the initial stages of the preliminary round match however her hardwork couldn’t help her snatch a victory for her team as they fell short of overall match strategy. On the other hand ABVVU’s opponents from Jind changed their strategy to check Sanju Devi and were successful as both teams were neck to neck with three minutes left on board. At this crucial juncture, the team from Jind shifted gears to tighten their grip over the match and raced ahead to 41-28 win.

“Bilaspur team had one good player (Sanju Devi) in the team, while we (Jind) combined well in the closing stages to win our first match of the day,” Rampal, Jind University team coach said in the post-match interaction. 

In the second match in the women’s category, HP University, Shimla beat HCY University, Durg 51–29. Shimla University pressed hard from the start and raced to a 29-11 lead in the first half of the match. Shimla team added another 22 points in the second half, while Durg side tried hard to close the gap but weren’t able to recover the lost ground.

In the men’s side, Adamas University Kolkata struggled hard against Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo as two of its players got injured halfway through the first-round match. Kolkata lost 29-35. The final match of the evening saw Kota University walk away with an easy 28-23 win over SRM University, Chennai.

Day two of the Khelo India University Games 2022 Uttar Pradesh will see the start of Basketball at the Gautam Buddha University Indoor Stadium  and the second day of the Kabaddi competitions at the SVSP Sports Complex in Gautam Buddha Nagar while Lucknow will start the proceedings for Malkhambh, Volley Ball, Table Tennis, Rugby, Football (Boys and Girls), and Tennis.

 

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Important link between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela during the upcoming Hockey World Cup

 Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia along with MoS, Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. Dr Vijay Kumar Singh (Rtd.) today inaugurated a daily flight between Bhubaneswar and Rourkela under the RCS UDAN scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

The operation of this new route will enhance regional connectivity and promote trade, commerce, and tourism between these cities. The flight will operate seven days a week effective from 7th January 2023 as per the following schedule:

From

To

Dep.

Arr.

Freq.

Bhubaneswar

Rourkela

1455

1550

Daily

Rourkela

Bhubaneswar

1615

1710

Daily

In his inaugural address, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia congratulated the residents of both cities and said that there had been unprecedented growth in the Indian civil aviation in last eight years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There were only 74 airports in the country till 2014, today this number including heliports and water aerodromes has increased to 148 which is a 100% increase in eight years.

Image

 Minister further said that before the pandemic there was a record established that four lakh twenty thousand passengers travelled in a single day. Now that record has been broken and four lakh fifty thousand passengers travelled in a day. In December 2022, more than four lakh passengers travelled each day of the month.

In the context of the upcoming Hockey World Cup which will be organised in these cities of Odisha, the Minster said that earlier the travel time between Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar to Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Rourkela used to be nine hours which will now be reduced to one hour ten minutes through flight.

Image

MoS, Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. Dr Vijay Kumar Singh (Rtd.) congratulated the residents of the cities and said that there had been significant growth in civil aviation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This new connectivity will play a vital role in the development of the region.

The inauguration was graced by Shri. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Shri. Jual Oram, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Smt. Tukuni Sahu, Minister, Government of Odisha, Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, Government of Odisha. Additionally, Shri Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Sanjiv Kumar, Chairman, AAI, Shri. Asangba Chuba Ao, JS, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vikram Devdutt, CMD, AIAHL and Shri. Vineet Sood, CEO, Alliance Air were also present.

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